ESA and PIP

[Callywalls]

Due to mental health issues my dh has just been awarded Standard Rate PIP, I have applied for Carer's Allowance and our only other income is SSP which is due to end in October. I have been advised to apply for ESA on his behalf and I believe this is in the region of £73 per week, however, when I spoke to Citizens Advice Bureau earlier they said because he has been awarded PIP he may be eligible for a "premium" with regards to the ESA - I have tried to research this online but it is very confusing and from what I can gather, because he has not been awarded Enhanced PIP he is not eligible for any "premiums" - however, I may be wrong. Can anyone advise me if this is the case and also, there are so many different types of ESA that my head is spinning and I do not know which one to apply for. DH has worked constantly for 20 years so is up to date with NI payments. Also, will he have to have a face to face interview as he did with the PIP, as that was quite an ordeal!!

he cannot make a new claim for income related ESA as that now falls under Universal credit. He can make a claim for contributions based ESA ( called new style ESA) if he has paid sufficient NI contributions over the past few years but can only make a claim for this when SSP ends. or a few weeks before. There are no premiums on New style ESA , he may be awarded extra money if put in the support group after he has had a medical assessment. If you have no other household income or savings over 6k then you may be better off on a joint Uc claim especially if you have rent to pay. You could claim the carers element on UC but carers allowance would be deducted, your dh would need to hand in sick notes and wait to be assessed for capability to work.

To answer your last question, for new style ESA and / or Uc most people will need a work capability assessment unless terminally ill or undergoing chemotherapy or Radiotherapy. However if they have enough medical evidence then they may be able to make a paper based decision, this is why it's important to send as much medical evidence as you can back with the work capability form. I should also mention it is possible to claim UC on a joint claim and new style ( contribuitions based) ESA together. The new style ESA will be deducted from the UC.

@Babyroobs Many thanks for that information.