I understand that this is only claimable for a year? Since my ato was jan 2012 I would have received this for just under a year as it stopped mid December... Confused muchly! :/

Thank you! Sorry for being ignorant, does this mean technically I should have paid enough contributions If I was on contribution based or does this mean I haven't paid any???

Hi, Thanx for the fast response, Yes I am married, my husabnd works full time, earning just under 1500 per month. I have no clue weather I was getting contribution based esa before, I was claiming incapacity benefit previously for nearly 10 years, i was put onto ESA base rate while waitng for my appeal. Hope this clarifies a little, I appreciate your help Thanx

Hi All, This is my first post to this forum, hope i can explain well enough my predicament.... I have lost my ESA appeal in December, my last Atos assessment was back in January 2012. I believed it was possible to claim ESA again as i had not been assessed for over 6 months, i have sent back the forms and today have been told that i am not able to claim the income related ESA as i have not paid enough contributions. On telephoning them for clarity, as yesterday i was refused a crisis loan, wondering how long i would would have to be without money, i was told i had to live off my parters earnings. I am confused as i have received a letter through the post telling me to send another (un)fit note as mine was due to run out on the 14 of feb, which I have sent. I also recieved a Atos assement for to fill out. Why have i recieved this if i am not entitled to ESA?? I have nothing my daughter has no nappies etc I am at a loss as to what to do. I have made every effort to contact the local CAB to no avail today. I really hope someone can shed some light and give me a bit of hope with discussion on this matter, Thanx for reading,