New Style ESA - Joint WTC Award

JonnycJonny

Need definitive clarification.

If I make a claim for New style ESA what impact will it have on my Joint WTC Award ?
Can I claim ESA for 28 weeks without our current Tax Credits being reduced ? I get both the disability and severe disability elements in the Tax Credit Award (as I am on the higher rate for PIP daily living) and my partner works 16 hours a week. 

What would happen after 28 weeks - assuming I get ESA ? Will we then have to move to UC?

Thank you

poppy123456

Please see the advice in your other thread with the same question https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/97248/joint-wtc-move-to-esa#latest
The advice was to use a benefits calculator to see if after those 28 weeks you maybe better off claiming UC. 

JonnycJonny

Confusion has arisen ( hence the need for double clarification ). One website states that the SDP will be removed from the Tax Credit Award if I claim New style ESA - another states that a claim for New Style ESA will trigger an immediate move to UC. 

Sorry for having asked twice.

calcotti

JonnycJonny said:

another states that a claim for New Style ESA will trigger an immediate move to UC. 

That is definitely incorrect. Nothing moves you to UC. Certain circumstances can mean that you need to claim UC to continue to receive benefit help. Claiming new style ESA is not one of those circumstances.

JonnycJonny said: One website states that the SDP will be removed from the Tax Credit Award if I claim New style ESA -

You are treated to still in work for 28 weeks while receiving SSP (which, as I understand it, you don’t get due to being self employed) or being entitled to ESA. 

While still treated as in work you still get the disabled worker premium. After the 28 week period it will stop.

The Severe Disability Premium is separate and you will continue to get this even after the 28 weeks if your wife is still working sufficient hours for you qualify for WTC as a couple.

What sites are you reading this information on?

[Request to moderators - could you please merge this thread with previous thread. We are duplicating replies but this thread doesn’t contain all the background detail provided by OP in original thread.]

JonnycJonny

Thank you for your definitive answer before I start my claim. Which is better a digital Fit Note or a scanned paper copy as I cannot add my NI No to the digital fit note. I guess they will ask for my NI No during the process anyway ?

I will use a benefits checker to decide the way forward after 28 weeks - depending of course on how things pan out with my ESA claim and the group I get put in. 

poppy123456

Yes you will need your NI number to claim ESA. Either fit note will be fine.

JonnycJonny said:

I will use a benefits checker to decide the way forward after 28 weeks - depending of course on how things pan out with my ESA claim and the group I get put in. 

Just so that you're aware, a decision on your work capability assessment may take longer than 28 weeks. You will need to be placed into the Support Group for payments to continue after 1 year.

JonnycJonny

Thank you for all your input.

L_Volunteer

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