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ESA Income based vs contributions

I am confused by the differences between the two. I have not worked since 02/17 and still receive contributions ESA. I read on a post on here that it is paid for a maximum of 365 days. It's related to national insurance contributions , yes? Yet, being on income based appears to be more beneficial? I don't receive anything different to anyone else, I have no income other than ESA and yet contributions based seems to penalise those who receive it. Two Examples are free prescriptions and the differences when receiving PIP. I just don't understand it if anyone can clearly explain it as it baffles me and if I'm now in the wrong group, it could make a huge difference to me financially. Thanks
Replies
Before ESA it was the other way round, contribution based was slightly better off, regardless of DLA.
You can apply for a pre paid percription thingy, which makes it less money/check if anything is available over the counter for less.
It's 'assumed' that a CB claimant has access to savings.
The nuts and bolts of it though. The premuims are going because Income related is being scrapped with UC rolling out.
when I first claimed ESA I was on income related even though I’d worked for 30 years, I did ask why it wasn’t contribution esa and was told it’s because I’d get more money on income related!