means testing for ESA

trying_to_stay_afloat

I have received a letter saying that my contribution based ESA will stop in April 2012 as I will have been on it for a year by then. Please could someone tell me what will happen then. I think I will be means tested but I'm not sure if I qualify as my partner earns £16400 per year and we have 2 children one nearly 18 and one 15. I am scared that we will end up losing all my benefits and we will really struggle to pay the morgage and bills.

TrixieB

Income-based Employment and Support Allowance

You may be entitled to claim income-based Employment and Support Allowance if you do not have enough money coming in, or you have not paid enough National Insurance contributions, and you satisfy the entitlement conditions.
This means that you have savings of less than £16,000 and, if you have a partner or civil partner, they work for less than 24 hours a week on average.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171891

trying_to_stay_afloat

Thanks for that. My partner works 40hrs per week ( poorly paid job!) so does this mean we cannot claim? We have no savings.

Elle7

Yes, that would mean you wouldn't qualify for income based ESA. If you match the requirements you could try applying for DLA.