If you are in the ESA SG and under 35, can you receive the 1 bed rate for HB?

Catlover777

I read this somewhere but since then, have not been able to find it.

I need to move out, however due to health reasons I need to live alone - however, I am under 35 and would usually only be allowed the shared bedroom rate, which in South London (where I need to stay) is not enough to rent a self-contained place with.

With the 1 bedroom rate, I can afford a small self-contained place.

I am soon to be placed in the support group for ESA and am hoping that what I read was correct and hasn't changed since.

So, if you are under 35, and in the support group for ESA, can you receive the 1 bedroom rate for HB (as opposed to the shared bedroom rate)?

Thanks in advance!

nannytone_2

how do you know you are going to be placed in the support group?
many people that have been 'certain' have been left disappointed.

ESA support group will not entitle you tyo the 1 bed LHA rate.
you would need to be receiving mid or high rate care DLA or either care componant of PIP

BigAunty

This link explains the position on the type of disability/benefit for the under 35s that permits them to have a 1 bedroom rate of LHA.

If you are under the age of 35 and live alone you are usually entitled only to the shared accommodation rate of LHA. Nannytone is right.


http://www.newham.gov.uk/Pages/Services/Local-Housing-Allowance.aspx

Catlover777

Thanks a lot for the info!

It's vital that I'm able to receive the 1 bedroom rate of LHA, and after having looked in to PIP, I may very well be able to claim that instead.

This will take some time, I hope that the transition is smooth and swift.

I hope that being put into x group of PIP doesn't take 3+ months as it does with the support group of ESA.

As for being certain about being put into the support group for ESA, everything seems to be pointing towards it - but you're right, no-one can ever be fully certain.

However, I will persist to the end as it's very important for me.

HB58

People are currently waiting for 12 months or more to be awarded PIP. Unlike ESA, there is no payment while awaiting the decision although money would be backdated if PIP were awarded.

DomRavioli

OP, you can claim both ESA and PIP concurrently - it isn't one or the other (you mentioned in your post you would claim that instead - you can claim them at the same time, ESA is a sickness benefit based on your ability to work, PIP is a non means tested benefit because you are disabled or seriously ill).

missbiggles1

Catlover777 wrote: »

I read this somewhere but since then, have not been able to find it.

I need to move out, however due to health reasons I need to live alone - however, I am under 35 and would usually only be allowed the shared bedroom rate, which in South London (where I need to stay) is not enough to rent a self-contained place with.

With the 1 bedroom rate, I can afford a small self-contained place.

I am soon to be placed in the support group for ESA and am hoping that what I read was correct and hasn't changed since.

So, if you are under 35, and in the support group for ESA, can you receive the 1 bedroom rate for HB (as opposed to the shared bedroom rate)?

Thanks in advance!

It was only a few months ago that you had to get out of London, perhaps you ought to wait and see what your situation is financially and be more flexible in your plans.

pmlindyloo

Catlover777 wrote: »

I read this somewhere but since then, have not been able to find it.

I need to move out, however due to health reasons I need to live alone - however, I am under 35 and would usually only be allowed the shared bedroom rate, which in South London (where I need to stay) is not enough to rent a self-contained place with.

With the 1 bedroom rate, I can afford a small self-contained place.

I am soon to be placed in the support group for ESA and am hoping that what I read was correct and hasn't changed since.

So, if you are under 35, and in the support group for ESA, can you receive the 1 bedroom rate for HB (as opposed to the shared bedroom rate)?

Thanks in advance!

I remember someone on here who was in a similar position and put in a claim for PIP.

Whilst they were waiting for PIP they applied for and was granted a Discretionary Housing Payment to top up their rent to the one bed rate.

I am not saying that you would get it as local councils have discretion how to use the money they have been given for DHP but it is certainly worth asking. I know our councils have widened considerably their criteria for awarding DHP as not many people are applying for it.