Confused over Severe Disablement

Nim

I think you are referring to the Severe Disability Premium.

This is normally paid to someone who lives alone and no one is claiming Carers Allowance for, however, as your partner is also receiving DLA Care at the Medium rate or higher then you should be treated as living alone for the purposes of SDP, in fact both of you are in principle in this situation.

The problem is your partners income, which from your post is preventing payment of your ESA(IR) currently. If he is working 24 or more hours a week, then you cannot receive payment of ESA(IR), however if he is working less then 24 hours then I would recommend that you speak to a trained advisor as you might be entitled to some payment of ESA(IR) after the SDP is added to it, they will be able to calculate the amounts you should be receiving, after your partners wages are deducted. Do an internet search for "welfare advice" with your postcode, town or county.

If the figures are in your favour then you and possibly your partner, will need to contact the DWP and complete an IS10 form in regard to your living arrangements.

Gordon

Nim wrote: With a quick calculation, I believe he works 29 hours a week. I'll check with him this evening.

I kind of feel it would be cheating if he reduced it so that I could claim - his argument would be that whatever I'm able to claim would probably be less than he'd sacrifice in wages. (He simply doesn't see that he's blocking my ability to receive income).

Thank you for the comprehension reply. The best benefits advice in our area is DIAL - they're very busy, but I'll try emailing them

Kind regards.

Your ESA(IR) is a joint claim, so I am afraid there is no escaping his income being taken into account, but it is worth getting a calculation done as the additional income from 2 x SDP may cover the reduction in his wages.

Gordon