Am I getting the right amount?

Vates

Hi, hope people can put my mind at rest. I currently get ESA Income-based, in Support group, I also get PIP standard rate daily living (no mobility award). I also get Housing benefit.

I have been told I qualify for severe disability premium since I was awarded PIP in September but have been saving this amount in a savings account ever since as I feel like they will ask for it back at any point and want the amount to pay them. And it isn't like I haven't needed it, the extra money I mean. Is the DWP award correct?

My housing benefit amount also increased after my PIP award which I was shocked about. From my research online it seems like with the PIP it would have but really wanted to check. I have been worrying about it since they awarded the new amount. I have the money saved in case it is wrong to pay back.

But it's just the money would be much more useful especially in heating my flat (hot showers shouldn't be a luxury) and my olive oil froze in my kitchen last year (I know, olive oil! but it was showing 10 on my thermostat last year).

I appreciate any help. Thanks.

poppy12345

Severe Disability Premium is award if no one claims Carers Allowance and you live alone or are classed as living alone. You have to claim SDP as they don't just award it to you. If you weren't entitled then you wouldn't be recieving it. The money is your to spend.

Vates

Thanks, Poppy12345. Yes, nobody gets carers allowance for me and I am living alone. I did a phonecall with help from a relative in November. It just seems a huge jump in money?! I suppose that's why I'm suspicious.

Ames

It's around £63 a week I think. It's for the extra costs of living alone with a disability - so things like heating and hot showers are definitely allowed!

They're not going to ask for it back.

TELLIT01

poppy12345 wrote: »

Severe Disability Premium is award if no one claims Carers Allowance and you live alone or are classed as living alone. You have to claim SDP as they don't just award it to you.

That shouldn't be the case. If there is no evidence of anybody claiming Carer's and nobody else in the household, a form should be sent to the claimant by ESA.

Alice_Holt

And your HB increased because there is an additional allowance / premium for those in receipt of PIP

"Housing Benefit Premiums
You can get extra amounts in the form of premiums if you satisfy certain conditions. There are five in all:
carer premium;
disability premium;
disabled child premium;
enhanced disability premium; and
severe disability premium"

See also - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/before-claiming/extra-help-pip-entitles-you-to/

Here is some more info on ESA premiums (the SDP) to set your mind at rest:
https://www.gov.uk/disability-premiums-income-support/what-youll-get

epitome

Vates wrote: »

Hi, hope people can put my mind at rest. I currently get ESA Income-based, in Support group, I also get PIP standard rate daily living (no mobility award). I also get Housing benefit.

I have been told I qualify for severe disability premium since I was awarded PIP in September but have been saving this amount in a savings account ever since as I feel like they will ask for it back at any point and want the amount to pay them. And it isn't like I haven't needed it, the extra money I mean. Is the DWP award correct?

Thanks.

I can't tell you if it is correct as you have not told me how much you are getting.

If you live alone and get PIP daily living, and no one is paid Carer's Allowance to care for you and your ESA is paying you £188 per week = £376 per fortnight.... then yes your ESA is correct.

How much savings do you have now?

If save over £6000 it will then affect your ESA award.

poppy12345

TELLIT01 wrote: »

That shouldn't be the case. If there is no evidence of anybody claiming Carer's and nobody else in the household, a form should be sent to the claimant by ESA.

Well i'm not the government....