Contributions esa and rental

Kiki7976

Hi everyone.
I am on ESA Contributions based and in a support group. I had to rent my last house out because there were stairs I couldn't climb. I believed I could legally do this. Is this still ok? I am filling out my HMRC details for tax return and I'm getting kinda nervous like I've been doing something wrong. I hope not..

Alice_Holt

Yes, it's ok. Contribution-based ESA is not means tested.
"Contributory ESA is linked to your National Insurance contributions and is not means-tested. Your (or your partner’s) income and savings will generally not affect how much contribution-based ESA you’re paid. Income from pensions, health insurance and Financial Assistance Schemes may reduce what you will get."

Do check your DWP statement to make sure the payment does not include any income-based top up though.

Kiki7976

Hi again. Thank you for getting back to me. I have told them about my private pension and that was quite straight forward. I have not told them that i did indeed rent the house out though. I hope I don't get in trouble.

Kiki7976

Will it be flagged by HMRC? I only make £100 per month in profit. It basically pays my mortgage.

calcotti

Kiki7976 wrote: »

Will it be flagged by HMRC? I only make £100 per month in profit. It basically pays my mortgage.

As Alice has already said, contribution based ESA is not generally means tested. Your rental income is irrelevant. The only income that can reduce contribution based ESA as identified at the end of the paragraph Alice quoted.

You just need to be sure that you are not getting any income based top up (again, as Alice said).

Kiki7976

How would I know that or find that out?

calcotti

Kiki7976 wrote: »

How would I know that or find that out?

Look at your award letter and how the amount is calculated.
How much are you getting? If it is £111.65/week then it is likely to be contribution based only. If it is more than this there must be an income based top up.

Kiki7976

I checked my bank statement. It's 217.32 every two weeks.

calcotti

Kiki7976 wrote: »

I checked my bank statement. It's 217.32 every two weeks.

So £108.66/week. Do you have a reduction due to pension income of £90.98/week?

Kiki7976

Yeah, i think I do. They worked out out for me after I have a pension pay slip to them to see. I think it's a little less than others maybe?

Kiki7976

I have a priviate pension from my work. Its a about £350 per month, i think.