If I'm on ESA can my son apply for Universal credit and it not affect me?

[MoveItAnLo]

I am in the ESA support group with CTC and CB.

DS has been looking for a job for months with no luck, he really needs support in finding work.

If he applies for UC will it affect my ESA claim.

We live together.

[NeverDropYourMooncup]

See a benefits advisor - it might be that it's unaffected, he could claim the carer's element and you wouldn't have to pay council tax at the rate you do for him as an independent adult.

[VeneziaJ]

If he is an adult you can still claim ESA, its only joint claims with partners that can effect ESA and trigger migration to UC . Have you thought about claiming PIP and he claim carers allowance if he is looking after you? Look at entitledto benefit check on gov.uk and citizensadvice

[MoveItAnLo]

@VeneziaJ

If he is an adult you can still claim ESA, its only joint claims with partners that can effect ESA and trigger migration to UC . Have you thought about claiming PIP and he claim carers allowance if he is looking after you? Look at entitledto benefit check on gov.uk and citizensadvice

I don't want him to be at home any longer. It's not good for him. I'd rather him find employment out of the house.

I'm considering applying for pip but am waiting on a diagnosis before I do.

[3WildOnes]

I dont think you can claim CTC or CB once your son is claiming UC. I think the change in circumstances would also trigger a migration over to UC.
How old is your son and is he in full tine education?
I'm not an expert on benefits, however I did work for the childrens disability team and this did come up quite a bit.
I would contact your local CAB any local disability charities to be certain.

[MoveItAnLo]

@3WildOnes

I dont think you can claim CTC or CB once your son is claiming UC. I think the change in circumstances would also trigger a migration over to UC.
How old is your son and is he in full tine education?
I'm not an expert on benefits, however I did work for the childrens disability team and this did come up quite a bit.
I would contact your local CAB any local disability charities to be certain.

No, not CB and CTC for him, I get that for his younger siblings.

He is 19 and not in education or employment anymore, he lost his job before Christmas and hasn't been able to get another. But I cannot financially support him out of my own money any longer.

[Caswallonthefox]

Your ESA won't be affected.

[MoveItAnLo]

Thankyou.

Yes he's not a dependant or partner in a joint claim so I think I will be OK.

[FlemCandango]

Hi op. I work as a benefits adviser (supervisor now).

So there are a few issues to consider here.

1. your son can claim UC he will get the under 25 standard allowance currently £292/m and he will not be eligible for housing costs unless he is on the tenancy and responsible for paying rent. This will not affect your ESA claim.
   
   
2. if you are not claiming a disability benefit now you should make a claim asap. You do not need a diagnosis to be eligible. The benefit is assessed on the impact of health issues/ disability on your daily life and ability to get around. If you have been getting ESA long term are you in the support group? You will potentially be entitled to premiums on top of your standard ESA amount if you get awarded PIP. It will be a good idea to maximise your ESA before you are migrated onto UC (current deadline is 2025 for people on CTC).
   
   
3. you may avoid non dependent deductions from. Housing benefit if your son is on UC but you need to make sure your council is aware your son is claiming. Adults living with you can impact your housing and council tax benefits.
   
   I suggest you speak to your local Citizens advice and get a benefit check to make sure you are on the right benefits for your situation and that you are advised on the impact of your son claiming UC. You may want to check if you would be better off on UC now, it is unlikely as you should claim PIP first and then migrate only when you are required to, to ensure you have transitional protection.
   
   It will be fine but get some help.

[MoveItAnLo]

Thankyou so much.

I'm actually really scared to claim Pip.

I've been on ESA support group now for about 7 years but never claimed pip as the application for ESA was so scary. I ended up at tribunal etc and I ended up self harming as a result.

I've not SH since and I'm worried the stress of applying for PIP could kick all that off.

Can I not apply for Pip once I'm on UC?