My Partner and ESA

SeaJ

Hello

We just received a letter from the local jobcentre (wfi (p) 06-16. I think it is a work-focused interview. Actually, we had two, one for me, telling me if my wife does not go to see a work coach about getting back to work (she has fibromyalgia and takes morphine for the pain), they will sanction, me. My wife also had a letter saying much the same.

Can they do this?

Not sure if it helps but none of us are carers, we are both on PIP and I am on ESA, and as far as we know, my wife doesn't actually get any benefits from the DWP. We live on my ESA which is £179.00 a week and has not gone up in over 10 years.

My wife and I cannot work right now. Me because of mental health and my wife because of her physical issues.

Does anyone know what is going on? It's a bit unsettling if they can do this.

Alice_Holt

1) The ESA claim is likely to be a joint claim so, in effect, your wife does receive benefits.

2) A WFI does not mean that you or your wife will be expected to look for work.

3) If you are in receipt of PIP then the DWP are likely to accept that your wife has caring duties.

4) Non-attendance at a WFI may indeed result in sanctions.

Can you tell us more details about your ESA claim:
a) Is it a joint claim?
b) Is it Income or Contribution-based?
c) Are you in the WRAG or Support Group?
d) Are you getting any disability premiums, and what PIP award are you getting?
e) Is your wife eligible to claim Carers Allowance, and get a carers premium?

Bit about WFI's
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/while-youre-getting-esa/about-the-esa-groups/

TELLIT01

If you are both receiving PIP, depending on which components you get, you could potentially claim CA for each other. Without knowing a bit more about your PIP it's not possible to say with any certainty.

calcotti

TELLIT01 wrote: »

If you are both receiving PIP, depending on which components you get, you could potentially claim CA for each other. Without knowing a bit more about your PIP it's not possible to say with any certainty.

If they both get daily Living component, rather than both claiming CA wouldn't they be better with the Severe Disability Premium in the ESA if they are not getting it already? Obviously only possible if there are no adult non-dependants living in the house.

TELLIT01

calcotti wrote: »

If they both get daily Living component, rather than both claiming CA wouldn't they be better with the Severe Disability Premium in the ESA if they are not getting it already? Obviously only possible if there are no adult non-dependants living in the house.

I've been out of the loop too long to know the figures, but certainly also worth investigating.

SeaJ

Thank you for replying

a) Is it a joint claim?
I don't know because I don't deal with my claim i have someone who does it for me

b) Is it Income or Contribution-based?
I think it is income based

c) Are you in the WRAG or Support Group?
I am in the support group

d) Are you getting any disability premiums, and what PIP award are you getting?
i am getting high living component but i don't get any mobility

e) Is your wife eligible to claim Carers Allowance, and get a carers premium?
Years ago they told her no

calcotti

Are there any other adults living in your home with you?
What bits of PIP does your wife get?
Are you able to tell us how your ESA award is made up? Do you have any other income which is taken into account?
I would guess as a minimum it is
Couple allowance £114.85
Support Group £38.55
Enhanced disability premium £24.10
This makes a total of £177.50/week. You said it is £179 so perhaps your entitlement is higher but then reduced due to other income(?)

Alice_Holt

Thanks for replying.

I missed the fact that you are both claiming PIP. If your wife is also getting the Daily Living component, then calcotti is quite right that you may both be able to get the Severe Disability Premium in your ESA. Is there anyone else in your household?

As you are in the Support Group, then you should not need to attend a WFI.

I would suggest you, your wife, and the person who deals with your ESA get a benefit check at your local advice agency / CAB to check you are getting the correct amount of ESA.

Is the person who deals with your ESA your appointee? If so, they could ring the DWP to check the ESA premiums you are getting, and to ask about the letters you have received.

SeaJ

Our two sons live with us. One works the other is looking for work.

Thank you all for the advice. I appreciate it.

calcotti

As you have adult sons living with you the Severe Disability Premium I raised was a red herring. Apologies for that.

caronc

Sounds like a Work Focussed Interview for Partners - WFI(P). The interview is mandatory but there should be no requirement for your wife to look for work. Probably easiest if she can attend if she is able.