Where do I stand with these benefits?

rob123
rob123 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
edited October 2018 in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Hi Everyone, just heard about this under payment so i phoned the dwp and was told that not only am i on the contribution base but also on the income related one as well, for years we have been paying rent,council tax and even prescriptions, my wife and i do not go to work , my main benefits are Industrial injury benefit and high care pip and low mobility ...my question if anyone can help is where do we stand on this

Comments

  • Ami2301
    Ami2301 Online Community Member Posts: 7,877 Championing
    Hi @rob123 welcome to the community!

    I am unsure however there are very knowledgeable members in the community who will be able to help you and will be in contact with you soon.

    I wish you all the best and please do let us know if there is anything else that we can help you with! :)
  • rob123
    rob123 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    thank you so much Ami2301
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,458 Championing
    rob123 said:
    Hi Everyone, just heard about this under payment so i phoned the dwp and was told that not only am i on the contribution base but also on the income related one as well, for years we have been paying rent,council tax and even prescriptions, my wife and i do not go to work , my main benefits are Industrial injury benefit and high care pip and low mobility ...my question if anyone can help is where do we stand on this
    Hi,

    Are you claiming ESA as a couple? If not what benefits does your wife claim, if she isn't working?
  • rob123
    rob123 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    hi as a couple also i get industrial injury  benefit from 1989
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,458 Championing
    rob123 said:
    hi as a couple also i get industrial injury  benefit from 1989
    As you're claiming as a couple then this will be Income Related and not contributions based because you can't claim as a couple when claiming Contributions based. As you're already claiming Income related then i would expect your receiving the correct amount of money.

    Your Industrial injuries benefit will be classed as income and will reduce your ESA amount. Claiming Income related will entitle you to claim free prescriptions, dental and eye tests.

    What's the reason why you haven't claimed housing benefit and council tax reduction?
  • rob123
    rob123 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    Hi Poppy, we do get so much off our rent but we still have to pay £65 a week rent and our council tax is almost £100 a month, we are not entitled to free prescriptions or dental work 
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,458 Championing
    As you claim ESA as a couple then this will be Income Related and this will qualify you both for free prescriptions and dental. It's impossible to be claiming contributions based benefit as a couple.

    £100 per month council tax seems a lot. Have you applied for the council tax reduction? Do you have anyone else living in your house other than dependent children?

    Your IIB will be counted as income for means tested benefits.

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