Overlapping benefits

usefulinfo

Hi,
I receive bereavement benefit weekly, and am self-employed. I am currently ill , may have sufficient NI contributions and have been advised to claim ESA.

Does anyone know for certain whether contributory ESA can be paid with bereavement benefit? I receive about £70 a week BB.

To confuse further, I also receive WTC and I believe this remains payable for the first 28 weeks of a sickness claim. Can anyone confirm this?

Many thanks for any advice.

Horseunderwater

You only get paid the higher of the 2 - so as ESA is a whole lot of hassle I would stick with BA which is only 12p lower/week. Yes WTC will be paid for the 28 weeks - tell them U are sick & from when. That's HMRC TC of course.

bll78

Horseunderwater wrote: »

You only get paid the higher of the 2 - so as ESA is a whole lot of hassle I would stick with BA which is only 12p lower/week. Yes WTC will be paid for the 28 weeks - tell them U are sick & from when. That's HMRC TC of course.

The one thing I'd say is if you think your illness is going to stop you returning to work for a long period I'd do the swap now because after 13 weeks and once they've assessed you (expect this to take months) your rate will go up by about £30 a week and will be backdated. Plus if it goes on longer than 28 weeks and WTC stops income related ESA may kick in which gives you access to other associated benefits. Finally BA lasts 12 months so when is it due to run out will you lose out?

Plus and I don't know does BA give your NI contributions? As ESA does so even just for that it may be worth it

usefulinfo

Hi and thanks for replies. I have a chronic illness that is not going away. I have a little money, just over the limits so no ESA IR, or IS. The BA runs out in May. I'm self employed and would prefer to work but I need to give getting into better health a chance. I'm not even sure they would pay me ESA cont - I was my husband's carer for four years and I have read conflicting things about NI credits. They are meant to be Class 1 but some say they don't give you sickness credit. I have worked and paid NI in the past. I currently pay class 2.

It's just a dilemma going round and round in my head. I'm grieving for my husband, worrying that my little money will run out, and struggling with my health. I have low outgoings but it's still hard to live on £70ish a week. Sorry to be sounding a bit whingy, but it seems whichever way I turn there's a get-out clause for the state.

Horseunderwater

Google the ESA descriptors & see if any apply to you at all. With ESA it is not the illness that counts as such( has some bearing), but more the descriptors. Apply for it if you think one or more apply 2 U. If not then you may have to live off your savings, until Below the £16k capital limit.