63yr old disabled man been to esa tribunal

princessdon

She can claim PC as a couple now on her claim - Is she already recieving this?

emmalmann

Yes it is only 22.00 per week.

princessdon

Pension credit (which your mum can claim for your dad) is £217.90 per couple.

this then gives Council Tax and if renting Housing benefit etc

Are they already claiming these?

Do they have a large amount of savings (I take not if they can't afford petrol).

princessdon

Put their details in here and see what it says

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/PensionCredit/DG_180167?PRO=articletest&CRE=top


It *sounds* from what you said that they are not claiming for your father on the PC claim of your mother.

Muttleythefrog

As per above.. if ESA is the only option (others have advised in relation to alternatives which I understand not one jot - pay careful attention to the advice) then he can quite likely re-apply and get money... usually 6 months (which may not even apply in this case if deteriorating health can be shown) since decision was made by DWP and since reconsiderations and appeal usually takes many months to a year it is possible he is at that point. He's obviously got the support of GP... it's important to focus on the descriptors though when he comes to the Work Capability Assessment... that's what determines entitlement and you should look at these very carefully before deciding course of action.

emmalmann

When my mum phoned up the pension credit people this afternoon they said that her pension credit would not change from 22.00. No no savings!

It is just a joke the rich get richer and the poor oap get nothing.

princessdon

Tell mum to ring them and tell them she wishes to ADD your father to her claim for Pension credit and claim as a couple.

I think that the ESA has previously meant it was better of as single claim - but this isnt the case anymore.

If they have no savings they'd also get council tax and housing benefit etc.

emmalmann

Thank you for all your advice very much appreciated. I am not going to let this go as I feel it is important for evyone who is in the same boat we should be walked all over.

pmlindyloo

princessdon wrote: »

Pension credit (which your mum can claim for your dad) is £217.90 per couple.

this then gives Council Tax and if renting Housing benefit etc

Are they already claiming these?

Do they have a large amount of savings (I take not if they can't afford petrol).

Absolutely!

Even a small amount of Pension Credit 'passports' them to full Council Tax benefit and Housing Benefit/Housing costs (if they have a mortgage).

princessdon

pmlindyloo wrote: »

Absolutely!

Even a small amount of Pension Credit 'passports' them to full Council Tax benefit and Housing Benefit/Housing costs (if they have a mortgage).

But the confusing thing is that the mum is already receiving these and only gets a tiny amount - I don't know enough about it to understand why they are not getting the above and also the couple rate???