- Posts: 51284
COUPLES SEPARATING AND ESA
- Jayne
- Topic Author
My husband and I are separating. We live in rented accommodation, but the contract is due to end shortly and we will have to move out. I am purchasing my own home, but my husband will be moving in with a friend. I am assuming, as he has no income, he will be entitled to ESA(IR) and if he is receiving ESA(IR) he will be eligible for Housing Benefit as he will need to find his own home (can't stay with friends and family forever).
My question is, I will be living in my own (mortgaged) home, and I have some savings too. Will the DSS take my savings into account when deciding his case, even though we are separated. I would hope they dont, as I have saved hard for years and there was no contribution made by my husband.
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- Gordon
- Offline
Jayne wrote: Dear Benefits and Work
My husband and I are separating. We live in rented accommodation, but the contract is due to end shortly and we will have to move out. I am purchasing my own home, but my husband will be moving in with a friend. I am assuming, as he has no income, he will be entitled to ESA(IR) and if he is receiving ESA(IR) he will be eligible for Housing Benefit as he will need to find his own home (can't stay with friends and family forever).
My question is, I will be living in my own (mortgaged) home, and I have some savings too. Will the DSS take my savings into account when deciding his case, even though we are separated. I would hope they dont, as I have saved hard for years and there was no contribution made by my husband.
As previously advised, he should get face to face advice, I do not think that you can assume that he will be eligible for ESA(IR) just because he has no income and he needs to understand what his financial position will be. For there to be eligibility for ESA(IR) the amount of ESA(IR) payable must be more than the current ESA(CB) payment, for a single person in the WRAG, it is possible that the ESA(IR) will equal the ESA(CB) and therefore there will be no eligibility.
Providing that the DSS are satisfied that you are separated, then your income, savings, and any hours that you work will not count against his benefit.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- Jayne
- Topic Author
Regards
Jayne
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- Gordon
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- Posts: 51284
Jayne wrote: Thanks Gordon. Went to the CAB a couple of weeks ago, but unfortunately they were not very knowledgeable and told us to go to the dreaded Job Centre Plus office.
Regards
Jayne
Where to get advice?
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- Jayne
- Topic Author
Yes to the JobCetnre Plus for advice. Is this not right?
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- Gordon
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- Posts: 51284
Jayne wrote: Hi Gordon
Yes to the JobCetnre Plus for advice. Is this not right?
The link I posted explains where to find advice, other than the CAB, it may be that due to your location there is none available, but there may be trained advisors in your area who can look at your husbands claim and tell your definitely whether he will be eligible for ESA(IR).
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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