Assessment Period?

Justcheckingin15

Hi..My Partner has just applied and been awarded New Style ESA, I rang them over a query...and the guy on the phone was able to tell me there and then..that he will be put in the 'Support Group'.Was wondering why he would have to wait the 3 months 'assessment period'..before receiving the 'Support Group' payments...when..he has already told me they already have assessed him and putting him into Support Group...?Thank you

janer1967

Hi there 

The rules are that payment isn't made for the first 3 assessment periods 

This is just how it is 

Justcheckingin15

Thank you @janer1967, Could you advise..Is it £114.10..(Support Group)
Iv heard of an extra £39.40'Support Component'?..
Or..£24.60..if live with a Partner?..
Thank you

janer1967

I'm sorry I don't know the amount but I have read £39.40 online 

But it doesn't really seem very clear 

Other members will know the exact amount 

Justcheckingin15

Thank you @janer1967..Yes. I was not entirely sure when I read the info either...

janer1967

It is very unusual to get awarded without having a  assessment 

Did he complete a wca form uc50 at all 

Girl_No1

Any support components/premiums for ESA are only payable if the claimant meets the "income related" criteria.  Someone like me who does not meet the income related criteria, does not receive any additional components/premiums/support no matter what our living circumstances are.

PS  Not complaining about this on a personal level, simply sharing info so that others do not have their hopes raised (like mine were initially!) regarding additional support.    

Justcheckingin15

Hi @janer1967..He filled in an ESA50 form...

Justcheckingin15

Hi @Girl_No1..He is just started on ESA Contribution based..(New Style)

Girl_No1

@Justcheckingin15 me too!  I'm in the fortunate position to not have to claim Universal Credit, I have a small works pension/savings that takes me over the threshold for claiming UC, so the components/premiums do not apply to me (or anyone else in that position). 

If your husband claims other benefits, he may well be eligible for those components/premiums but they are only awarded if the claimant meets the criteria.

As I said, I'd just like to help posters understand these components/premiums are not automatically available on nsESA(CB) for a variety of reasons.

Justcheckingin15

Cheers @Girl_No1, He has never applied for Benefits of any kind until now(Is not on any Benefits)..thank you for the info.

Girl_No1

@Justcheckingin15 - have you used an online calculator?  It may be your husband is entitled to other benefits that will attract the components/premiums you've mentioned.

When I first entered the world of benefits, I found this calculator useful to establish eligibility:
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/

I got very excited when I saw people discussing disability premiums etc. as I thought I met the criteria i.e. live on my own, no-one claims carers allowance/component for me etc.  However, as I (fortunately) do not qualify for UC, these components/premiums are not available to me.  

Good luck to you and your husband.   

calcotti

Justcheckingin15 said:

Thank you @janer1967, Could you advise..Is it £114.10..(Support Group)
Iv heard of an extra £39.40'Support Component'?..
Or..£24.60..if live with a Partner?..
Thank you

Support Group is £114.10/week which includes the Support group component of £39.40. For the first thirteen weeks the amount payable is the Assessment rate of £74.70 (assuming you are agree 25 or over).
Living with a partner or not is irrelevant for new style ESA as it is contribution based benefit only and is an individual benefit.

chiarieds

Hi @Justcheckingin15 - just to confirm, as you thought, that your partner will get £114.10 per week in the Support group, which is £39.40 per week more than in the assessment period (or if placed in the work related activity group).

The £24.60 you mention I can only think would be the Enhanced disability premium paid for a couple. However, this will not apply as he's not getting income related ESA, rather contribution based (New Style)ESA, as you mention. This is the same as that advised by @Girl_No1 - the disability premiums are not available with New Style ESA.

Justcheckingin15

Thanks for this @Girl_No1@calcotti@chiarieds..This is only benefit he has received..just in past few weeks..Very much Novices at this....awaiting confirmation of a date for First Tier Tribunal for PIP.?

Girl_No1

@Justcheckingin15 - I understand completely, I'm fairly new to this too, since last year.  It's a complete minefield.  That's why it's useful to use a benefits checker and then seek advice on here.  

Good luck with the FTT.   

PS  With the calculators you can try numerous scenarios regarding your situation e.g. whether you (the partner) work or not etc.  

Justcheckingin15

Thank you @Girl_No1, I work-He does not.