Scared: CB-ESA and income reviews
This time last year, I had a letter from ESA stating “Every year we look at the savings and property that may affect your allowance.” It took ages and two Case Manager calls to sort out.
I have not claimed any means-tested benefits for a few years.
Another such letter has just landed. I have spoken briefly with an ESA call-handler and await a call-back from a Manager. The caller-hander put a note on my file to say, “No change”. Meanwhile, I’m close to mental breakdown and the physically effort of dealing with the paperwork will add to my pain.
I never had such letters when on means-tested benefits. Why now? I can’t risk losing my ESA whilst it lasts.
Comments
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That's awful @Zipz. Really sorry you're having to go through this again. Hopefully you've still got some of the detail from last time which can save you some time and stress.
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I have all the info. But it's making me physically ill from pain from sitting at the PC and stress: I'm vomiting and unable to passs water.
Is this the norm? Why do I have to prove I have no means-tested benefit entitlement?
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I can't work out what they're playing at as ESA CB isn't means tested and you don't have any means tested top ups, what exactly are they hoping to find or prove?
I can be rather dense at times but Surely there's nothing to review in a CB claimant.
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If you're dense, I'm denser! I've been open and honest with them since the point I became ineligible for means-tested benefits. I wish I were one of the supposed "rich" claimants we hear about. Would they ask millionaires exactly how much they have and where? I phoned and was told I had to send what they asked for. I wish I could afford to buy these people out of my life because they are destroying it fast.
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Try and stay calm, you have all the information required so don't worry. I know nothing about ESA so can't help, but stay calm and get the call over with.
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Thanks @Trevor_PIP @Nightcity and all.
I've had a callback from a lovely manager who explained the almost inexplicable very well.
Apparently, when a persons shifts from means-tested ESA to contribution-based ESA, they retain an underlying claim for the IR benefit. They would not have to make a new claim were assets to fall below £16000. That's why they issue these letters at least once a year.
A kind friend took all my data to the PO this morning.
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I'm glad you had one of the nice ones and it's all sorted. Guess we've learnt something new today.
In the very unlikely event I ever get above 16k It's good to know this.
hope you are now More relaxed 😃
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@Nightcity After a bad 48-hours and huge pain from dealing with paperwork I'm winding down gently. Thank you. Much appreciated.
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Excellent it is sorted, now you relax!
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I never had these letters whilst I was on means-tested benefits… only since I moved to contribution-based ESA.
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