IS and ESA support group.

ImACarer

Hi. I have another question.

I am a carer and receive Carers Allowance. I do not have a job as I have been made redundant. My wife (who I am caring for) gets DLA (Middle Rate) and ESA support group (Cont Based). So all "My" income is just CA.

I have been told that I need to claim for IS. I have done that and have an interview next week as I must declare my redundancy money and show proof etc but I will a lot of questions for them.

Anyway, what I would like to know is... Will my wifes DLA and ESA (support group, cont based) affect our claim for IS for couples. Or do they not look to include that on the basis of that is money to cope with disability. If anyone could help me, that would be much appreciated.

Also I was torn between claiming IS or going in my wife's ESA (as a couple, one disabled). Can I do both or do you just have to pick one?

Many Thanks
A Carer

Cyclamen

Hello

As far as I know DLA is not counted when assessing income for other benefits.

Indie_Kid

DLA isn't classed as income. But ESA will be. Another option is for her to add you to her ESA claim and claim income based ESA as well as contributions based.

ImACarer

sh1305 wrote: »

DLA isn't classed as income. But ESA will be. Another option is for her to add you to her ESA claim and claim income based ESA as well as contributions based.

Thank you for this info but am I right in saying I can claim either one or the other (not both), IS (as a couple) or being put on her ESA. Are they the same in value or does one yield more?

Please advise?

Thanks.

mikey_bach

You can claim either, but not both, you mention a redundancy payment, both are income based, capital effects your entitlement.
How much redundancy are you getting?
Now you have applied for I.S why don't you just go with that option

kpj12

is esa support group indefiene award

Indie_Kid

kpj12 wrote: »

is esa support group indefiene award

No. I believe it's a maximum of 3 years.

bloolagoon

Do you intend to work? Ie would JSA contribution based not be worthwhile considering.

kpj12

and whats happens after 3 years because bascially i was put onto the support group in november 2012 they sent me a form to fill out on september 2013 and i havent heard from them since i get ic based esa would i still get support group or wrag

ImACarer

bloolagoon wrote: »

Do you intend to work? Ie would JSA contribution based not be worthwhile considering.

No, not at all. The having to look for work and interviews and signing on would interfere with caring.

Morglin

kpj12 wrote: »

and whats happens after 3 years because bascially i was put onto the support group in november 2012 they sent me a form to fill out on september 2013 and i havent heard from them since i get ic based esa would i still get support group or wrag

When you are awarded ESA, you can ask them for a form that will tell you when they are likely to review you (ESA85 or ESA85A, depending on whether you had a medical examination or not) - this can be anything from 3 months to 3 years.

As with the initial claim, many do not require physical assessments, and just need supporting medical evidence to be sent yet again, as they apparently do not hang onto the papers now from the previous claim/review. :wall:

However, as with all things in the DWP now, reviews are being held up because all assessments are having to be audited, and reviews are being delayed in any areas because of backlog with claims and appeals.

So, you may not hear from them for quite a while.

What group you are put into would depend on the decision, which, of course, you can appeal if you think it incorrect.

Anecdotally, most originally put into SG are being left there, as the condition/s that gave entitlement in the first place remains the same for many people.

Lin