ESA and housing benefit

beth58_2

I'm currently on long term sick leave. I'm in reciept of DLA high mobility and middle care indefinate awards.
I started claiming ESA in June 2010, basic rate £65 plus I recieve tax credit of £55. I have to pay toward my rent/council tax is this correct?
Any advice welcome.

XXJULESXX

Have you received a fit for work medical yet? Are you receiving income based or Cont based ESA? Does anyone else live with you? Have you applied for/ been awarded any HB/CTB yet?

Indie_Kid

Do they know you're on DLA?

moc247

it depends on the AMMOUT THE LAW SAYS YOU NEED TO LIVE ON BUT IT WONT BE A LOT MAYBE £10 PER WEEK SO DONT PANIC!!
MOC247

beth58_2

Thanks for the replies..
I am in assessment phase, no medical yet but just filled in the assessment forms, I recieve contribution based ESA plus I live on my own with no dependants. Yes I have informed them I recieve DLA.
I thought I'd be entitled to Enhansed Disability because of DLA middle rate care and this would qualify me for full H/CT benefit.

Benefits_Bod

Based on the information given, you *should* be entitled to the Disability Premium AND the Severe Disability Premium. Check the HB/CTB notification letters and if one of the premiums is not stated, contact the council.

If the HB/CTB decision is less than one month old, you should ask for that decision to be revised. If it is more than one month old, still ask for a revision, but you'll need to explain why the request for revision is late. Further, point out that the omission of a premium is an error and you are advised that HB/CTB legislation allows an official error to be corrected, at the Council's discretion, at any time - abolutely no time limit.

A couple of thoughts spring to mind why you may not be getting 100% HB - they may or may not apply:

1) Someone gets Carer's Allowance for looking after you (the Severe Disability Premium is not allowed in those circumstances);

2) If your HB is is subject to LHA, is the rent too high?

3) If HB is NOT subject to LHA, does it contain service charges (e.g. water rates?) that are not eligible for HB?

beth58_2

Thanks for the advice, will check it out.

beth58_2

Benefits_Bod wrote: »

Based on the information given, you *should* be entitled to the Disability Premium AND the Severe Disability Premium. Check the HB/CTB notification letters and if one of the premiums is not stated, contact the council.

If the HB/CTB decision is less than one month old, you should ask for that decision to be revised. If it is more than one month old, still ask for a revision, but you'll need to explain why the request for revision is late. Further, point out that the omission of a premium is an error and you are advised that HB/CTB legislation allows an official error to be corrected, at the Council's discretion, at any time - abolutely no time limit.

A couple of thoughts spring to mind why you may not be getting 100% HB - they may or may not apply:

1) Someone gets Carer's Allowance for looking after you (the Severe Disability Premium is not allowed in those circumstances);

2) If your HB is is subject to LHA, is the rent too high?

3) If HB is NOT subject to LHA, does it contain service charges (e.g. water rates?) that are not eligible for HB?

I've checked with them and they're still telling me ESA does not contain a disability premium therefore can't put one on H/CT?

I think it's because I still get working tax credit of £35 though it is due to stop.
Can't get my head round this as been on Directgov.com and did benefit assessment. That tells me I'm entitled to full H/CT benefit.

The whole thing seems a little crazy as; While on SSP (£79) plus £35 WT credit, I was entitled to full H/CT benefit yet now, my ESA is only £65 a drop in income of £14 I'm now expected to pay out an extra £15 in H/CT? Seems mad to me but hey ho thats life.