Benefits advice please

jenhug

Hello all,

I want to start by saying I phoned the benefits enquiry line and this is what has made me confused!

Myself, work 12 hours a week, but am on long term sick, wages are currently zero but get carers allowance for autistic child. Not previously entitled to ESA as hubby worked too many hours and I didn't earn enough to pay NI or tax.

Hubby made redundant last week, always worked full time, never been in this situation before.

We assumed he would claim Job seekers while looking for work.

Benefits enquiry line suggested we claim ESA and then income support instead. Is this correct? Work are currently going through the motions to get rid of me so I don't think I would be entitled to claim ESA once work have got rid of me?

I don't get DLA although I am about to apply. (I do have a disability)

Thanks for reading this, I hope it makes sense.

Indie_Kid

You would be entitled to ESA if you do have a disability or long-term illness that affects your ability to work. Are you able to work?

jenhug

No, not currently. My doctor has been signing me off for over a year now, I had been hoping to go back but now work are going through the O/H motions to get rid of me.

I assumed ESA was only applicable if you were employed. I think this is where the confusion has arisen. Hubby wants to get back to work ASAP and is obviously hoping to be back at work before the ink dries on the benefit claim form.

Its just all so confusing as we have never been in this situation having both worked while bringing up our girls and part of my disability includes memory problems and processing issues (lights are on but nobody's home syndrome!)