115,000 warned of possible ESA time limit

18 November 2011

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has written to around 115,000 people who are receiving contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance ESA and who are in the Work Related Activity Group, to advise them that their contribution-based benefit may be limited to 12 months if the Welfare Reform Bill becomes law.

The DWP's Stakeholder Bulletin says that the proposed time limit: “will not apply to people with no, or limited, means of supporting themselves, and those most severely affected by their medical conditions. Any time spent in the Support Group will not count towards the 12 months. Those who are affected by the 12 month time limit may be able to receive income-related ESA.”

This issue is one of our current campaign priorities.

Supporting Members who need advice on welfare benefits can contact our Welfare Rights Line.