dumb esa question

[numan]

This must be the dumbest question you guys have ever heard but here goes.

 

I came off JSA and claimed ESA, I was told by ESA that I'm not entitled to any payment as my wife works and earns £150 pw.

 

Am I still on ESA even though I dont get paid?

[honeybee13]

Hello there. You need a forum expert to turn up, but I'm not sure this is right.

 

I know there are two types of ESA, income based and contribution based. Do you happen to know if you have enough NI contributions to qualify?

 

With luck, someone knowledgeable will be along soon with information for both of us .

 

My best, HB

[leemack]

If you haven't paid enough NI contributions in the relevant years, then you won't qualify for contribution based ESA, and if your wife earns too much, you won't qualify for income based esa. You may still as a couple qualify for tax credits (dependant on circumstances) and housing and council tax benefit. If you have a mortgage you may still qualify for a small amount of income based ESA towards a mortgage.

 

Yes, you will still be having your NI conts paid towards a state pension, even if you aren't receiving any money.

[numan]

thank you both so much