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Help anyone ESA & Carers Premium

Please bear with me as it may be a long one & please forgive me if my dates are not 100% accurate. I worked full time for virtually 24 years until I became unwell in March 2009, from March 2009 until Sep 2009 I received full pay.

In Sep 2009 I dropped to half pay & contribution based ESA, in March 2010 my half pay stopped and I switched to both contribution based & income related ESA, I applied for Carers Allowance (my youngest has a disability), and was awarded an "underlying entitlement" (so no payment).

I enquired several times about the Carers Premium but nobody ever got back to me, and I never really chased it, however finances are so grim now I have had to.

Under the new government rulings I was switched from contribution & income related ESA to income related only in April of this year. No change in the monetary amount just the name!

I was telephoned this morning to say I was entitled to the Carers Premium from March 2010 which would be backdated. Then at 4.30pm got another call to say I am only entitled to Carers premium from May 2012 as thats when I went on to full Income Related benefit, given the amount paid is the same how is this?

Also I have been told to reply for Carer's Allowance immediately as I am entitled to it now, but I thought ESA meant you couldn't be awarded payment.

Can anyone offer any advice? xx
I love this board, have "virtually" met so many lovely people, people I am honoured to count as friends.
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Comments

  • becky004
    becky004 Posts: 5,167 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Sorry for the bump, but does anyone know where I can go to for advice on this, have trawled the internet but can't find anything x
    I love this board, have "virtually" met so many lovely people, people I am honoured to count as friends.
    March Wins - Product Of The Year Goody Bag

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