The support group

brodiesprime

Since my knee operations four years ago I have been told not to return to my job as a plasterer. Since then the company folded and I was made redundant. I'm currently 58.


3 years ago whilst on vacation in Spain an intruder entered our room and raped my wife. Some form of gas was used to make us drowsy. My wife knew something was not right and somehow managed to scream which seemed to bring me out of my semi consciousness. Her assailant fled through the veranda where he came from. No air con was in this room and strange for March was a very hot night. What followed was a nightmare both in Spain and on our return.
My wife has never been the same since and has probably ruined her for the rest of her life.
She was placed in the Work related section but after an appeal she won the right to be in the support group.
I have kept quiet about this but it has been eating me away since this incident happened. I cannot cope much longer with this on my mind.
My back has deteriorated and an x ray showed I have severe degenerative changes there along with more bad news on my knees. I can no longer get about and driving is difficult.
I have applied for the support group but I am now wondering if two members of the same family are allowed under the capping system. Answers please. I am new to this forum and not really sure if I have put the point over.
Thank you for reading.

rogerblack

ESA - support group does not count towards the benefit cap.

In addition, you should both claim PIP.

While ESA support group doesn't count towards the cap - if your wife or you gets income-related ESA, not contributions based, you will not get two single rates, but one couples rate for ESA, which is substantially less.
PIP would likely make this up or more.

System

Is your wife on income or contributions based, if it was income unless you were on contributions im not sure how there could be 2 seperate esa claims, surely it would be a joint one? Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can help

Indie_Kid

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

Is your wife on income or contributions based, if it was income unless you were on contributions im not sure how there could be 2 seperate esa claims, surely it would be a joint one? Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can help

It would be joint if income based. It would be two different claims if contributions based.

brodiesprime

Unfortunately I claim nothing. Although my wife is in the support group no payment has been issued. This is because she gets £112 per week pension. She was also placed on the lowest DLA award. My claim automatically stopped after 12 months claiming a another benefit, not too sure of these abbreviations which I read. I'm relatively new to the benefits system.