Contribution based ESA and annual pension contribution allowance

bhun

I claim contribution-based ESA and also have a part-time job.  I want to know if the contribution-based ESA income counts as relevant earnings in terms of how much I can pay into my private pension and still get tax relief.  At the moment I just pay into my pension up to the amount I receive from my job so that I am sure I get the tax relief payment top-ups.

Can't find anything on the internet that answers this.

Alice_Holt

My guess is that is isn't counted as relevant earnings, just as a state pension (another NI derived benefit) is not classed as relevant earnings.

But like you I can't find an internet source.

Presumably your part-time job comes is within the permitted rules ?

bhun

Thanks.  Yes, my part-time job is within the weekly allowed working hours and pay.

Alice_Holt

You could also try asking the question on the Pensions Forum, someone there may know.