Green Paper Related Discussions - Contributions Based ESA and Insurance

they set out reforms in March. Some of those reforms have been published in the green paper with a consultation, which ends 30th June, like the change of the CB-ESA and others. These changes if they are to go ahead with them won’t take place until 2028 or 2029

But other changes such as the PIP 4 point rule are not part of the consultation, and those are the ones that have been published today and will be voted in July. These changes will take place from Nov 2026

@alexroda Thanks for posting.

106. We are consulting on establishing a new, simple and clear “Unemployment Insurance” benefit through the reform of contributory benefits – New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (

NS JSA

) and New Style Employment and Support Allowance (

NS ESA

Are you saying this Insurance Benefit isn't "deal done"? The Green Paper consultation questionnaire queries time limits, etc.

it’s not, see below:

151. We are consulting on creating a new Unemployment Insurance for those that have made National Insurance contributions. This would mean people receive the income they need alongside the right employment support to get back into work. The welfare system was founded upon the contributory principle – the idea of ‘something-for-something’. Contributory benefits are a form of non-means tested support for those who experience unemployment. Currently, New Style Employment and Support Allowance (NS ESA) and New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (NS JSA) provide support for those who have recently become unemployed. To qualify for these benefits, 2 to 3 years’ worth of National Insurance credits must have been paid or credited prior to the date of a person’s claim. NS ESA supports individuals whose ability to work is restricted due to a disability or health condition. NS ESA relies on the WCA to determine eligibility. After the WCA, NS ESA places people in either a work-related activity group or a support group, which determines how much work preparation activity they are required to do and how long they are able to access the benefit. NS JSAalso supports unemployed individuals, or those working on average less than 16 hours a week, but it does not have a health-related requirement. People receiving NS JSA are expected to be actively searching for work and are able to access the benefit for up to 6 months.

152. Under the reformed system, we are consulting on replacing NS ESA and NS JSAwith one new Unemployment Insurance benefit. The rate of financial support would be set at the current higher rate of NS ESA. The benefit would not require a health assessment and would be based on an individual’s National Insurance record as is currently the case.[footnote 84] Individuals, such as those with long term health conditions, would also be able to claim other relevant benefits where eligible.

OK. They're consulting. However, there's no provision for claimants, "such as those with long term health conditions" but are not eligible for UC, because they cannot "claim other relevant benefits" when the finite period of this Insurance Benefit is over and their lifelong disabilities have not been magicked away. People in my situation will lose.

When do you anticipate a White Paper?

Thanks again.

it’s unclear wether if this new employment insurance suggested by the government will affect those currently on CB-ESA

That suggests the proposed changes could not apply to long-term CB-ESA claimants. Nobody would insure me.