Benefits - Unable to return to work

Vanessa2508

hi I receive u/c housing element, standard allowance and LWRCA. I am unable to return to work because of my disability I also received daily living PIP and enhanced mobility PIP would it be better for me to switch over to Newstyle ESA IM sorry I do find it confusing thanks

Kimi87

New Style ESA can be claimed alongside UC, you would need sufficient NI Contributions from working in the past few years to qualify.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

The NS ESA would be deducted in full from your UC award.

Switching over wouldn't be practical as you'd be worse off, New Style ESA pays £281.10 a fortnight only. You'd have to pay your rent out of ESA & PIP.

New claims for Housing Benefit if you are of working age are only possible if you live in supported or sheltered housing.

Vanessa2508

hi Kim thankyou for your quick reply I live in shared ownership so are you saying new claimants are unable to claim the housing element of u/c

Kimi87

You already receive Housing Element (UC).

Working age claimants cannot get Housing Benefit unless living in sheltered housing or supported living.

So if you claimed NS ESA & closed your UC claim, you would have to pay your rent through the ESA & PIP income.

As claiming Housing Benefit is not an option for you.

Vanessa2508

Thankyou Kim for your reply. As I am now unable to work I am aged 58 is there anything g else that might be able to help me. Thanks x

Kimi87

You could investigate Council Tax Reduction.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction

There is also this thread which has some pointers on additional help with PIP.

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/138442/what-discounts-and-free-help-is-available-with-pip

Vanessa2508

Thankyou you have been most helpful.