Some advice on ESA would be very helpful please

yellowpinky · April 14

Hello there, I'm new and looking forward to being part of this community. I wonder if I could leap into asking for some advice as I'm quite worried about something.

I've been living alone for years on contributions based ESA in the support group, which had an income related top up added when my savings went below the threshold a few years ago. I live in a house owned by a Trust (trustees are my two siblings and myself). Last year my brother moved in with me. He had zero income and zero savings until October 2024 when he got a job. I informed council tax and water etc and adjustments were made but stupidly it didn't occur to me to inform DWP as in the past I'd been told it wouldn't affect my ESA, However, when I was told that, I think maybe I didn't have income related top up. My brother pays his council tax, we split the bills and do our own food. Does anyone know if I'm going to lose my income related component? I know I'll probably need to pay money back too.

Any advice or experience of this before I report it to DWP would be very helpful. I'm quite worried I'm going to get in trouble.

Kimi87 · April 14

Living with a family member (non partner) will not have any impact on your ESA claim.

Even though you live together you are considered seperate households for benefit purposes.

yellowpinky · April 14

Oh really? That's encouraging, thank you very much for your response ☺️

Kimi87 · April 14

Actually do you receive Severe Disability Premium with your ESA?

That is potentially affected by you no longer living alone.

yellowpinky · April 14

I don't believe I do, no. My ESA is made up of Living expenses, Support Group and Disability income guarantee.

Kimi87 · April 14

Thank you, only the Severe Disability Premium would possibly be impacted by you not living alone.

Some advice on ESA would be very helpful please

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