New ESA form

50Twuncle

Has anyone noticed that DWP have come up with, yet another ESA claims form on-line ?
I am trying to fill it in - to claim ESA (C) and it wants to know all about my partners income (not that she is bringing in much) - but why ?
Contribution based benefits are not dependant on the partners income - merely the claimants NI Contributions.

mazza111

Isn't it a form for ESA, not a separate one for ESA (C)

sleepless_saver

So that they can assess whether you are due an income related top up in addition to your contribution based ESA.

amus

Its actually helpful to ask that question, because if somebodys partner is on a low income, they could be entitled to claim Income Related as well as Contribution based ESA, which will mean all the premiums that come with income related benefits also.

sleepless_saver

mazza111 wrote: »

Isn't it a form for ESA, not a separate one for ESA (C)

Yes that's right, but the information you have to complete on the form varies according to whether you are claiming income related or contribution based. Partner income is needed whichever you claim.