Can Two People in the Same House Claim ESA?
Yes, two people in the same house can claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) under certain circumstances. However, the type of ESA claim and the impact on benefits can vary depending on the specific situation.
Contribution-Based ESA
Both individuals in a household can claim Contribution-Based ESA (ESA(CB)) as individuals. This type of ESA is not affected by the income or savings of a partner.
Income-Related ESA
If one person in the household is unable to claim Contribution-Based ESA, they may be eligible for Income-Related ESA. However, Income-Related ESA can only be claimed as a joint claim, meaning both partners’ incomes and savings will be considered.
Impact on Benefits
When two people start living together, it can impact some benefits, particularly income-based benefits. These benefits are usually claimed as a couple, and the benefits office will take into account both partners’ incomes and savings when determining eligibility.
Specific Benefits Affected
The specific benefits that may be affected when two people start living together include:
Key Facts
- Contribution-based benefits: Both individuals can claim a Contribution Based Benefit individually. For example, one person can claim ESA(CB) and the other person can claim JSA(CB) if they are eligible.
- Income-based benefits: If one person is unable to claim a contribution-based benefit, they may be able to claim an income-related benefit. However, income-related benefits can only be claimed as a joint claim.
- Impact on benefits: If two people in the same house start living together, it can have an impact on some benefits. Income-based benefits are usually claimed as a couple, and the benefits office will consider both incomes and savings when determining eligibility.
- Specific benefits affected: The specific benefits that may be affected when two people in the same house start living together include Tax credits, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
- Changes in calculation: When two people start living together, the calculation for benefits may change based on the partner’s income and savings. This can result in either a reduction or complete cessation of benefits.
- Tax credits
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Income Support
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Changes in Calculation
When two people start living together, the calculation for benefits may change based on the partner’s income and savings. This can result in either a reduction or complete cessation of benefits.
Conclusion
While it is possible for two people in the same house to claim ESA, the type of ESA claim and the impact on benefits will depend on the specific circumstances. It is advisable to seek professional advice or consult with the relevant benefits office to determine the most appropriate course of action.
References
- Adding A partner to esa claim – Benefits and Work Forum
- Both claiming ESA separately and move in together? — Scope | Disability forum
- Living with a partner and benefits | Advicenow
FAQs
Can two people in the same house claim ESA?
Yes, two people in the same house can claim ESA, but the type of ESA claim and the impact on benefits will depend on the specific circumstances.
What is Contribution-Based ESA?
Contribution-Based ESA (ESA(CB)) is a type of ESA that is not affected by the income or savings of a partner. Both individuals in a household can claim ESA(CB) as individuals.
What is Income-Related ESA?
Income-Related ESA is a type of ESA that is only available to individuals who are unable to claim Contribution-Based ES It is claimed as a joint claim, meaning both partners’ incomes and savings will be considered.
How does living together affect ESA claims?
When two people start living together, it can impact some benefits, particularly income-based benefits. These benefits are usually claimed as a couple, and the benefits office will take into account both partners’ incomes and savings when determining eligibility.
What specific benefits may be affected when two people start living together?
The specific benefits that may be affected when two people start living together include Tax credits, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
Can the calculation for benefits change when two people start living together?
Yes, the calculation for benefits may change when two people start living together based on the partner’s income and savings. This can result in either a reduction or complete cessation of benefits.
Is it advisable to seek professional advice about ESA claims?
Yes, it is advisable to seek professional advice or consult with the relevant benefits office to determine the most appropriate course of action for ESA claims.