Severe disability premium - ESA

Flowersmith1

I am about to make a claim for New style ESA - currently getting Working Tax and Child Tax credit with my partner. Read somewhere that you cannot claim ESA if you currently get the severe disability premium

  - is that right ? Would we continue to get our current Tax Credits for 28 weeks if my ESA is accepted? It is all so difficult to understand when it comes to legacy benefits.

Thank you 

poppy123456

Those rules regarding SDP no longer exist and they didn't exist for those claiming WTC anyway. You can't claim New style ESA if you're claiming SSP from your employer. 3 months before the SSP ends you can start a claim for the ESA but you can't be paid it until the SSP ends.

You will need to have paid the correct amount of NI contributions in tax years April 2019 to March 2021. You will need your SSP1 form and a fit note to claim.

Whether WTC continues will depend on how many hours your partner works.

Flowersmith1

I am not getting SSP - I am self employed 

Flowersmith1

Forgot to add he works 16 hours

poppy123456

Your WTC can continue for 28 weeks. After that your partner would need to continue to work the required hours for WTC to continue.
Do be aware also that New Style ESA is taxable income. 

Flowersmith1

Thank you for all your input - much appreciated. 

L_Volunteer

You are welcome @Flowersmith1. It is the very least you deserve.

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