Which benefit to apply for?

-taff

I am currently receiving SSP which will be ending soon.

After this ends it appears I can apply either for ESA or UC. I am not sure which one I should be applying for as it seems you get to choose which one first.
I have worked always, so have always made NI contributions.
I have a PIP claim being looked at, haven't heard anything about that yet, I originally applied for it at the beginning of October.
We mortgage a home, and my partner works full time. We no longer have any savings to speak of.
I've got cancer and treatment will be continuing for at least the next few months. Side effects from chemo are ongoing and debilitating.


So, my question is...Which one should I be applying for?

xylophone

https://finance.macmillan.org.uk/benefits/benefits-online

TELLIT01

With your employment history, and your partner working full time, I would expect 'New Style ESA' to be the appropriate benefit, because your partner's earnings or working hours are likely to exceed the limits for claiming Income Related sickness benefit i.e. UC.

Alice_Holt

The benefit to apply for is New Style ESA.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

UC is means tested and your wife's earnings would be taken into account.

Be careful with the application as DWP call handlers frequently give incorrect "advice":
https://www.disabledviewuk.com/useful-information/esa/new-style-esa/

I would suggest you ask the hospital for a referral to a Macmillan Benefits Caseworker.
They may also be able to arrange for a grant.