Disabled with partner on low income

jwconteh

Hi, first time posting here.
At the moment I'm on income based ESA and PIP (medium rate for daily living and medium rate for mobility).
My husband has just got a job, but it's minimum wage. We'll be therefore losing the ESA, plus our housing and council tax benefit. We'll have less coming in, but my husband is wanting to work.
Is there any other financial help we'd be entitled to? We also have some debts that we're paying off.
Thanks for any advice.
Jennifer

Rubyroobs

You can make a joint Universal credit claim which if awarded would top up your low income. Your husband could claim the carers element of Universal credit even if he is working, as long as he cares for you for 35 hours a week. He does not need to be claiming carers allowance.

calcotti

jwconteh wrote: »

We'll be therefore losing the ESA, plus our housing and council tax benefit.

You won’t necessarily lose Housing Benefit and CTR altogether - it will depend on his earnings.

As rubyroobs says you could apply for UC. If the carer element applies UC is likely to give you more income than any ongoing HB but I suggest going to your local CAB or other advice agency for a benefits check to compare UC with just staying on HB. CTR is separate anyway.

Alternatively use an online calculator such as https://www.entitledto.co.uk

sammyjammy

PIP is not a means tested benefit so this will also continue.

Stop_Watch

Welcome to the benefit trap!

Rubyroobs

If you claim Universal credit and you are in the ESA support group you should be able to have the LCWRA element added to your Universal credit claim. This in itself would be another £336 per month.