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Esa & lha (hb)

excel
excel Posts: 32 Forumite
edited 29 August 2012 at 9:44PM in Benefits & tax credits
Hi - I'd appreciate some urgent advice - following transfer from IB to ESA (contribution based), the LA stopped HB till re-assessment. Now, despite the amount received through ESA is exactly the same as before, based on the new ESA the LA has taken off a so-called "disability premium" in their calculation of HB. Hence they set the "applicable income" at the standard rate of 71GBP and taking off 65% of the "excess" which results in a considerable shortfall.

After contacting one of the advice helplines I was given a far higher figure.

I'd be very grateful for additional advice!

Many thanks

Comments

  • fluffymovie
    fluffymovie Posts: 1,417 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    You do lose a disability premium with ESA unfortunately.

    However you should receive transitional protection meaning you don't lose out. Contact your LA and ask about this!
    I currently manage a Housing Benefit service and have been working in Housing / council tax benefit (as was) since 2001.

    All views expressed in my posts are my own opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer.
  • excel
    excel Posts: 32 Forumite
    edited 29 August 2012 at 9:50PM
    You do lose a disability premium with ESA unfortunately.

    However you should receive transitional protection meaning you don't lose out. Contact your LA and ask about this!

    Thanks very much, I didn't know that before - can you point me please in the direction of some official government/ law websites explaining this in detail?

    Unfortunately the customer service rep at advice line the didn't know how they are arriving at their automated calculation.
  • Cpt.Scarlet
    Cpt.Scarlet Posts: 1,102 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary
    If it is the Disability Premium, then this is not payable with ESA but was with IB, however, I would have expected this to be covered by the Transitional Protection rules. Get face to face advice from CAB or Wlefare Rights
  • fluffymovie
    fluffymovie Posts: 1,417 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    I currently manage a Housing Benefit service and have been working in Housing / council tax benefit (as was) since 2001.

    All views expressed in my posts are my own opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer.
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