Confused

[monzievaird]

I have been unfit for work since I was 56 due to ill health. Once my job seekers allowance stopped i was in receipt of no benefits. I applied for dla and after a fight i got it. My question is i was told that because my husband was in receipt of state pension and other pensions we were above the allowance for me claiming esa. So I didn't qualify for jsa, esa and have to wait until I am 66 for my state pension! I am in receipt of my private pension now but that is my only income plus dla. I assume that because we have pensions that is why I don't qualify for es a as our income is above what the government says we can live on. Can some please confirm this. Thank you.

[Bananas5]

Welcome to the nightmare confusion of DWP!

There are 2 types of ESA...contribution based on NI contributions and then the means tested where income from other sources are taken into account.

If you claim ESA contributory, it will have no effect. If you claim ESA income based, it will.

That is a rough guide.

x

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi nonsievaird,

Here is a link to the Government website re ESA eligibility etc: gov.uk/employment-support-a...

It may also help to speak to a Citizens Advice Bureau advisor in your local area, the law maybe different in England, Scotland, Wales and NI so it will ask in the link below where you live and then look at the Benefits section:

citizensadvice.org.uk/

Hope this helps,

Best wishes,

MAS Nurs

[Hidden]

Hi monzievaird,

I'd 100% endorse what MAS_Nurse has said about contacting your Citizens Advice Bureau to help you. They are wizards at cutting through all of the jargon and will be able to give you straightforward, accurate and honest answers to your questions.