ESA and earning a little extra

Tehya

Hi all, I posted this over on the benefits section but really didn't get an answer to my problem so I was wondering if anyone here knows.



Can I ask a quick question please?

I claim Carer's Allowance (around £84 a week for both me and my husband) the DWP take £54 off my husband's total of ESA so we get about £30 more than just on ESA without the CA.

He also gets DLA mid care, high mob and is in the support group and together we receive HB and CTB.

I've been offered a job for just three hours a week (earning £6.50 an hour so less than £20 a week) can I take it without it causing problems with our other benefits and do I have to formally inform the DWP/council tax/HB depts for such a small amount?

olias

If you hadn't been on HB and CTB, then there would be no problem, however, these benefits are means tested, and there is no leeway like with CA where you can earn a certain amount and still keep the benefit. I have been in the position myself where my income has literally been a few pounds over the threshold for certain benefits and so I have lost them.

In other words, yes, you would have to inform HB and CTB and you would be likely to lose at least part of those benefits. Sorry.

Olias

Tehya

Thanks for your reply, oh well no job then. I was looking forward to it too. It would have been something current on my CV and it was perfect as it's working from home using the internet for a local project.

We can't afford to lose what we get as all his DLA and even some of his ESA goes on hospital travel (around 4 times a week and £16 each way) doesn't help that we can't get a mobility car as he's too ill to drive and I'm not allowed because I have meniere's disease with severe vertigo. Plus for less than £20 it's just not worth the hassle.

Tehya

Hi all,

I thought I would come back and just add the outcome to my questions so anyone else in a similar position aware.

You CAN earn £20 a week in my circumstances without it having an effect on your any of your benefits. So I've taken the job and everything is hunky-dory.

Puppypaws

Hi, Tehya. It's awful that you are paying so much to get your husband to the hospital. I've spoken to the two hospitals I have to attend about the problems of attending as I am disabled and they gave me the number for Passenger Transport. I was asked to 'prove' my disabled status, but all that meant was 'did I hold a Blue Badge' and was I claiming DLA.

They pick me up and bring me home when I'm done, and there is no cost. I have a disabled friend who has had the same offer from 2 different hospitals, so ring the department your husband attends, or ask to speak to PALS (I think it stands for patient liaison service). That would free up some dosh for you!

Tehya

Puppypaws wrote: »

Hi, Tehya. It's awful that you are paying so much to get your husband to the hospital. I've spoken to the two hospitals I have to attend about the problems of attending as I am disabled and they gave me the number for Passenger Transport. I was asked to 'prove' my disabled status, but all that meant was 'did I hold a Blue Badge' and was I claiming DLA.

They pick me up and bring me home when I'm done, and there is no cost. I have a disabled friend who has had the same offer from 2 different hospitals, so ring the department your husband attends, or ask to speak to PALS (I think it stands for patient liaison service). That would free up some dosh for you!

Aww thank you very much for that I'll go and have a word when we go again on Friday.

I've heard of PALS before but I thought it was just for problems with the actual care which is now pretty good in my husband's case.

One of the reasons we go so aften is that he needs a lot of heavy duty physio, which being disabled myself I can't really do for him, it's hard enough helping him get around, in out of bed, washing ect.

I'll let you know how we get on, ta again.