I am in the support group for contributory esa and have been since 2015.I have many health issues and and tried to claim carers allowance for my brother a couple of years ago.I was told I could not claim as I was on the maximum benefits and that was that! I recently received a letter from jobcentre plus saying I may qualify for severe disability premium,why have they sent me this when previously told I’m not eligible for any thing else,I am on the enhanced rate of daily living p I p component .
Hi Signalbox2016 If you are on contribution based ESA then you would not be entitled to SDP. It is only available for means tested benefit. My understanding is that Carers Allowance can not be awarded with ESA. ( If you can care for someone you should be able to work!) However maybe you do now qualify or for means tested ESAib? It is always a good idea to ask a local benefits advice centre to do a benefits review if you haven't had one for a long time. If you have no other income apart from PIP ( which is disregarded anyway) and the contribution ESA, including any income from a partner, and have capital under £16000 then it is likely you would be eligible for ESAib. Even if you have eg a small private pension, as long as this is within the income level, you may still get some ESAib, which would entitke you to SDP provided that you live alone and no one claims Carers Allowance for looking after you.
I hope this helps. LL26
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