Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) replaced Incapacity Benefit and Income Support for people who make a new claim for benefit from 27 October 2008 as unable to work due to illness or disability.
People aged under 25 already on Incapacity Benefit or Income Support on 26 October 2008 stay on it at present, but may transfer to ESA throughout 2009, with a protected rate of benefit.
Over-25s already on Incapacity Benefit or Income Support on 26 October 2008 stay on it at present, but may transfer to ESA between 2010 and 2013, with a protected rate of benefit.
Some people whose claim for Incapacity Benefit or Income Support ended before 27 October 2008 may be able to requalify for them, rather than claim Employment Support Allowance. These are called ‘linking rules'. For Incapacity Benefit the period can be up to 2 years, but there are extra rules, so please get advice. For Income Support, the period can be up to 8 weeks.
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Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Written:
3 November 2008
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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