Work focused interviews for partners

Jo_H_3

Hi - My husband suffers from MS and is virtually housebound. He receives Income Related ESA (Support Group) and has recently been awarded the standard rate PIP for both day to day living and mobility. Today I received a letter saying I have to go to a work focused interview with a personal partner - the thing is, I'm in full time employment! Can I just ring them up and explain this? My husband is now worried they will cut his benefit and is getting worried.

tomtontom

If you work more than 24 hours he would not normally be eligible for IB ESA. Are they aware that you work full time?

Jo_H_3

My husband was originally on contribution based ESA and we received a form saying fill this in as you may be entitled to a top-up which I believe is what happened, I don't think we've ever filled out any details for me but I'm not sure - he's been receiving this for quite a while now so I can't remember what the initial form said.

SPELLKASTER

If you are in full time employment he should only be entitled to contributions based esa.

I cant claim a penny and I dont qualify for income related benefits due to living with a working partner.

This doesnt sound right to me and looks like benefit fraud.

midnight_express

Are you sure it is income based ? If so how long has he been claiming it ?

Jo_H_3

I will phone on Monday and clear this up - from having read several websites it seems that indeed he should have only been receiving contribution based (as he was originally) - so quite why they sent us a form to fill in for a top-up to income based I've no idea!