WORK FOCUSED INTERVIEW

Gordon wrote:

Mrs Hurtyback wrote:

Hi Gordon,

This is new to me - does that refer to people who have a joint claim?

It definitely applies to joint claims, however, 53016 suggests that it any ESA claim.

Gordon

Gosh!

Just to add, the partners WFI requirement does not apply where someone claims Contributory ESA and their partner either works (or even doesn't work) but is supported without the partner needing recourse to have benefit paid for him/her.

Pete

Hi there, I claim ESA for both of us and am in the support group.She does not sign on or anything and shares caring for me with our son.
It just beggars belief.

mr x wrote:

Hi there, I claim ESA for both of us and am in the support group.She does not sign on or anything and shares caring for me with our son.
It just beggars belief.

Hi,

Sadly as you are claiming a benefit for your partner, then as Gordon pointed out the following applies:

53016 Partners of claimants receiving ESA are required to take part in a WfI as a condition of the claimant continuing to receive the full rate of benefit1 (see DMG 05520). However a partner who is undertaking significant long term caring responsibilities that make the prospect of work, paid or unpaid, unlikely at the present time may have their WfI deferred.

As you say your partner shares caring responsibilities for you with your son, then it may (emphasis on may as it is not definite) even make it more difficult to prove there is a 'significant' long term caring responsibility, particularly if she undertakes part time work as well.

A bit of a dammed if you do, dammed if you don't kind of situation sadly.

Pete