The Bill has now received Royal Ascent see:

Uk Parliament

and DWP Newsroom

This means anyone on ESA and not in the support group will have their ESA (Contributions Based ) time limited to 365 days . If you have capital or savings or a partner then all this will be taken into consideration. NOTE you are not affected if you are in the support group.If you have been on ESA contribution based for a year then it will affect you on the 30th April this year.

The DWP have been telephoning people since the 29th Feb 2012 see Changes to Contribution based ESA

This is just one of the many aspects of the Bill that will affect us all .
I'm off for a MRI now so will update with the basics over the weekend :)

Worrying Times

Rich

Thanks for posting this Rich, it certainly is very concerning.

Julia x

Sorry for the delay in replying Nina ..

You are assessed as a couple so yes any earnings /savings/stocks/second property etc of either of you will be taken into account .
If the value of your joint savings /stocks etc is under £6000 then you should be ok capital wise . If over £16,000 you cannot get means tested benefits (other than pension credit if eligible)
Between those amounts they take £1 off of any applicable amount for every £250 of capital over that (if under Pension Credit age)

In any case your earnings could push you over the applicable amount of Benefit for a couple.
There are so many permutations dependant on your circumstances that the best advice is to speak to an advice centre taking with you income and capital details and family make up

Has your husband had this condition for over 3 months and does he have care or mo0bility needs . Possible Disability Living Allowance claim. See the publications on here .
If your earnings are low ..it is possible there could be a claim for Working Tax Credits.
I am afraid you are not alone as there will be many households , who in effect, will lose approximately £100 per week .

I really recommend an advice centre so you can discuss this in detail.

Rich :(

Hi Rich I would like to thank you very much for your advice on applying and being awarded for both DLA and EESA I beleive I am now on what you call the support group for the ESA as the amount I get has now been increased. So once again thank you.

Good to see you posting Rich

Hope things have been improving for you in recent days, I know you had some very difficult ones.

Julia x