Question For A Friend On Esa

[ytsrik1978]

if you are a couple dating and both on esa in the support group and you want to move in together what do you have to do? How do you make a joint claim when they are both already claiming esa in the support group? How much do you get on a joint esa claim? How do you sort out the housing benefit?

[murraymints]

The householder will have to submit new form for house and council tax benefit...not sure about joint esa in support groups as you will be assessed independently for your individual circumstances....speak to adviser in job centre about that..Good luck..hope you will be very happy together xx

[ytsrik1978]

one of them is on income based esa and one of them is on contributed based esa will this make a difference?

[murraymints]

May do..but if both are on benefits not so you'd notice..but best go through job centre advisor as I , as job centre manager , bit out of date !

[black_cat51]

i don't think there is such a thing as a joint claim for ESA (or if there is it seems absurd)
The one on income related ESA's household income will have changed, so i would imagine they would have to inform someone

[albaqwerty]

There is such a thing as a joint claim for ESA. Just as there is for a joint claim for JSA.

If they move in together, then one of them will be the main claimant.

I have no idea how much is paid on a joint claim ESA.
For housing benefits and advice on such, go to the council.
Some councils are most helpful.

[black_cat51]

wow, thank you, i am most surprised. I wondering if thjey are expecting couples to recover/get work at the same time?

[factor-fiction]

Is there any prospect of either of you getting a job, kirsty, or is it more or less certain you'll have to rely on benefits? Apologies if I'm showing my ignorance of what 'in the support group' means

[factor-fiction]

Sorry- I meant your friend and partner not you

[EDDIE51]

If they move in together as a couple they will have to claim the couples rate of ESA which is quite a lot less than 2 single rates. They will be better off claiming as 2 individuals who just live at the same address. They may face questions as to if they are really a couple or 2 separate people who live together.
Housing benefit is not effected by having a person living with you who has only benefit income.

[EDDIE51]

The best way to do it would not to make a new claim but just for the one who is moving to simply change their address for ESA to the new place.

[themas]

I'm a bit concerned by Eddie's last post. What he suggests is OK IF they do not become a couple. However, if they do become a couple they must submit joint claims for all benefits - & will get less money.

If they don't do this they are at risk of DWP finding out & a possible fraud enquiry.

[ytsrik1978]

thank you murraymints they took your advice xx