Charging income against benefit rate
Clients undertaking a Sustainable Employment Trial and earning income will qualify for a personal earnings exemption. They may also be eligible for a special exemption due to severe disablement.
Any income earned from the Sustainable Employment Trial is to be charged against the benefit, except income to which an exemption applies, with the benefit being reduced under the current charging income rules.
Any income earned by the client may also affect their entitlement to other forms of Extra Help, for example Special Benefit or Temporary Additional Support.
You should provide them with an estimate from DREW of what their benefit and other forms of Extra Help will be after the benefit has been reduced, and the likely gain from employment.
Client's income fully reduces the benefit
In a situation where the client's income fully reduces their benefit to a nil rate, their benefit will be suspended. You need to discuss with the client what other forms of assistance are available to them as a non-beneficiary, to ensure they are receiving their full and correct entitlement.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Rates of benefits: Supported living payment schedule 4, part 3 Social Security Act 2018
- Income of severely disabled person schedule 8, part 25 Social Security Regulations 2018
