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Change of circumstances question
- Rick2Wise
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10 years 3 weeks ago #133441 by Rick2Wise
Change of circumstances question was created by Rick2Wise
Hello,
Firstly I would like to acknowledge and thank you for all the good work you do. This site has been a great benefit and comfort to me.
Before I ask my question I suspect some background information might be helpful:
I am receiving contribution based (I think) ESA with extra money for disability and help with mortgage payments (housing). I am in the support group. I also receive PIP daily living and enhanced mobility component. I am divorced and live alone.
My ex-wife is being made redundant and if she can not find another job soon I plan to let her stay with me until she is back in work. My question is: Once I tell the DWP about a change in my circumstances should I expect them to reduce my benefits and is there any way to work out beforehand how much the reduction is likely to be. My ex only expects to have JSA by way of income while she is here.
Thanks in advance,
Rick
Firstly I would like to acknowledge and thank you for all the good work you do. This site has been a great benefit and comfort to me.
Before I ask my question I suspect some background information might be helpful:
I am receiving contribution based (I think) ESA with extra money for disability and help with mortgage payments (housing). I am in the support group. I also receive PIP daily living and enhanced mobility component. I am divorced and live alone.
My ex-wife is being made redundant and if she can not find another job soon I plan to let her stay with me until she is back in work. My question is: Once I tell the DWP about a change in my circumstances should I expect them to reduce my benefits and is there any way to work out beforehand how much the reduction is likely to be. My ex only expects to have JSA by way of income while she is here.
Thanks in advance,
Rick
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10 years 3 weeks ago #133450 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Change of circumstances question
Rick2Wise
You must be receiving Income Related ESA, at least in part, as SMI is only payable if the claimant is entitled to ESA(IR).
There are two areas that your ex-wife may affect your payments.
First, if you are treated as a couple, although you are divorced you need to make it clear that you are not getting back to together, it is possible for the two of you to be treated as separate and it may not be an issue, but you should be prepared to answer questions.
Secondly, if you are receiving the Severe Disability Premium,, which from your post you should be, then you will lose this if someone else lives with you unless they are also receiving PIP or another benefit that means that they are treated as disabled themselves.
Gordon
You must be receiving Income Related ESA, at least in part, as SMI is only payable if the claimant is entitled to ESA(IR).
There are two areas that your ex-wife may affect your payments.
First, if you are treated as a couple, although you are divorced you need to make it clear that you are not getting back to together, it is possible for the two of you to be treated as separate and it may not be an issue, but you should be prepared to answer questions.
Secondly, if you are receiving the Severe Disability Premium,, which from your post you should be, then you will lose this if someone else lives with you unless they are also receiving PIP or another benefit that means that they are treated as disabled themselves.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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10 years 2 weeks ago #133657 by Rick2Wise
Replied by Rick2Wise on topic Change of circumstances question
Gordon,
Thanks very much for your answer. I have a follow up question of sorts, I hope it's ok to ask it here. If/when my ex-wife moves in would she/I be able to claim if she became my carer? It is unlikely that she will be here for very long (I hope) but the prospect of losing my severe disability premium has me wondering if there is anyway to minimise the impact of it's loss.
Thanks,
Rick
Thanks very much for your answer. I have a follow up question of sorts, I hope it's ok to ask it here. If/when my ex-wife moves in would she/I be able to claim if she became my carer? It is unlikely that she will be here for very long (I hope) but the prospect of losing my severe disability premium has me wondering if there is anyway to minimise the impact of it's loss.
Thanks,
Rick
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- Gordon
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10 years 2 weeks ago - 10 years 2 weeks ago #133668 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Change of circumstances question
Rick
She should be able to, but I would get face to face advice first, you need an advisor to confirm the amounts you would receive if she did, it should result in the loss of the Severe Disability Premium and the addition of the Carers Premium, but I am unsure how the Carers Allowance will be treated.
Depending on how it is calculated it could mean you lose the ESA(IR) component of your payment with all of the follow on benefits such as SMI.
Do an internet search for "welfare advice" with your postcode, town, or county.
Gordon
She should be able to, but I would get face to face advice first, you need an advisor to confirm the amounts you would receive if she did, it should result in the loss of the Severe Disability Premium and the addition of the Carers Premium, but I am unsure how the Carers Allowance will be treated.
Depending on how it is calculated it could mean you lose the ESA(IR) component of your payment with all of the follow on benefits such as SMI.
Do an internet search for "welfare advice" with your postcode, town, or county.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 10 years 2 weeks ago by Gordon.
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