A complete mess

30_something

iregretitall wrote: »

I have a quick query as my girlfriend will not be happy if what I do interferes with her money she receives.

I am not trying to commit fraud in anyway however do not want to jeprodise the money she receives as she relies on this as my wages only just about cover the bills.

Is it possible for her to continue to claim ESA whilst im working and living with her ?

We do not receive any money other money at the moment apart from her ESA and my wages because when she moved she just updated the address details of her claim.

Im worried that if i sign up for Working tax credits and get the extra £9 a week then they may stop her money that gives her some self esteem and confidence she receives about £58 a week and if this gets replaced by £9 a week then we will be even worse off and will probably sink.

If she is in receipt of contribution based ESA, your wages will not affect what she receives. However contribution-based ESA is only payable for a maximum of 6 months, and only if she has paid enough national insurance contributions. So therefore....

..as you say your girlfriend has been in receipt of ESA for some time, I think its much more likely she is in receipt of income-related ESA - which is a means tested benefit. It is an income-replacement benefit similar to JSA or Income Support. Your income will definitely affect it.

I would highly recommend you approach your local CAB, Benefits shop, or even look at entitledto.com - and get yourself a benefit check done based on your joint income. It may be that your Working Tax credits entitlement is higher than the £9 you're expecting as a couple which will help make up for any loss of ESA. Certainly when the baby is born there will also be an entitlement to Child Tax Credit. You could likely also have entitlements to some Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit right now. You really need to investigate this asap.

If your girlfriend is receiving income-based ESA and does not declare your income and you continue to live together and are found out, at the very least she will end up with an ESA overpayment, and at worst she could face a benefit fraud investigation.

iregretitall

Hi,

Here is an update.

I really need the car it is an essential, if it was easy for me to get rid of, i would , but this is not the case. as I build up my NCD my insurance will come down aswell.

I have had the coucil tax come through at £435 up until april 2011. They have said it will be spread over the next 3 months ! ! I now need to find an additional £145 a month from somewhere.

I have completed forms for working tax credits aswell these will be posted off today/tomorrow.

Ellabelle

30_something wrote: »

If she is in receipt of contribution based ESA, your wages will not affect what she receives. However contribution-based ESA is only payable for a maximum of 6 months, and only if she has paid enough national insurance contributions. So therefore....

..as you say your girlfriend has been in receipt of ESA for some time, I think its much more likely she is in receipt of income-related ESA - which is a means tested benefit. It is an income-replacement benefit similar to JSA or Income Support. Your income will definitely affect it.

I would highly recommend you approach your local CAB, Benefits shop, or even look at entitledto.com - and get yourself a benefit check done based on your joint income. It may be that your Working Tax credits entitlement is higher than the £9 you're expecting as a couple which will help make up for any loss of ESA. Certainly when the baby is born there will also be an entitlement to Child Tax Credit. You could likely also have entitlements to some Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit right now. You really need to investigate this asap.

If your girlfriend is receiving income-based ESA and does not declare your income and you continue to live together and are found out, at the very least she will end up with an ESA overpayment, and at worst she could face a benefit fraud investigation.

Hi.

It looks to me that you need to budget as a couple at least when it comes to benefits. When both your incomes have been taken into account you may indeed be entitled to some council tax/housing benefits which would help you out alot.

You may be able to back date any council tax benefit entitlement to get the bill that you are facing down. Find out.

My advise for your next step would be to phone the council and explain that you cannot afford to pay the arrears over 3 months due to a low income. See if you can negotiate a longer repayment period. Back the conversation up by sending a letter stating the outcome of the call (for example they said you can repay the arrears over 12 months) and asking for confirmation of this in writing. Keep copies of the letters.

If you have found that you are entitled to some council tax benefit discuss this with the person you speak to at the council.

How much is your council tax per month (excluding arrears)? Did you ask to pay over 12 months instead of the standard 10 months with 2 months off?

Have you stopped paying your big contract phone bill now?

Let me know how you get on.

Eb.x.

CPJames19

@iregretitall. I'm also 25 and from Great Yarmouth. My parents still live there and I know employment is very hard find so well done being in work!

steveinhants

iregretitall wrote: »

Hi,

Here is an update.

I really need the car it is an essential, if it was easy for me to get rid of, i would , but this is not the case. as I build up my NCD my insurance will come down aswell.

Having read through this, I find it very difficult that you insist on needing this luxury. Find an alternative. Bus, train, cycle and walk. 15 miles is not a long journey.