Esa & CA

Begin

My husband gets carers allowance for looking after me. I am currently awaiting a decision on my (new style) esa claim. I have already been awarded highest rate pip, as my osteo arthritis has progressed so quickly. If I get a support esa award with esa will I be able to also claim the disability premium?? Thankyou

poppy123456

There are no disability premiums payable with New style ESA because it’s a contributions based benefit only. 
https://www.gov.uk/disability-premiums/eligibility

You can use a benefits calculator to check entitlement to Universal Credit. As it’s a means tested benefit then you will need to claim with your partner. If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you’re excluded from claiming. 

If awarded ESA then this and the carers allowance will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement. 

I also noticed from a previous thread that your husband is receiving a pension, this will also be deducted in full from any UC entitlement. 

Begin

Ah Thankyou 
we do have about £17000 from my husbands pension. 

Does this stop me claiming esa (I don’t want to claim UC) 
Is it possible for me to choose which type of esa to claim or is that decided by dwp?? (I worked full time until a year (ish) ago x

poppy123456

The only ESA you can claim now is New style, which you said you've already applied for. It isn't means tested, unless you are receiving a pension that's more than £85/week.  

The other ESA's are no longer possible to claim because all areas are UC now. With savings of more than £16,000 you'll be excluded anyway.

Begin

Thankyou poppy
just to be clear do you mean I’d be excluded from UC- but not excluded from esa?
if I am awarded esa, having paid full stamp up to a year ago, do you know what rate will I be awarded per week please. Many thanks

poppy123456

Yes, excluded from claiming UC. ESA is £84.80/week, providing you're not receiving a pension of more than £85/week. If you are then for every £1 over this amount the ESA is reduced by 50p/week. If placed into the Support Group the amount increases to £129.50/week (before deductions) from the 14th week of your claim. It's then paid for as long as you remain in that group.

If not placed into the Support Group then payments stop after 1 year. If found fit for work then payments will stop once a decision is made.

Begin

Huge thanks for all of this Poppy. Good to speak with someone who really knows what they’re talking about. 

Thanks again 

 

poppy123456

You're very welcome and thank you also!

Begin

💐🌸🌷🌼💐🌻🌺🌹🪻
Poppy, if I could send you a little bunch of flowers for all your help then I would- but these will have to do 😊 xx

poppy123456

Aww that’s so kind of you, thank you! You really made me smile this morning!! 😁 ❤️