hi
does anyone know if ESA will come under the direct payments scheme for rent arrears, water etc? i cant find anything in draft regs, but it appears can get help with mortgage interest, access to social fund etc so is it safe to assume that will also have direct deductions scheme?

complicated of course by some of direct deductions scheme applicable if on contribution-based JSA and/or income-based JSA. wonder if this will be replicated with both forms of ESA?
thanks

Meg

It wouldn't be dealt with in the ESA regs as the power to make deductions for most of these things is actually contained within the Claims and Payment regulations - regs 34A and 35, and Schedules 9, 9A and 9B. I'd expect those to be amended in due course!