Why was I taken off ESA?

kevtully

Can you please explain why many years ago I was taken off esa because my wife worked 30 hours a week as it still confuses me? although i worked up to being ill?

Antonia_Alumni

Hi @kevtully

Thank you for sharing this with. I am sorry to hear about this. Some of our members may be able to help you with this.

poppy123456

Hi,

You were most likely claiming Income related ESA and your wife returning to work would have meant you wouldn't have been entitled to claim.

Had you been claiming Contributions based ESA then your wife working wouldn't have affected your claim.

kevtully

Ah, thank you, makes my blood boil though, we lived hand to mouth for a number of years they kept assessing me to see if I was able to work? I passed every time but they finally got their way by taking my sickness benefit off me HORRIBLE PEOPLE.

poppy123456

Income related benefits are means tested, which means household income from a partner that works affects what you can claim. As your partner worked 30 hours per week then you wouldn't have been entitled to anything at that time.