haboo wrote: I have been advised by cab that I may be better off changing my contribution based ESA (support group) to income based ESA. As this would help with housing benefit and council tax.
Any advice would be fantastic.
You can't switch to ESA(IR), if a claimant is eligible for ESA(CB) then it is always paid, however, you may be eligible for an ESA(IR) top up to your ESA(CB), this will be dependant on your personal circumstances.
ESA(IR) is dependant on your household income, your savings and assets, and any hours that your partner works. See
Asset rule for ESA(IR) 24 hour work rule for ESA(IR) If you think you qualify then contact the DWP office dealing with your claim and ask for an ESA3 form to be sent, this captures information about your finances.
Housing Benefit uses the same basic rules as ESA, so you may not see any change in this even if you are eligible for ESA(IR).
Gordon
