I have been told that Current Welfare Reform bill intends to limit ESA CB to 12 months and this will be retrospective from April 2012 if and when it is passed, at the point you reach 12mths you can moved to ESA IB, but if you have a partner who is working it is unlikely (but always have this checked) you will be untitled to any ESA. In terms of entitlements it depends on your family circumstanes.
Been told that as I have a 19 year old son (no partner as separated) who has just started work full time they will calculate his earnings so I wont get it. Is this true? How can they use my sons wages to calcualte MY benefit, especally as he has been an unpaid carer many years.
I have been on IB for around 7 years and awating to be transfer - to dreading the brown envelope thorugh my door.
Thank you in advance if anyone can clarify any of this for me and many others....
The means test for ESA(IR) takes into account yours and a partners income, but would not include your son.
However, other benefits enabled by ESA(IR), such as Housing Benefit, may assume a notional payment by your son to the household. You would need to speak to your local CAB or Welfare Rights office to understand any deductions made in these circumstances.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
