Scared: CB-ESA and income reviews

Zipz · November 29

This time last year, I had a letter from ESA stating “Every year we look at the savings and property that may affect your allowance.” It took ages and two Case Manager calls to sort out.

I have not claimed any means-tested benefits for a few years.

Another such letter has just landed. I have spoken briefly with an ESA call-handler and await a call-back from a Manager. The caller-hander put a note on my file to say, “No change”. Meanwhile, I’m close to mental breakdown and the physically effort of dealing with the paperwork will add to my pain.

I never had such letters when on means-tested benefits. Why now? I can’t risk losing my ESA whilst it lasts.

Holly_Scope · November 29

That's awful @Zipz. Really sorry you're having to go through this again. Hopefully you've still got some of the detail from last time which can save you some time and stress.

Zipz · November 29

I have all the info. But it's making me physically ill from pain from sitting at the PC and stress: I'm vomiting and unable to passs water.

Is this the norm? Why do I have to prove I have no means-tested benefit entitlement?

Catherine21 · November 29

Oh im sorry your going through. This always send letters at weekend just had one about my rent very triggering hava all the paperwork ready they wont stop your money im afraid these are the sign of times with them doing reviews its good they put down no change if you have the energy on Monday call them or put a note in your journel I would also write how ill this is making you to them its a tick list the wording of letters are terrible just generic to them I hope you manage to eat and drink something everything will be ok x

Nightcity · November 29

I can't work out what they're playing at as ESA CB isn't means tested and you don't have any means tested top ups, what exactly are they hoping to find or prove?

I can be rather dense at times but Surely there's nothing to review in a CB claimant.

Zipz · November 29

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1086994#Comment_1086994

If you're dense, I'm denser! I've been open and honest with them since the point I became ineligible for means-tested benefits. I wish I were one of the supposed "rich" claimants we hear about. Would they ask millionaires exactly how much they have and where? I phoned and was told I had to send what they asked for. I wish I could afford to buy these people out of my life because they are destroying it fast.

Trevor_PIP · November 29

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1086999#Comment_1086999

Try and stay calm, you have all the information required so don't worry. I know nothing about ESA so can't help, but stay calm and get the call over with.

Zipz · 1:21PM

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1087101#Comment_1087101

Thanks @Trevor_PIP @Nightcity and all.

I've had a callback from a lovely manager who explained the almost inexplicable very well.

Apparently, when a persons shifts from means-tested ESA to contribution-based ESA, they retain an underlying claim for the IR benefit. They would not have to make a new claim were assets to fall below £16000. That's why they issue these letters at least once a year.

A kind friend took all my data to the PO this morning.