ESA disability element can anyone explain?

sja75

Hi Brittone

Just noticed the link in Post 5 has an error, sorry.

If you click on the same link in Post 8 from the following link it ought to work for you...

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4368093

Horseunderwater

To the OP:
ESA which is income related and Support group sort is £166.80 per week for a couple. As you are his carer - I assume you do not work? Included in that payment is the couples rate of enhanced disability payment - currently £21.30/ week. His Support group payment = £105.05 per week and you also get £40.45 couple rate on top. You could well qualify for housing benefit and council tax benefit as well, so if not claiming them already, put in a claim. Also you get free eye tests and vouchers upto a set amount for the lenses and the frames, totally free NHS dental treatment and Free prescriptions for all family members. And if you need to travel on a bus or train, you may be able to get a bus pass or train pass that allows a companion to travel free with the "disabled person". But you need to contact the local train/bus companies for those I think.
And you will qualify for cold weather payments along with the Warm home discount scheme which this year was worth £130, but this year has closed. But you'll be able to get it next year.

brittone05

Thanks Horse. I am his carer yes ( along with the main care giver for our 10 and 7 year old children ).

We do currently get help with housing benefit and council tax also.

Didn't know about the Warm Home discount thing - will go have a read up on it thanks again hun xxx

( Edit - we do't have a bus or a train station for about 18 miles from where we live sadly )

Horseunderwater

As you have young children - are you getting the full amount of Child tax credit? ESA of the type you get automatically qualifies you for that.
So for current year it would be £545 + 2 x £2690 applicable from date of new award to income related ESA. However they may not pay you the full amount this year as they like to hold back some incase there is a potential overpayment and will settle up at renewal time. Or at least that is what is happening to me and mine. We are in same situation as you. Except we have a mortgage. My lump sum is in region of £1.4k currently. So that will help get us back on track.

brittone05

We get £114 child tax credit per week hun and have 2 children aged 7 ( 8 on weekend ) and 10.

How do we find out if we are due a lump sum from them due to change in ESA and such like xx

Edit - tax credits haven't changed at all for last year xx