New style ESA question about letter "changes in social security benefits"

Will_ow

Hi all,

I've just received a letter from DWP that's made me nervous so wondering if anyone has had the same and/or has any advice.

For context, I'm applying for new style ESA (not eligible for UC since I have over the max. savings amount), sent my WCA50 form a few weeks ago and haven't heard anything yet about the work capability assessment. I'm hoping to be put in the LCWRA/support group.

This morning I received a letter saying the following:

YOUR CLAIM FOR EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE

CHANGES IN SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

From 6 April 2026 the rates of Social Security benefits will change.

From 8 April 2026 your Employment and Support Allowance will be £95.55 a week.

This is because of: a change in the rates of Social Security benefits.

We cannot pay you Employment and Support Allowance from 29 October 2026.

This is because you will have reached the maximum of 365 days that you can get contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance.

At first I thought this was somehow my decision letter saying I'm in the LCW group, but now I think it's probably just them saying the rate's gone up for 2026 (and my assessment is still in progress)?

The part I'm worried about is where it says I will have reached the maximum of 365 days in Oct, since it doesn't mention the possibility of continuing past that in the LCWRA/support group. I've heard that they're talking about cutting the support group entirely for new style ESA, does this confirm that?

I read that these letters are notoriously badly worded, so hopefully I'm worrying over nothing! Any insight would be really helpful, thank you.

Kimi87

It is confirming your current rate (assessment rate) will go up with the annual uprating in April.

The letters don't cover every eventuality.

In your current circumstances (not Support Group) your CB ESA would end in October.

If you are placed into the Support Group, the time limit won't apply.

It is not referring to any potential wider changes which aren't yet set in law.

Will_ow

Phew, thank you Kimi!!!