ESA/DLA claiming partner, but could I afford to work? or learn?

My partner claims DLA, and ESA. When we moved in together we were told that we must claim ESA as a couple, so we did. I receive Carers allowance for her too. She cannot work due to mental health, that is incurable, therefore work is no option whatsoever for her. We also receive housing benefit for our house.

However, she is quite busy lately with counselling and clubs that's she's joined lately, and is currently working on being more socially active for herself. I can work, (please don't judge me on this part), but I must be able to know we can keep the roof over our heads. We really have no second option. Job searching is hard here, and I am very young. I could not provide for two people, whilst keeping up the the bills, rent, day-to-day living ect. I would like to work, especially if it would put us in a better position, but I'm so worried we will loose everything and not be able to cope.

So my question is, if I had a full time job, NMW for arguements' sake, would we lose out far more? Or being a worse position?

Also, how would taking and apprenticeship or open university course affect us? (I know it's no-nothing if your a student, but we are a couple, I wondered if it was different?)


I'm growing tired of feeling that my options are work (and provide for two), benefits (and be tarred with the same brush as others'), or a student.

Thanks for helping :).