Disability premiums - change of circumstances

zebra12

Hello,

I currently receive income based ESA (support group), and DLA (HRC and LRM). At the moment I live alone and receive the severe disability premium as part of my ESA.

Shortly my Mum will be moving in with me and I believe this could affect the disability premium I receive. I've had a look on the disability rights UK website and it says one of the qualifying factors for receiving the severe disability premium is if you 'live alone (there are exceptions to this rule - For more information see our Disability Rights Handbook.)' Is anyone able to advise what these exceptions are please?

Thank you in advance for any advice.

pmlindyloo

As far as I know if any non dependents live with you then, unless they are receiving middle or higher rate care of DLA, you would lose your severe disability premium.

Mojisola

As your Mum will presumably be sharing the housing and utility costs with you, you might end up better off.

If she is moving in to help with your care, she might be able to claim Carer's Allowance.

zebra12

Thank you for your replies. Mojisola although she is already very much a full time carer for me she is also in full time employment.

When I enquired about organising the severe disability premium I was told I already received the enhanced disability premium (I didn't realise this at the time) so hopefully this will resume when I lose the SDP.

Right I'll put a letter together now, I assume my payments will be temporarily suspended until my rates are adjusted?

[Deleted User]

Enhanced Disability Premium
You qualify for an Enhanced Disability Premium if you and your partner are under 60 and one of you receives Disability Living Allowance higher rate care component/ Personal Independence Payment Daily Living component enhanced rate. You also qualify for an enhanced disability premium if you claim main-phase Employment and Support Allowance and receive the support component (even if you are not claiming Disability Living Allowance higher rate care component).

zebra12

Thanks John, it appears that I should still qualify for the enhanced rate.