Living with a partner & losing benefits?
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DarlingNikki
Community member Posts: 7 Connected
Hi, I'm in bits honestly and can't understand what's happened.
I started claiming ESA in 2017 and was entitled to contributory based ESA. I claimed this until my partner left last year in July.
In July 2020 I was advised by my local DAB to try and a top-up on my benefits as I was struggling and need help at home. I was award a Severe Disability Premium, and my benefit was means tested, meaning I could pay for the assistance I need. I am and have always been in the support group.
I started dating someone recently and we have discussed living together.
Today I called the DWP and was told, in July last year, all of my ESA had been been changed to income-related - and therefore, if I ever lived with someone again, I would lose my benefit (as long as they were working as it's means tested). And that actually, I would go onto Universal Credit as a 'migration' would be triggered.
How have I lost my entitlement to contributory based ESA? I'm so upset and I don't understand how I could survive on PIP only. I would have been better off never trying to get more help, as I didn't realise it would cancel my qualifying for contributory based and remove my option to ever live with anyone again.
Any help would be appreciated! I'm expecting a call back from DWP within 3 days to 'explain' what's happened.
I started claiming ESA in 2017 and was entitled to contributory based ESA. I claimed this until my partner left last year in July.
In July 2020 I was advised by my local DAB to try and a top-up on my benefits as I was struggling and need help at home. I was award a Severe Disability Premium, and my benefit was means tested, meaning I could pay for the assistance I need. I am and have always been in the support group.
I started dating someone recently and we have discussed living together.
Today I called the DWP and was told, in July last year, all of my ESA had been been changed to income-related - and therefore, if I ever lived with someone again, I would lose my benefit (as long as they were working as it's means tested). And that actually, I would go onto Universal Credit as a 'migration' would be triggered.
How have I lost my entitlement to contributory based ESA? I'm so upset and I don't understand how I could survive on PIP only. I would have been better off never trying to get more help, as I didn't realise it would cancel my qualifying for contributory based and remove my option to ever live with anyone again.
Any help would be appreciated! I'm expecting a call back from DWP within 3 days to 'explain' what's happened.
Comments
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hi @DarlingNikki good afternoon and welcome to scope.
Don't take this personally but you say you have started dated someone recently and you have already discussed living together, I would want to be more sure of a relationship especially when it could complicate your benefit claims.2024 The year of the general election...the time for change is coming 💡 -
Yes, we have been seeing each other since last year. And this was more a sounding out of what the situation would be, for us to consider our options. Definitely not just jumping in.
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DarlingNikki said: Today I called the DWP and was told, in July last year, all of my ESA had been been changed to income-related - and therefore, if I ever lived with someone again, I would lose my benefit (as long as they were working as it's means tested). And that actually, I would go onto Universal Credit as a 'migration' would be triggered.DarlingNikki said: How have I lost my entitlement to contributory based ESA? I'm so upset and I don't understand how I could survive on PIP only. I would have been better off never trying to get more help, as I didn't realise it would cancel my qualifying for contributory based and remove my option to ever live with anyone again.
Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Rules may be different in other parts of UK. -
Thank you @calcotti!I’m honestly so confused. The person I spoke to at DWP seemed convinced I’d be automatically migrated to UC and reassessed. She kept saying they were or would
all be new claims, and they’re not accepting new ESA claims. I got so overwhelmed I couldn’t process things anymore. I will contact DAB again, and wouldn’t do anything without support. -
Might be worth contacting your local welfare rights team, they could put your mind at rest.2024 The year of the general election...the time for change is coming 💡
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DarlingNikki said: She kept saying they were or wouldall be new claims, and they’re not accepting new ESA claims. I got so overwhelmed I couldn’t process things anymore. I will contact DAB again, and wouldn’t do anything without support.
You should not rely on what DWP phone operatives tell you. They are not benefit advisers often provide incorrect information.
What ESA group have you been in?
What are your partner's circumstances?Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Rules may be different in other parts of UK. -
That's awesome. Thank you so much for your support. I've always been in the support group (since my first payment in 2017).
My partner is currently living alone, working full-time, and renting. He's talking about buying a property this year, which is what sparked the conversation. He doesn't claim any benefits. -
DarlingNikki said:That's awesome. Thank you so much for your support. I've always been in the support group (since my first payment in 2017).DarlingNikki said:My partner is currently living alone, working full-time, and renting. He's talking about buying a property this year, which is what sparked the conversation. He doesn't claim any benefits.Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Rules may be different in other parts of UK.
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Thank you so much. I will try and address this with DWP. Really helped me out out today. Thank you again ♥️
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By way of confirmation
https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/your-esa-claim‘New style’ and contribution-based ESA last for 365 days if you’re in the work-related activity group.
There’s no time limit if you’re in the support group, or if you’re getting income-related ESA.Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Rules may be different in other parts of UK.
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