Girlfriend's ESA inexplicably increased to £254.30

PIPnewbie

So, she just checked her bank account as it's past midnight, then called me immediately panicked, saying her ESA payment went in and was a payment of £254.30.

Before that, she has been consistently receiving £232.10, but has received no forewarning that her money was to rise.

She is now worried this is indicative of an impending ceasing of her benefit.

So, I have come here for any advice or insight as to why this has happened. 

Thanks

poppy123456

Hi,
£254.30 is the Support Group rate because it's £127.15 per week (income related). I have no idea what the £232.10 is. Was she in the Support Group wen receiving this rate? If so then they were most likely taking money to repay something back. 

Liam_Alumni

Hi @BenefitsTrainingCo, would you happen to have an idea as to why this may have increased for @PIPNewbie's girlfriend?

PIPnewbie

Hi, we have worked this out now, thank you.

As soon as I Googled the rate along with "ESA" it seems it is the correct rate, but she was having some of her money taken to repay something she owed (thanks to her abusive ex of 11 years using her benefits to buy himself video games and give his family money via a loan he made her borrow).

Liam_Alumni

Hi @PIPnewbie, I'm glad to hear that you've found the answer. Do let us know if you have any other questions or if we can help in any way!