contribution based ESA

My wife has been awarded contribution-based ESA for the next 2yrs. She has not worked since 1983. How can she get onto Income Support instead of the contribution-based ESA ? She needs Dental Work done almost immediately but we do not have the money to pay for it to be carried out. She has gum abcesses in her mouth and we are terrified it could be mouth cancer. But we cannot go to the dentist due to the cost. She could receive contribution based ESA for years as she is 54yrs old

Hi sb,

If your joint income and assets are beneath the threshold (and you do not work for 24 hours per week or more) your wife might be entitled to an income-related 'top up' of her ESA. This would bring with it automatic entitlement to free prescriptions and dental treatment etc

If you think this might apply to you, you should ask DWP to send you an ESA3 form which will collect details of your financial situation. It will not trigger an assessment of your wife's medical eligibility.

Asset rule for ESA(IR)

24 hour work rule for ESA(IR)

It might be sensible to see the GP as soon as possible.

Bearer wrote: It might be sensible to see the GP as soon as possible.

Sorry, I got carried away with the income-related element and overlooked this part of the post!

Indeed, a GP should be able to refer a patient to a specialist if oral cancer is suspected.

You maybe able to apply under the NHS Low Income Scheme. Depends on household make up and income but takes into account rent/mortgage payments etc, and as usual takes into account any savings. Search for HC1 form.

Well worth having if you qualify as you would also receive free prescriptions and eyesight tests etc.