Income Support - Severe Disability Premium

Theboyinthemist

Please help, I am 31yrs & I found out this week because I am under 35 I will no longer receive 'Local Housing Allowance' which is deeply distressing as I am now faced with the very real prospect of Homelessness once again in 9 months time.
I was placed on Income Support 13 years ago as I did not have enough points to receive Incapacity Benefit.
I am currently single & live alone, I suffer with Mental Health & mobility issues as well as a long term illness.
I was told that if I receive the 'Severe Disability Premium' I will be exempt from being made Homeless.
However I have looked at all the relevant websites and read through various forums but it is all very confusing. With all the changes currently taking place surrounding benefits it's difficult to be sure as to what information is out date.
I've never applied for 'Disability Living Allowance' because there is so much negative stigma attached to 'benefits' however, this week I asked for the DLA forms to be sent to me & I should receive them by next week.

- Can I/Am I able to apply/ask for the 'Sever Disability Premium'? because I am long term sick & on Income Support or because of the changes taking place is it now only if I can get the middle - higher care component of DLA?? PLEASE help! Thank you!

cosmic-dust

You need the DLA award to get SDP.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/OtherBenefitsAndSupport/DG_068683

The Severe Disability Premium

Single rate

If you're single, you may get the lower rate premium if you:

• live alone
• no one gets Carer's Allowance for looking after you
• you get the middle or highest care component of Disability Living Allowance

NASA_2

SDP will continue to exist for the time being. Any change to it is at least two years away so I wouldnt be worried about that yet.

Theboyinthemist

Thank you for the replies, I have visited 'Directgov' quite a few times, to be clear, my illness classifies me as disabled, (I called the department of work & pensions & spoke to a gentlemen who didn't didn't realise that it did) hypothetically speaking if I am awarded the middle care component of DLA, on top of my Income Support, how do I then ask/apply for 'SDP?'

bobajob_1966

Theboyinthemist wrote: »

Thank you for the replies, I have visited 'Directgov' quite a few times, to be clear, my illness classifies me as disabled, (I called the department of work & pensions & spoke to a gentlemen who didn't didn't realise that it did) hypothetically speaking if I am awarded the middle care component of DLA, on top of my Income Support, how do I then ask/apply for 'SDP?'

The definition of 'disabled' varies according to the context, for instance those deemed disabled under the DDA/ EqA may not be entitled to DLA.

If you are awarded you just need to advise IS and they will apply the SDP.

richard9991

Theboyinthemist wrote: »

Thank you for the replies, I have visited 'Directgov' quite a few times, to be clear, my illness classifies me as disabled, (I called the department of work & pensions & spoke to a gentlemen who didn't didn't realise that it did) hypothetically speaking if I am awarded the middle care component of DLA, on top of my Income Support, how do I then ask/apply for 'SDP?'

it should be added automatically but if not i think you fill a form in not sure what its called though

NASA_2

If you are awarded DLA M/HRC then ring the office that deals with your Income Support claim and advise them of the award. They arent always made aware and it is still the claimants job to report any change of circumstance. Which that would qualify as.

skater_kat

NASA wrote: »

If you are awarded DLA M/HRC then ring the office that deals with your Income Support claim and advise them of the award. They arent always made aware and it is still the claimants job to report any change of circumstance. Which that would qualify as.

i recieved a MRC DLA award. currently on income based jsa. i sent the award letter to the JSA office but SDP was not awarded. I meet all the criteria listed on direct.gov and have now written to them stating the SDP rules under the JSA regs. i have also now had to put in a formal appeal as they still have not awarded SDP to my claim after asking for a reconsideration (which was reconsidered but no SDP added).

anything else i can do?

NASA_2

skater_kat wrote: »

i recieved a MRC DLA award. currently on income based jsa. i sent the award letter to the JSA office but SDP was not awarded. I meet all the criteria listed on direct.gov and have now written to them stating the SDP rules under the JSA regs. i have also now had to put in a formal appeal as they still have not awarded SDP to my claim after asking for a reconsideration (which was reconsidered but no SDP added).

anything else i can do?

I dont think so.

There must be someone else registered at the address even if they dont actually live with you. Only reason I can think they wouldnt award it to you.

[Deleted User]

OP you will still receive some LHA just not as much as you do now,getting the sdp wont stop you being made homeless,but getting dla which will lead to sdp will help you make up the shortfall in rent

skater_kat

NASA wrote: »

I dont think so.

There must be someone else registered at the address even if they dont actually live with you. Only reason I can think they wouldnt award it to you.

nope... live alone at same address for last five years! will have to wait for appeal.