ESA/ joint claim

Beclou

Looking for a bit of advice for a family member. She works part time. 11 hr/Pw claims carer allownce for partner who gets ESA and pip. The doctor wants her to be signed off her work due to worsening arthritis. However, she obviously doesnt earn enough for sick pay. She has paid national insurance 2 out of the last 3 years.
Would this be a joint claim for ESA? Is there anything else they can claim? Would he carers allownce stop?
Any help much appreciated thanks!

Alice_Holt

I suggest she puts her details into a benefits calculator.

Is the current ESA claim Contribution-based or Income-Based.

Does she have enough NI contributions in the last 3 years to claim New-Style ESA in her own right?
https://www.gov.uk/how-to-claim-new-style-esa

They really need to take all details / paperwork with them and get a benefit check from their local advice centre.
Claiming an income-based benefit may mean a UC claim - that needs careful thought.
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/changes_that_trigger_Universal_Credit

poppy12345

They need to check if the ESA is income based, if it is then they should already be claiming as a couple because it's a means tested benefit.



I agree with Alice that a visit to an advice agency for a full benefit check is needed.

calcotti

Adding to what Alice and poppy have said.

Carer’s Allowance will not stop. She continues to be entitled provided she is still able to care for at least 35 hours per week.

In addition to making sure she is included in partner’s ESA claim, she already should be if it is income based, she can look at whether she qualifies for PIP herself. This will depend on how her arthritis affects her.