which benefit should i apply for?

hi
my partner has been self employed and has recently been ill with back problems where he has lost the feeling from the knee down and has been this way for 3 months now.

i also have ME but have managed to continue working by constantly forcing myself to, which has been detrimental to my health.

the problem is he has tried to claim esa but has been refused because he hasnt paid enough contributions. what can we do?

i know that i really should stop working also as i have no quality of life but worry about losing our home etc.

i dont understand how people who have never worked can claim all sorts but we can get nothing. please help!
many thanks
mandy

I don't know whether your husband filled in the income-related part of the ESA1, but if he did and your husband couldn't qualify on his contribution record, or if your combined income/capital exceeded the statutory amount as defined by law to be able to qualify for income-based ESA, it is possible he may not be entitled to any of this allowance?

However, it may be in your best interests to obtain advice from a CAB or welfare rights office, to see if your husband may be entitled to any other social security benefits?