PIP Help

Alice_Holt wrote: »

Have a look at https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/housing_benefit/shared_accommodation_rate_for_under_35s

Which states "If you are a single private renter under the age of 35, you are usually only entitled to housing benefit at the shared accommodation rate......Exemptions......
Housing benefit if you have a disability

You can claim the 1-bed rate of local housing allowance (LHA) if you are in self-contained accommodation and get any of the following benefits:

daily living component of personal independence payment (PIP)
attendance allowance
middle or high rate care component of disability living allowance (DLA)"

If you need to double check the information from the council it may be worth contacting Shelter:
"Call Shelter's free housing advice helpline on:
0808 800 4444
It's open 365 days of the year from 8am – 8pm on weekdays and 8am – 5pm on weekends.
Our housing experts will advise you, no matter what your housing situation. Our helpline does get busy, but keep trying if you can't get through."
Be aware that your son can challenge incorrect HB decisions.

There are a range of premiums which can attach to the applicable amount for Housing Benefit, one of these is the Severe Disability Premium. Here is some information on this -
"The Severe Disability Premium which is £61.85 per week for each person who qualifies and can be included if you (and your partner if you have one) receive a qualifying disability benefit (which includes the middle or the higher rate of the care component of DLA, either rate of the daily living component of PIP or either rate of Attendance Allowance); live alone (there are exceptions to this rule); and if no one is paid Carer’s Allowance for looking after you."
See https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support/help-with-benefits/housing-benefit

If the SDA premium is now included in your son's Housing Benefit applicable amount it opens the opportunity for him to be awarded the 1 bed-roomed LHA rate rather than the shared accommodation LHA rate.

This is from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/324708/lha-guidance-manual.pdf
"Separate rules apply to: .......people under the age of 35 who have the Severe Disability Premium
included in their benefit – see paragraph 2.080......
........Severe Disability Premium included in benefit assessment
2.080 Under 35 year olds, single customers over 35 or couples who have no
dependent children and who have the Severe Disability Premium
included in their benefit assessment, will have their benefit allowance
based on the one bedroom LHA rate whether or not they share
accommodation and regardless of its size. "

You can find the LHA rates by looking at: https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/search.aspx

You may wish to make your friend you works in the housing benefit office aware of this guidance manual!



On a different topic. Because your son's PIP award did not acknowledge his difficulties with anxiety and mental health (whereas I suspect it did accept physical problems i.e. walking), if he doesn't wish to appeal the current, then when the renewal comes up be sure that these difficulties are fully explained and evidenced on the renewal form.

tjth
What would you like to chat to us about?: Benefits
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Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
Hi, my name is Nigel 010.
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
How can I help you today
tjth
My son within the last week has been awarded standard rates of PIP (Both rates) and Severe Disability Premium. He also claims income bases ESA and is in the support group. Will he now be eligible for the 1 bed rate instead of the shared? I called up the council this morning and informed them of the PIP award and was told he gets the maximum amount already (Shared) and won't get any more?
tjth
He's 29 single and no children.
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
I am going to look up some information for you, give me a few minutes
tjth
Thanks
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
what type of accommodation does he live in, is it shared with another person
tjth
2 bed house alone. Currently received shared rate but now should get 1 bed rate
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
How much Housing benefit is he paid, has someone advised you he should be getting 1 bedroom rate and if so who
tjth
Gov.uk website.
tjth
Severe Disability Premium included in benefit assessment 2.080 Under 35 year olds, single customers over 35 or couples who have no dependent children and who have the Severe Disability Premium included in their benefit assessment, will have their benefit allowance based on the one bedroom LHA rate whether or not they share accommodation and regardless of its size.
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
The shared accommodation rate is based on the age of your son and not the size of the property.
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
I would advise you to contact an organisation called shelter, they are housing specialist and will be able to clarify where your son stands with this issue-details to follow
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
SHELTER (HOUSING) 0808 800 4444 https://www.shelter.org.uk Supply housing advice on homelessness, private renting, social housing, housing benefit, tenancy deposits, repairs, energy costs, evection + more. Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm
tjth
I have - They sent me to you. Seems no one has a clue.
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
Ok you need to approach your local Citizens advice to look into the issue fully- I will send you contact details now ok
tjth
new appointment is 2 weeks
tjth
too long
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
I'm sorry but there is no other way I can help you, they will look into the issue fully and advise you accordingly
tjth
Why cant you help me
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
You will need an appointment as they may need to negotiate on your sons behalf
tjth
Read this https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/324708/lha-guidance-manual.pdf
tjth
Section 2.080
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
one moment
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
We are trying to locate the information
tjth
Sure
tjth
Use that link and go to 2.080
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
We cannot find the information, sorry so please contact your local citizens advice for help
tjth
I've given you the link??
tjth
Page 30 of 85 paragraph 2.080. Not that hard
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
I know but when we put in the link it says pages cannot be found, please contact your local Citizens Advice
tjth
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/324708/lha-guidance-manual.pdf
tjth
2 week wait at local cab. I just want an answer
Nigel 010(CAB Chat 1)
We cannot find the information, you can challenge the decision if you wish but its states on our system that a person under 35 cannot get this. Your son could put in for a discretionary housing payment to help with rent initially. We cannot give you a definitive answer at time so I would attend the appointment

Alice_Holt wrote: »

Going back to your OP - are you and your son happy with the standard PIP award?

How many points were awarded for DL and what were the activities / descriptors?

What other health conditions / disabilities does your son have (other than depression and anxiety)?