Can you receive ESA whilst receiving dividends?

jillyp

Hello,
 I have just had a disturbing call from the DWP saying that I’ve earning income.
I was on incapacity benefit but that changed to ESA.
My question is; can you receive dividends whilst receiving dividends.? My husband has his own company and sometimes is out of work for months.
 I would love some advice. Obviously these shares/ dividends are taxed.

Tori_Scope

Hi @jillyp Welcome to the community!

I'm a little confused about your question:

can you receive dividends whilst receiving dividends.?

Do you mean to ask whether you can receive ESA whilst receiving dividends? 

jillyp

Sorry… yes! 

I have been on ESA for years. I receive dividends from my husband’s company.
I had a disturbing call this morning. Very distressing. My husband pays tax on all dividends and we always follow the rules.

jillyp

Thank you also Tori for your kind welcome ?

chiarieds

Hi @jillyp - & welcome to the community. You've absolutely done nothing wrong as far as HMRC goes in paying tax on these dividends. If you're on income related ESA, which it seems may be the case, then dividends will be classed as income, & this, together with any other income plus your household savings, can affect your ESA if they're more than £6000 per annum. Please see the following link, scrolling down to 'What might affect how much you get paid.' Please see: https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/what-youll-get