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ESA, DLA, Restrictions on saving
Comments
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Thank you NannyTone
And for anyone wondering - the reason they aren't spending it is because they just live differently to the rest of us. They don't drive, in fact they don't go out much, they don't buy many bathroom products, aren't bothered about clothes, haircuts, they don't watch TV so no Sky subscription, Sky Protect, TV licence etc. They don't pay for loads of insurances They watch DVDs, play computer games and read books and write books instead.
They just live a fairly isolated and frugal existence and it's their choice.entitlement has nothing to do with 'playing the system'
once you go to the middle rate of DLA, all the premiums kick in. you don't claim them ... they are paid automatically.
so someone on low rate DLA gets very little but once middle rate is achieved ... then income doubles overnight!
put 2 disabled people in one house and they get all the premiums x 2 ( whereas the premiums are not usually payable unless you live alone)
this isn't 'playing the system'
if you think the system is wrong, then blame the system ... don't make disguised abusive comments towards disabled people!0 -
Thank you NannyTone
And for anyone wondering - the reason they aren't spending it is because they just live differently to the rest of us. They don't drive, in fact they don't go out much, they don't buy many bathroom products, aren't bothered about clothes, haircuts, they don't watch TV so no Sky subscription, Sky Protect, TV licence etc. They don't pay for loads of insurances They watch DVDs, play computer games and read books and write books instead.
They just live a fairly isolated and frugal existence and it's their choice.
Sounds a bit like me.
But without the same level of benefits.0 -
They are just getting what they are entitled too and Well done to them for living what seems like a good life without getting caught up in this materialistic world.0
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benniebert wrote: »OK it's not playing the system.
Some people actually have worked out what to claim that will give them the best result. If you are telling me that manipulation of say PIP, AA or DLA is not possible.....
OK, what about a wife that has arthritis. What would be the best report to gain the maximum award? Certainly not one from a GP. Maybe Social Services? OT assessment? Some people do a self referral and at the assessment at home, some exaggeration occurs. The OT is more than willing to give a glowing report to the DWP. In fact I am aware of one such case, where the OT from Social Services came to see the lady and a week later telephoned her to run through the form she had received from the DWP. The husband took over the call. Between the OT and the husband a report was compiled that suggested that her needs were far greater than they actually were. result was an AA award at the highest rate indefinitely. Likewise the husband had an assessment with the same OT, which also resulted in a report being sent to the DWP suggesting that he too was in a very bad way. Result - maximum AA idefinitely as well. Now with those they maxed their income.
They knew that Social Services/OT would be on their side and it would not be difficult to 'play on the disability' - on the principle that there must be a problem hence the self referral.
Next they went for Carers Allowance he for her and her for him. It was dubious that they each provided care to the other for 35+ hours a week. But they realised that no one would be able to disprove it as each would vouch for the other. They couldn't get the actual payment as they were both over 65 and receiving the SRP. Just with getting those two AA awards their income went from just a few hundred a week to well over £600 a week.
They had worked out how the system worked and what was needed to maximise their income - AA was the key for both of them. They realised that they both needed an acceptable report to be sent to the DWP.
Was the end result justified by the means? And that was just one couple.
Is your life so sad and empty that you spend your time making up fictional characters!
You obviously do a lot of research on the benefits system maybe your time would be better spent applying for a job with the DWP?0 -
Why do you say that when it is common knowledge that the figures I quoted are enjoyed by many pensioners? The quotes you have made actually re-enforce that fact.0 -
Is your life so sad and empty that you spend your time making up fictional characters!
You obviously do a lot of research on the benefits system maybe your time would be better spent applying for a job with the DWP?
That's a funny/weird reply. There is nothing fictional about it and my/our life is far from being sad and empty. Fortunately I enjoy a full and active life now that I am retired. Actually I am standing as an Independent candidate for the town council in May.
I have 'served' my time working and as for wanting to work for the DWP, I had that option when it was the DHSS and turned it down.0 -
Where do you get £600 plus a week from? Pension amount with pension credit for a couple £226 and 2 times attendance £160. Nowhere near £6000
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Where do you get £600 plus a week from? Pension amount with pension credit for a couple £226 and 2 times attendance £160. Nowhere near £600
They broke it down here... http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=50994327&postcount=49
ESA Support Group 99.85
DLA HRM/MRC 100.70
AA Lower
49.30
OAP
58.95
Pension Credit
223.50
Pension Credit Housing Costs
69.81
Council Tax Benefit
28.94
TOTAL £631.050 -
Sorry OP, you're claiming that you don't want to play the system, then you're taking advice on discretionary trusts - which, however much some like to pretty it up, is blatantly playing the system. Why not just declare the money as savings and have the benefits adjusted accordingly?0
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