ESA

Hi cazzie,

Yes, definitely. A couple could claim two lots of contributory ESA if they have both worked in the past and paid enough national insurance. For income-related ESA, if you live with a partner you always have to claim it as a couple. You can decide which of you is the main claimant. Income-related ESA can be paid on top of contributory ESA, or it might be paid by itself.

I'd be careful though, because if one of you is also a carer for the other, income support may be a better benefit to claim as your income-based benefit (the benefit you get due to a low income). And in some areas, you will have to claim Universal Credit as the income-based benefit, if you are making a new claim.

Do get back to us if you want more advice.

Will