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Can I claim interest on unpaid benefit?

My ESA was dropped to the lower level on 17th October last year after I failed an ATOS Medical. I appealed, and exactly 9 months later (17th July 2013) I won my appeal at Tribunal. I will now (eventually) be paid the difference (approx £30 pw x 9 months) Does anybody know if I am able to claim interest on the money I am owed now I have won my appeal? If not, why not?

Comments

  • McKneff
    McKneff Posts: 38,857 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    The interest would be absolutely minimal and I wouldn't think so anyway, I would just move on to be honest and enjoy what you do get.
    make the most of it, we are only here for the weekend.
    and we will never, ever return.
  • Horseunderwater
    Horseunderwater Posts: 3,406 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    DWP do not pay interest on back payments.
  • AutisticA wrote: »
    My ESA was dropped to the lower level on 17th October last year after I failed an ATOS Medical. I appealed, and exactly 9 months later (17th July 2013) I won my appeal at Tribunal. I will now (eventually) be paid the difference (approx £30 pw x 9 months) Does anybody know if I am able to claim interest on the money I am owed now I have won my appeal? If not, why not?

    Perhaps the DWP should charge interest on all the overpayments as well?
    These are my own views and you should seek advice from your local Benefits Department or CAB.
  • wearside_2
    wearside_2 Posts: 1,508 Forumite
    Cashback Cashier
    Get real, interest rates are so low you would get bu**er all. In addition the DWP does not and will never pay interest on back dated payments. It's the same with overpayments that are really interest free loans!
    To Dare is To Do:beer:
  • I doubt they would even consider it, purely because people on benefits are not normally in a position to put money into savings accounts, therefore you wouldn't accrue any interest anyway. Think yourself lucky that you won the case.
  • iris
    iris Posts: 1,459 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Unbeknown to me there was a mistake made by DWP with my State Retirement Pension. This carried on for about 2 years.

    When the mistake was rectified I was paid all the missing money, including interest:D
  • iris wrote: »
    Unbeknown to me there was a mistake made by DWP with my State Retirement Pension. This carried on for about 2 years.

    When the mistake was rectified I was paid all the missing money, including interest:D
    Entirely different kettle of fish - the OP was not talking about missing State pension, but backdated money they knew was due and had been waiting for. And for that DWP do not pay interest.
  • iris
    iris Posts: 1,459 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Entirely different kettle of fish - the OP was not talking about missing State pension, but backdated money they knew was due and had been waiting for. And for that DWP do not pay interest.


    Sorry I spoke:cool:
  • Gentile
    Gentile Posts: 246 Forumite
    Anything else you want the UK tax payer to contribute ? We have a big pot here to pay out to whoever needs it.
  • McKneff
    McKneff Posts: 38,857 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    iris wrote: »
    Sorry I spoke:cool:

    :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
    make the most of it, we are only here for the weekend.
    and we will never, ever return.
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