My partner is pregnant can we get joint income support?

CuBz

Me and my partner have a 19 month old son and another on the way (she is now 30 weeks pregnant). She is having alot of problems including not being able to walk or move alot of the time, and feeling very ill all the time. Therefore she has to stay in bed for most of the day.

We have a couples claim for JSA, but she has only ever had to attend once, however we are wondering if we could claim joint income support until after she'd had the baby as she is too ill to look after herself or our son so I am currently being a full-time father as well as looking after her too, so I am not able to find work at the moment.

Any advice would be appreciated.

midnight_express

If you aren't available for and actively seeking work you shouldn't be claiming JSA. Your partner might be able to claim ESA.

Oliver14

If you live together and you are applicable for IS it is assessed on both your income so as much as it will be in one persons name the other person will be part of the claim.

A proper benefits advisor would be able to work out what you are able to claim.

Anubis_2

Are her medical problems related to her pregnancy or was she showing health problems previous to it?

If previous then ESA for your partner is probably better to claim when IS will no longer apply to your situation.

As Oliver says, try and see a benefit advisor.

bigbill

She can get IS 11 weeks before trhe birth, so swap and let her claim for both of you, the two JSA claims will need stopped.

It will be the same amount £111 weekly, that is unless you both had contribution based JSA paid?