If his partner is working in another country I very much doubt that it is analogous to ESA(ir), so I would say it’s probably just income.
What you need to establish here is:
– (1) Just confirm that he has some kind of long term invalidity pension from Romania, and
– (2) If that is indeed the case, does he also get a second benefit or supplement of some kind that is analogous to PIP(dl), which he needs if they are to avoid non-dep deductions
(1) is what makes Romania the competent state for benefits like PIP(dl), (2) is whatever he qualifies for of that nature. he needs (2) to avoid NDDs, while (1) is income for HB purposes.
