ESA assessment but have already been refused?

AngelMikeysMum

I applied for ESA at the same time as PIP. Someone rang from ESA to say I couldn’t claim it as I didn’t have enough NI contributions in the qualifying period, which I understand. PIP application was successful though. A few weeks ago I got a letter telling me I have a phone assessment for ESA this Friday and I’m just really confused as to why I’m getting an assessment when they already rejected my application? I’m tempted to just ignore the call (I struggle with the stress of it) but am worried it may impact on my PIP. Can anyone shine any light as to what’s going on?

poppy123456

Although you're not entitled to payments, if found to have limited capability for work (LCW) your NI credits can be paid which could be useful towards your state pension. However, if you have enough qualifying years then the credits may not be needed so it would be worth while checking. You can check your state pension forecast here. https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension

The work capability assessment will not impact your PIP in anyway because they are different benefits.

calcotti

Have you used a benefits calculator to check whether you could have any entitlement to Universal Credit?

if you don’t yet have enough NI for a full State Pension it is definitely worth your while to have the ESA assessment.

AngelMikeysMum

I have 25 years left of NI contributions to make in order to get a pension 🤦🏽‍♀️🤣 My last 15 years is complete, presumably because I’ve had a child under 12 for all that time (and will continue to have for another 5 years) and I certainly hope to be well enough to work within that time 🤞🏼  It might be useful to have a back up though so I guess I’ll have to find a way to get through it (something I didn’t expect to have to do 7 months after being rejected!)

poppy123456

They usually refer you as soon as you apply for the benefit and then the form is uasually sent out shortly after. You should have received the ESA50 form at some point in the past.

NI credits from child benefit are towards your state pension only.

AngelMikeysMum

I received the form and filled itin but as I say, I got told I wasn’t entitled to ESA off the back of that. I didn’t think that child benefit NI credits went to anything but state pension. I’m not trying to argue the point of eligibility, I was just confused as to why I seem to be given two different answer relating to the ESA. I think I understand now though, the interview seems to be purely for NI contribution purposes, I just wish the paperwork they send would spell things out a little more clearly 🙄