Help with disability premiums please

scottnsharon

Thanks to you both for bothering with this - when the guy on the phone was trying to explain how difficult it is to get something like this backdated, he did say that any period that carers allowance was actually paid (rather than being underlying) definately would not be included in whatever backdate was (if any) awarded. Someone else told me that carers allowance is either paid to the principal carer at £50ish pounds per week, or if its underlying then another benefit is topped up by £30 pounds per week (same for single or couple) - I cant swear to this but its what I was told very recently by someone who seemed to have a good grasp of how it all works. Thanks again for the help - Scott

GlasweJen

If you get income support or income based ESA and claim underlying carers entitlement that benefit is topped up by £30. If you're getting that top up you're not able to get the severe disability premium as its classed as someone getting carers allowance for you.

scottnsharon

Hi Jen, yes thats what I was lead to believe but we get normal long term IB (no extra £30) and £8.40 a fortnight IS (between us) so although the wife has 'underlying entitlement we dont get anything extra moneywise. This seemed to really miff the guy at the claim office who was trying to talk me out of it especially when he had to admit that we were therefore entitled to the enhanced severe dis prem, he couldnt quibble that - he was just trying to make the subject of backdating it sound like a cross between advanced algebrae and alien meta-physics!! Just reckon theres still a lot of people who the system have 'unfortunately missed' and would advise ANYONE on mid or high care dla alongside a means tested benefit, who doesnt have carers allowance paid to anybody to phone and apply for disability premium, severe disability premium or enhanced disability premium. Once accepted it sounds like they are obliged to backdate any monies owing to the date of the mid/high dla award as it is a premium not a 'stand alone' benefit therefore there is no 3 month limit. I know Im longwinded but cant help thinking of those less able to get what they are entitled to as the system certainly doesnt chase people to tell them. Saying all that the vast majority of people I have dealt with at dwp or jobcentre plus have been helpful and accomodating so dont want to tar them all with the same brush. If you bothered reading ALL this Jen, then sorry to bend your ear! Regards - Scott

GlasweJen

Well if they were aware of your circumstances and didn't add the premium you're entitled to it back dated to the date where they became aware. Possibly the carers allowance has confused things but I'd stick it all in a letter and cross my fingers if I were you.

scottnsharon

Cheers fingers def crossed, but thanks to people like yourself Ive got a much better awareness of my rights, as it effects my wife and what we can do for our kids who we see regularly but dont live with us I will fight for it tooth and nail. Thanks again - Scott

scottnsharon

Hi all - called the office who deals with my claims and they have agreed to backdate to mid 2008 when our dla was awarded!! Next Tuesday instead of the usual £8.40 (2 weeks inc sup) they have authorised a four figure sum, and the week after we are told that we should recieve a 5 figure sum, apparently we have been receiving the couples rate enhancement of 20ish quid a week but not the actual severe dis prem of 110ish - but they are more than happy to pay what we missed out on (still in shock....) So PLEASE CHECK YOUR ENTITLEMENTS as we cant be the only ones they have overlooked and if you dont claim by april you will be too late! THANKS AGAIN to all those that offered help and guidance. All the best - Scott

nashly

Can I borrow a tenna then, you must be over the moon, well done to you both, nice to see a good story on here for a change !

scottnsharon

Ha ha - yep next time I see you I'll def lend u a tenner nashly! Thanks for the message - I honestly believe that if you take pleasure from others good fortune, then you open yourself to 'positive-karma'... Im sure yours is on it's way - take care - Scott