My wife has been getting income based ESA (couple rate) for around 9 months, LHA & CTB. She never had a medical assessment as she was pregnant. I am in a part-time course which will end 2011 & I am not actively looking for a job. Recently we have a baby. I understand we will get child benefit, child tax credit & healthy start vouchers. But I would like to know how long she will get ESA as she won't be available for work at least 3 years. I also understand I might have to look for work. What will happen if I don't? (Pls don't ask me why?) Any chance ESA will be stopped? In this circumstances whats the law say. thanks.

She will continue to receive ESA if it is decided she still qualifies without a medical or if she passes any medicals for it but if she fails the ESA would stop. If she appeals she can still receive ESA until the appeal is heard.

Is there a reason why she can't work for 3 years or is it that she will be bringing up the child.

She will be able to work but just wont, I guess, in order to be a unemployed mother. Pregnancy means a LCW so that is why she wont have had the medical. I dont think she will get ESA for much longer unless she has an actual illness.

Thanks for your reply. If she does not pass the medical test & I don't look for work what benefit will we get to live on as she will be bringing up the child? Income support?

She will be bringing up the child. She might fail ESA as it is very common. I also failed to get JSA although I was actively looking for work.

She'll not qualify for Income Support - unless one or both of you look for work or you pass the ESA medical you'll just have tax credits of around ￡50/week and child benefit.

So does it mean we will be in poverty including the baby?

What exactly are you expecting to get????? If you work you will get a whole lot more

I would like to finish my part time course while she will be bringing up the child. In London I won't get a part time job without any formal or informal qualification.

So your trying to tell us that to work in tesco/asda/cafe etc you need formal qualifications?? I think on this occasion working should come before a course and then you can do the course once you are back on your feet and can afford it.

I tried all but when I informed I go to college 2 days a week I had been told I was not flexible and not available for full week. Most of the employer told me to be available like a full timer although I applied for part time jobs.

Well stop the course then! Surly making some money and putting food on the table is more important!!!

If I stop my course we will be on benefit (partially) the rest of my life. If I continue and finish the course (my teacher adviced me) we will be out of benefit for ever.

Why would you be on benefit for the rest of your life if you stop your course?? Sorry but I agree with Karen. Surely the priority right now is to be bringing money into the house, particularly if your wife is unable to work.

You do not fit the criteria for Income support. Is she sick? Poverty of your own making by the sound of it tbh.

Did you know that tax credits and child benefit is a benefit!!!!!!! And the way the uk is just now its not as easy as doing a course then walking into a 50k a year job you know!! As I think thats what you are thinking if you want a job where you dont need to get any benefits as thats the point where your tax credits will stop or reduce very very low

Eh?! a teacher can advise that you will never ever be on benefits, that's a wonderful talent he/she has.

Without qualifications I will be earning minimum wages rest of my life. In London living cost is higher than national average. So always we will be rely on housing benefit which will be more than my weekly income.

But even with earning minimum wage you will be in a better off position than you are now. If you work enough you would get WTC also. And surly you would feel better about yourself that you are providing for your family