WTC, SSP and disability premiums, confused!

925dancer

I am still getting my head round all the benefits related to me being off sick and it looking like it's going to be a longer term thing than I initially had hoped when I first went to my GP back in April.

So, currently on about week 14 of SSP but was also a student so have only started applying for things since my student status/finance ended.

HB/CTB claim is in and a DHP while other things are assessed as I am 31 and live alone and therefore only qualify for the shared room rate as it stands.

Application for PIP has been made, I know this is still an unknown, at a minimum I would hope to be awarded standard care, possibly nothing else looking at the descriptors.

Applied for WTC, my contract is 16 hours but I think I'm right and went through the calculator several times, in thinking being signed off for the reasons I am I am eligible to claim.

Now to disability premiums. As I am still technically working, this is in the form of the WTC?

If I am awarded PIP standard care this will qualify me for the 1 bedroom rate?

If/when moving to ESA, disability premiums become a top up amount depending whether on IRESA or CBESA?

This is all so confusing!

Icequeen99

I can only advise on the WTC i'm afraid.

Is this a single WTC claim? How old are you?

You would only qualify at 16 hours if you are a lone parent or qualify for the disability element.

What grounds do you think you qualify for the disability element? Or are you saying you think you will if you get Pip?

IQ

925dancer

I am 31 and single, no kids.

I usually work 16 hours but am currently signed off. This is due to metal health which I am currently being treated for by my GP and being referred to various other services (qualifies under "Other disability).

Ah ha, just looking at the qualifying period with SSP and it's 140 days before you qualify. Possibly I don't then. Oh well, form has been sent now!

I guess my questions still stand and I could qualify at some point soon.

Icequeen99

925dancer wrote: »

I am 31 and single, no kids.

I usually work 16 hours but am currently signed off. This is due to metal health which I am currently being treated for by my GP and being referred to various other services (qualifies under "Other disability).

Ah ha, just looking at the qualifying period with SSP and it's 140 days before you qualify. Possibly I don't then. Oh well, form has been sent now!

I guess my questions still stand and I could qualify at some point soon.

Did you tick yes to the disability element box?

If so, you need to be careful that the claim doesn't automatically go into payment. So claims HMRC check up-front if that box is ticked, but if it gets through and goes into payment they could later decide you were not entitled and you have to pay it back.

Also, it isn't just 20 weeks, you have to have a reduction in wages/hours under the SSP heading.

IQ