Should i be claiming Incapacity or ESA?

dannimaycox

Hi, i'm looking for some advise. I'm 19 years old and severely disabled, i've been claiming Incapacity benefit since i was 16. Now that i am over 18 i have to pay for things such as the dentist & eye tests which i can't really afford.

A friend told me that i should really be claiming Income-Based ESA which would then be topped up by Income Support, therefore entitling me to free dental treatment etc. Is this correct?

I currently get about £212 per fortnight, i've looked up the rates of ESA which is £51 for someone under 25, would i really be better off? Since being on Incapacity i also have to pay £10 a week rent and £2 council tax, would this still be the case if i switched over to ESA?

Thanks

cit_k

You really need face to face advice from a welfare rights advisor on this, as its a lot more complex than just the 'rates of pay'.

ESA is a much harsher benefit assessment wise than Incapacity benefit.

They plan to move everyone over to ESA eventually anyway, but for now, you should check with a welfare rights advisor as to what the likely hood would be of you even getting ESA.

Just because you qualify for IB does not mean you will qualify for ESA.

dannimaycox

I should definatley qualify for it. I'm completely wheelchair bound, my mum cares for me 24/7, i have a muscle wasting disease which leaves me unable to do anything for myself and i rely on machines to help me breathe.

Indie_Kid

dannimaycox wrote: »

A friend told me that i should really be claiming Income-Based ESA which would then be topped up by Income Support, therefore entitling me to free dental treatment etc. Is this correct?

That's not correct. To get income support (IS) you can't claim ESA too.

Have you filled in a HC1 form? You can get this from your local GP surgery or job centre.

You wouldn't be better off by claiming ESA.

dannimaycox

Thank you. I have an NHS Medical exemption card for prescriptions but my dentist says this doesn't entitle me to free dental treatment. I can't remember if it was a HC1 form that i filled in for this card?

Indie_Kid

HC1 form is for low income and not medical exemption. Your dentist is correct - the card you have exempts you from prescription charges on medical grounds. People exempt on medical grounds can't use that card for exemption on eye tests, dentist charges, etc.

von

If you're currently receiving Incapacity Benefit you can claim Income Support. Everyone on IB and IS will eventually be transferred over to ESA.
See link on how to claim IS: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_185670

stazi

von

"Everyone on IB and IS will eventually be transferred over to ESA." This is incorrect.

From Feb 2011 to Apl 2014 everyone claiming IB/IS/SDA who will be under State Pension age at 2014, will be reassessed for ESA. A pilot scheme starts from Oct 2010 to Jan 2011 for certain areas.

To transfer from IS/IS/SDA someone has to pass the ESA medical called WCA and score 15 points.

Those that don't pass the medical/lose an ESA appeal, will transfer to JSA (if unemployed) if they meet the JSA conditions, or move to/claim another benefit.

MrsManda

You will have filled out a HC1 form to get your medical exemption card for prescriptions. As your situation has now changed (i.e. you reached 18) you may be entitled to other free NHS treatment via the Low Income Scheme (LIS) therefore it's probably worth filling out another HC1 form with your new circumstances.
The LIS enquiry team will be able to help you and give you advice. You can find information about LIS and can contact the enquiry team using the details on the Help with Health Costs NHS website HERE

only_mee

dannimaycox wrote: »

I should definatley qualify for it. I'm completely wheelchair bound, my mum cares for me 24/7, i have a muscle wasting disease which leaves me unable to do anything for myself and i rely on machines to help me breathe.

ATOS would still find you suitable for work the useless waste of money they are!!

burkey365

you should apply for esa and you would be better off, i assume due to your care you get dla if you get the middle rate care, your esa will be topped up with severe disability allowance and you would receive about £100 extra a fortnight..also i am surprised you have to pay any rent at all