DLA/HB muddle

mardatha

I have been awarded a higher rate of DLA, back dated to June, although I haven't received any money yet. I phoned to tell the council because we are on HB. She said oh this might affect your housing benefit, since you will get a lump sum. !!!
I thought DLA was non-means-tested and didnt count ? So even if it is a lump sum,. its a lump sum of DLA . Can anybody help? It was only a girl I spoke to on the phone --when I actually get the money I will go in with the letter then and see them in person.:mad:

pinkcandyflossprincess

hi sos to jump your thread but when you were told were you informed by letter or on the day of a tribunal appeal?
i had my appeal yesterday so im waiting to hear if ive got the dla or not.
thanks
jo

mardatha

I didnt go to appeal, pet, just sent the form in and almost died when I got the letter of award...but last time round 3 years ago I had to appeal, and got a slip of paper there & then telling me I had won. x

colin13

DLA is a non means tested benefit,, so it dosent matter what back money u get it will not affect ur housing benefit:) just some of the people who answer the phones do not know all the details putting us people through a lot of stress

healy

mardatha wrote: »

I have been awarded a higher rate of DLA, back dated to June, although I haven't received any money yet. I phoned to tell the council because we are on HB. She said oh this might affect your housing benefit, since you will get a lump sum. !!!
I thought DLA was non-means-tested and didnt count ? So even if it is a lump sum,. its a lump sum of DLA . Can anybody help? It was only a girl I spoke to on the phone --when I actually get the money I will go in with the letter then and see them in person.:mad:

I guess she was thinking it might take you over the £6000 lower capital limit. Even if it did I think that any back pay is ignored for 12 months as far as DLA goes and claiming means tested benefits. There should not be a ploblem.

MrsKelly_2

colin13 wrote: »

DLA is a non means tested benefit,, so it dosent matter what back money u get it will not affect ur housing benefit:) just some of the people who answer the phones do not know all the details putting us people through a lot of stress

This happened to my aunt she was told because she got a payout of arrears it would be used as income because it was a high amount but in the end they didnt take anything from her but she did have to prove that she had got a new bathroom with the money.

mardatha

If only I was getting enough to get a new bathroom!! I wish .... ty all for that !

bexmark_2

If you have been awarded DLA(C) back to June and the DWP has only just made the decision, the Housing Benefit Section should add the DLA to your assessment from the Monday following the DWP's award date as well.
As mentioned, the DLA is disregarded as an income but you may be entitled to an additional premium in your HB/CTB assessment and your entitlement could increase.
As far as the capital goes, I reckon that the girl on the phone was thinking of the £6000 lower capital limit and covering her back. Most HB sections that I have dealt with will not bother to chase up capital from arrears of DWP payments, as it is highly unlikely to effect the entitlement as it will probably be less than £1000.
But if they do get funny, pop a message on and I'm sure there will be some helpful advice.

mardatha

ok thanks for that. I think its around £600 backpay. I am going to stash it under the mattress !!! (cos I dono where else it will be safe .. LOL)