Confusion about sickness benefit/UC

jammerr

Hello,
My OH was signed off from work with stress and other medical conditions involving mental health. She has now left the job and is unemployed.

She has a doctors note. From my understanding she is applying sickness benefit - *not* jobseekers as she is not ready to return to work yet. She has applied for Universal Credit (correct?) but has been given a linking code that I apparently need to apply with as she lives with me.

Is this correct? I've not signed up for UC before (it is in our area) though I was on JSA for 2 months at the start of the year. I am now working FT and have a clean bill of health so not sure why I would have to apply?

If someone could explain the process of how it works that would be great. I've found Google/the website/and trying to get through on a call very unhelpful and I don't want to delay her claim any longer

pmlindyloo

For how long was she working before she became sick? Was she working full time and paying NI contributions?

If she was then she should apply for 'new style' ESA.

Explanation here and follow the links on how to apply.

https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/types-of-esa

New style ESA is not means tested so your earnings and any savings will not affect the amount she will get.

Are you currently claiming any other benefits? Tax credits, for example, or housing benefit or do your earnings mean you are not entitled?

How much do you earn? Children? Housing costs? Savings?

Has your wife actually started an application for Universal Credit and pressed the submit button?

jammerr

Thank you for your quick reply.

She was working for years and making regular NI contributions. This is the first time she has not worked.

I think she has indeed applied for 'new style' ESA but cannot finish 'submitted' the app without me applying - as I live with her.

We are receipt of no other benefits - the only benefit I have ever been in receipt of is JSA for 2 months.

I earn over national average. We have no children. I have a mortgage and pay that and bills at the moment. I have savings but she does not.

pmlindyloo

jammerr wrote: »

Thank you for your quick reply.

She was working for years and making regular NI contributions. This is the first time she has not worked.

I think she has indeed applied for 'new style' ESA but cannot finish 'submitted' the app without me applying - as I live with her.

We are receipt of no other benefits - the only benefit I have ever been in receipt of is JSA for 2 months.

I earn over national average. We have no children. I have a mortgage and pay that and bills at the moment. I have savings but she does not.

Then she is entitled to new style ESA.

Applying for this is NOT part of the UC process. It is separate from it and you have to apply separately. So please check by using the link provided that she has applied for it.

It is unlikely that you will be eligible for Universal Credit. If you have savings over £16000 then you will definitely not be eligible.

An application for UC HAS to be a joint one. They consider your earnings and savings as joint income and capital.

You can do a quick check that you are not eligible for any UC by using the benefit calculator on https://www.turn2us.org.uk.

Does your partner/wife have any daily needs which would make her eligible for PIP (Personal Independence Payment). Do a google for the descriptors that she would have to meet.

jammerr

Sorry, are you saying that I need to apply seperatly for it? Hence why I have received a linking code?

So we are not actually applying for Universal Credit after all and I don't need to do a joint application?

Can you see why we are confused

I will check that now.

PIP - no I don't think so looking at CAB has listed it at.

I really appreciate your help

pmlindyloo

jammerr wrote: »

Sorry, are you saying that I need to apply seperatly for it? Hence why I have received a linking code?

So we are not actually applying for Universal Credit after all and I don't need to do a joint application?

Can you see why we are confused

I will check that now.

PIP - no I don't think so looking at CAB has listed it at.

I really appreciate your help

It is your partner that needs to apply for new style ESA. This is based on her NI contributions and is not means tested - your earnings and savings will not be taken into account. New style ESA is for people in a full service Universal area who are not fit for work (she will need a fit note which you say she has).

This will be the benefit that she is entitled to in her own right. it is a single benefit not a joint one.

You do not need to apply for new style ESA as you are working full time and are fit for work.

If you need to apply for means tested benefits (not based on NI contributions) then it would have to be a joint claim for Universal Credit. Your partner could still apply for new style ESA and then you would make a joint claim for Universal Credit.

BUT from what you have said it is probable that you would not be entitled to Universal Credit as you are working full time and have savings (how much?)

As I said, put your details into the benefit calculator to check whether you are entitled to Universal Credit.

It is complicated so don't worry about asking more questions.

Alice_Holt

As pmlindyloo says - your partner needs to apply for New style ESA on the basis of her NI contributions.
This is not means tested.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/employment-and-support-allowance-contribution-based

UC is means tested, and as you are working full time it is likely you would not be eligible.
Be very careful about applying for UC, as if you are in receipt of tax credits or HB - a UC claim will cause these benefits to stop.

Here is a guide for your wife on how to claim New style ESA:
https://www.disabledviewuk.com/useful-information/esa/new-style-esa/
It merits careful reading.