Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reasons people who are in receipt of employment and support allowance and who live with a relative are unable to claim a disability premium if they meet all other relevant assessment criteria.

The Enhanced Disability Premium is automatically payable as part of income-related ESA to people who are in the support group, whether or not they live with a relative.

In addition, income-related ESA claimants may qualify for a Severe Disability Premium if they live alone or as part of a couple who both receive a qualifying benefit. The Severe Disability Premium is intended for those severely disabled people who live independently, and who are therefore most likely to need to purchase care.

No premiums are payable as part of contribution based ESA.