Hi my name is Sue I’m 57 years old and have multiple sclerosis. Could I get CB ESA?

Ineedhelp64

Hi everyone,
I have multiple sclerosis and after my last relapse two years I don’t seem to have improved.
I’m getting low rate mobility pip and standard care.

Someone who works in our local Advice Agency has completed a review and thinks I will get nigh rate mobility. 

I’m interested in ESA as I am short of money I wondered if I could get contribution based ESA and made an application.
I had a response from DWP stating they will ring me shortly!
As I am 57, I got my pension when I was 55. This is for £525 every month! 

I don’t know whether I need to send a sick note to get ESA and if the pension will mean I don’t qualify!
Your answers will be looked forward to!
thanks so much,
Mind regards,
Sue 

Alex_Alumni

Hello again @Ineedhelp64 I'm on shift again today, so I've just noticed your query. Have you managed to speak to someone from the DWP?

I've had a look on Citizens Advice, and it says the following:

If your pension is more than £85 each week before tax, you’ll get less ESA. To check how your pension will affect your ESA:

1. Work out how much you get from your pension each week – check your pension statement
2. Take off £85
3. Work out half of what you’ve got left – this will be taken off your ESA

By this reckoning, you'll have £220 taken off your ESA if you were to receive it. 

janer1967

Hi and welcome 

You can only claim new style esa if you have paid the correct amount in ni contributions in the previous 2 tax years so if you haven't worked in those years then you won't be entitled 

You may be eligible for uc but that depends on your circumstances eg if you have a partner that works you will have to claim as a couple 

You could try a benefits calculator found on gov website 

Ineedhelp64

Thank you Janer and Alex for your help it is very very helpful! X

calcotti

Alex_Scope said:

By this reckoning, you'll have £220 taken off your ESA if you were to receive it. 

I think it’s irrelevant because, as Janer has said, new style ESA is only an option if OP has complete NI record for 2019-20 and 2020-21 but just wanted to point out you have mixed up monthly and weekly amounts. A pension of £525/month is £121.15/week the first £85 of which would be ignored which would result in a weekly deduction of £18.07.

Ineedhelp64

Thanks so much Alex!
very very kind of you! X

Alex_Alumni

Thanks very much @janer1967 and @calcotti for clarifying here Does that all make sense @Ineedhelp64?

Ineedhelp64

yes thanks Alex it makes total sense. I spoke to ESA today and have made a claim! I checked my national insurance and as I was my mum’s cater I have the years wit credits so hopefully I’ll qualify! 

Thanks again,
Sue Hargreaves @Ineedhelp64

calcotti

Were you/are you being paid Carer’s Allowance?