PIPs

CousinKevin

I am looking at PIPs as I may be eligible for this.
As far as I can see, PIPs are the same as DLA (living component) and DLA (mobility component).
What, if any, differences are there in these two?

rogerblack

There are subtle differences in the way the benefits are assessed.
Different people may or may not be entitled, even though the specific criteria appear similar in many cases at first.
The major change is that there is no low-rate care component.
Just two each - standard and enhanced for care and mobility.

Another change is that for DLA, you have to have had the condition for 3 months, and will have it for 6.
PIP extends the latter time out to 9 months.

Another major change is that the assessment is broken - it's taking up to a year, with the average exceeding 6 months, for non terminally ill people who applied that time ago.

Generalities are probably not much help. If you give more details about your condition, more suggestions could be made.

For both benefits - the more relevant information you can supply, the better.

CousinKevin

Many thanks for the speedy reply.
I have had an accident and will probably be unable to walk again.
I sustained a head injury and keep fitting. I need help getting to the toilet and in and out of the bath.
I own my own limited company, so I am a director.
I know that the employer cannot reclaim SSP now so am wondering if I could get ESA. It says you can be an employee to get ESA, but if an employer has a legal obligation to pay SSP, even if he cannot reclaim it back, then how can an employee get ESA?

Horseunderwater

There are 2 types:
1 Contributions based - hinges on NI paid in prev 2 tax years(2011/12-2012/2013).
2 Income Related - so if no partner other income source or savings over £6k, you can get ESA
Sick notes (fit notes now) needed for both from GP.

pmlindyloo

CousinKevin wrote: »

Many thanks for the speedy reply.
I have had an accident and will probably be unable to walk again.
I sustained a head injury and keep fitting. I need help getting to the toilet and in and out of the bath.
I own my own limited company, so I am a director.
I know that the employer cannot reclaim SSP now so am wondering if I could get ESA. It says you can be an employee to get ESA, but if an employer has a legal obligation to pay SSP, even if he cannot reclaim it back, then how can an employee get ESA?

Why is your company not paying SSP?

To claim ESA instead of SSP your employer would have to complete a form SSP1 detailing why they aren't paying you SSP.

Looking at the form there is no box to tick which says the company has no money?

If the company has no money to pay SSP then I presume that you have not been receiving an income which would probably make you ineligible for SSP anyway? Then the appropriate box on the form could be ticked.

You need to speak to your company accountant.

CousinKevin

pmlindyloo wrote: »

Why is your company not paying SSP?

To claim ESA instead of SSP your employer would have to complete a form SSP1 detailing why they aren't paying you SSP.

Looking at the form there is no box to tick which says the company has no money?

If the company has no money to pay SSP then I presume that you have not been receiving an income which would probably make you ineligible for SSP anyway? Then the appropriate box on the form could be ticked.

You need to speak to your company accountant.

I am sole director and shareholder. There is no company accountant. There is only me.
If I do not work the company has no money.

CousinKevin

blondebubbles wrote: »

So does the company have no money in the bank?

Do you take all the profits as earnings?

All of the money is taken as earnings, so no money in the bank.

pmlindyloo

I suggest you give HMRC Statutory Sick Pay a call.

http://search2.hmrc.gov.uk/kb5/hmrc/contactus/view.page?record=yg7jCcYewik&titleindex=2

Having been reading about this I believe they may make the decision to award you ESA based on your circumstances, ie the company cannot pay you.

HB58

Why have you jumped from talking about PIP/DLA to ESA? These are 2 different benefits with different eligibility criteria. It is perfectly possible, and common, for people to claim both ESA and DLA/PIP.

melbury

HB58 wrote: »

Why have you jumped from talking about PIP/DLA to ESA? These are 2 different benefits with different eligibility criteria. It is perfectly possible, and common, for people to claim both ESA and DLA/PIP.

If you are already in receipt of ESA and you then apply for PIP, if you are turned down for PIP, does this mean they can then take away your ESA?

sammyjammy

melbury wrote: »

If you are already in receipt of ESA and you then apply for PIP, if you are turned down for PIP, does this mean they can then take away your ESA?

They can take away your ESA at any time if you fail a medical but they would not take it away on the basis you were ineligible for PIP. The benefits are both very different and paid for different reasons.