Can DWP leave a sick person without Income?

lemontree

Further to my previous letter Re ESA GP Letter, can DWP leava a sick person who has a serious illness and has sent in a 3 months Sick Note
with appeal without any form of income for possibly 3 months?

rogerblack

Yes.
If they are not eligible for the assessment rate - for example if they failed to attend the medical, or have failed a work capability assessment, and not appealed the decision which was over a month ago.
If they went to the medical, cooperated, and made an in-time appeal against that decision, then no.

Do not always believe what the first person tells you on the phone.
Ringing up again may be an idea.

lemontree

He attended the Medical and was asked questions such as could he dress himself. walk, and talk to people and was given Nil Points.
He appealed and GP issued 3 months sick note which probably overlapped the original 12 months sick note.
Everything was sent 7 days after he was informed of decision.
He rang today to make sure they had everything which was sent Recorded Delivery and they told him all money was stopped possibly for 3 months.
He asked to speak to a Manager and they promised to call back within 2 hours.
This has not happened and the Office is now closed!!

bobajob_1966

He needs to tell them that he wishes to claim the Assessment Rate whilst his appeal is considered (I assume he is on ESA?).

lemontree

He was on Income Support.

bobajob_1966

In that case I'm not 100% sure whether he will need to claim the ESA Assessment Rate or the reduced rate of IS.

Hopefully NASA will be along later, they should know the answer.

NASA_2

If he attended the medical and failed it then he can appeal. If he was on Incapacity Benefit and Income Support then he should be able to claim the reduced rate IS. Although, if this was part of the IB reassessment process, then the appeal against disallowance would lead to an award of ESA at the appeal rate unless there is capital or income involved.

Other than that - someone who has been found fit for work can claim JSA to receive money \o/.

lemontree

He used all his savings when he became ill. He tried to claim Sick Pay when the savings ran out but did not have enough stamps as he worked abroad for some time. He has been on Income Support since and never claimed IB. Someone called back and said they had a huge backlog but would put his claim through urgently and hope it could be sorted by the end of the month. Luckily I have a friend who will make the 60 mile round trip so I can give him the money for essentials.No money will be paid until the claim is reviewed.
Thank you Nasa

bobajob_1966

lemontree wrote: »

He used all his savings when he became ill. He tried to claim Sick Pay when the savings ran out but did not have enough stamps as he worked abroad for some time. He has been on Income Support since and never claimed IB. Someone called back and said they had a huge backlog but would put his claim through urgently and hope it could be sorted by the end of the month. Luckily I have a friend who will make the 60 mile round trip so I can give him the money for essentials.No money will be paid until the claim is reviewed.
Thank you Nasa

I think all they mean by this is that his appeal/ sick note need to be entered onto the system - he won't be waiting three months for payment.

Can you not transfer some money to his bank account rather than going all that way?

lemontree

He has a basic Post Office Account that can only be used for Benefits. I have checked.
Thanks.