Help With ESA, Carers and Housing Benefit

sabreteeth

My partner receives ESA and DLA for mental health problems (nothing physical) and because we live together I have to be on the claim. I receive Carer's allowance and we both claim housing benefit for our home.

When we moved in together my partner took a big hit in terms of money, as their ESA was halved for us both to live in (makes sense right? Ha!).

I received a letter telling me that I can earn up to £100 a week before my carers' is affected. I would happily work part time and care for my partner at the same time, but I have tried researching this route before and was told that if I work (which I should as I am fit and healthy!) then my partner's ESA will be stopped as would our housing benefit!

I found this utterly shocking and gave up all hope until this letter came about again. I cannot believe this is my last hope. I either work and earn enough for two people to live off and run a house off (I do not think as a 20 year old woman that I would be able to find a wage that good), or not work at all!

Could anybody bare some light on this please? I am so frustrated, stressed and broke at the moment. It's really getting me down.

Indie_Kid

There's a £20 disregard on ESA and then it's reduced £ for £. No matter how little income based you receive, you'll receive full housing benefit for your situation.

pmlindyloo

I think the person who advised you thought you were going to work full time.

Housing Benefit and Council Tax support can be claimed on the basis of a low income.

Try different scenarios on the benefit calculator here:

http://www.entitledto.co.uk/

Don't forget that to retain your CA you must earn under £100 ish. Also the CA, salary or DLA won't show on the end entitlements so you will be able to add this on as income.