ESA advice please

needing-help

Hi. I am currently receiving contribution based esa and in the support group. My husband has announced that he is leaving me so would I need to switch to income based or carry on as I am.
I also do supported permitted work if thats relevant.

Thanks for any advice.

Indie_Kid

You might be able to claim income based and contributions based ESA.

needing-help

Indie_Kid wrote: »

You might be able to claim income based and contributions based ESA.

Sorry for being thick but how does that work?

Indie_Kid

I don't know the figures off the top of my head. But you're paid a maximum from contribution based benefits. You can receive a top up if for example, you're single and in the support group. There's an enhanced disability premim that people on income based ESA in the support group are paid. The premium is income based; so those on contributions based ESA who have a working partner can't claim.

needing-help

Indie_Kid wrote: »

I don't know the figures off the top of my head. But you're paid a maximum from contribution based benefits. You can receive a top up if for example, you're single and in the support group. There's an enhanced disability premim that people on income based ESA in the support group are paid. The premium is income based; so those on contributions based ESA who have a working partner can't claim.

Thank you. The whole benefits thing is a minefield. I've no idea how I will cope with it all

pmlindyloo

needing-help wrote: »

Thank you. The whole benefits thing is a minefield. I've no idea how I will cope with it all [/QUOTE

It is a minefield but it will get sorted

You need to telephone them and explain that your circumstances have changed and you will now need to claim as a single person (or from whenever the appropriate date is).

Have a read of this about the premiums that can be added.

http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/employment-and-support-allowance-overview

You will still be entitled to the contribution based part of ESA but can claim extra money (premiums) if you satisfy the low income criteria.

If you satisfy the low income criteria - savings/capital less than £6000 and no other income (child support isn't counted, nor is your permitted work) then you will get the extra premiums.

You will need to let them know if you receive DLA/PIP, live alone and no-one receives Carer's Allowance for you - all the things that make you eligible for the extra premiums.

You would also be entitled to housing benefit (or Support for Mortgage Interest after 13 weeks) and council tax support.

You will also need to inform tax credits if you have been receiving them and change from a joint to a single claim/make a new single claim if not currently receiving them.

You can put your 'single' details in to the calculator on https://www.turn2us.org.uk to get a good idea of your entitlements.