Work focused interview

Eva wrote: Thank you for your reply. Had a phone call and job centre said the appointment is mandatory and I only have to attend once in the lifetime of husbands claim. I asked if I could bring him with me and they said yes. Got me wondering though if I am better with my own claim, the thing is I was told years ago I could not claim ESA if my husband was claiming it, is this right? Advisor did ask me if I had considered applying for PIP, totally confused about what I can and cannot claim for and if we would be better off doing that, any advice welcome, thanks.

If your husband is receiving Income Related ESA in part or in whole, then you cannot claim ESA unless you have been working in the recent past or been receiving Carers Allowance.

Only one person in a household can claim an Income Related benefit as it is paid for the both partners, which is why you need to attend this WFI.

PIP is a separate benefit from ESA and is paid to help with a person with the extra costs that a disability brings. ESA is paid if you cannot work. Have a look at our PIP Claim guide for the criteria you will need to meet in order to receive an award.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/pip

Gordon