Hi guys,

I had to go through a random spot check from the DWP relating to my ESA, and as the guy went through my bank statements, he picked up on a chunk of money from my parents (£220 each month). He asked if it was a regular payment, and I was honest and said yes, and that it covers the extra rent amount that my housing benefit doesn't.

I have since received a letter from the ESA department reducing my benefit by £60 per week - completely negating the amount coming in from my parents, and I will now be unable to cover the rent.

What do I do?! Obviously my parents aren't happy continuing to financially help me if its not going to make a difference (my dad is now retired so they are far from wealthy) - and I am literally going to be unable to meet my rent costs.

I know I will need to call and change my circumstances to tell them that my parents will no longer be able to give me a regular amount of money due to him retiring, but it will then still leave me in a position where I am over £200 short each month for rent.

Is there a way to get around this? The person visiting told me it would have been fine if I was given one off 'gifts' or irregular 'gifts' but because it was coming into my account each month it counts as income.

I should also add I am totally baffled when in theory I could earn more then £60 without it affecting my benefits - yet im being penalised because my parents are toping up for my rent rather then getting it via work. This whole system makes no sense.

All advice and help on this would be massively appreciated!!

Many thanks,
Charlotte