New to the benefits maze (ESA and others)

ska_lover

Good afternoon all,

So unfortunately my adult son has become (what could be long term) ill and we have been attempting to navigate the benefits maze :eek:

He lives independently at the moment (well house shares)

What an absolute maze the ESA system is. I have been trying to help him navigate what appears to be a deliberately confusing system

We did two benefits calculators and both said different things. both ESA but the two different types contributions based or income related.He literally has no income at the moment from any source

Two weeks ago, we rang up to put in a claim for him (with me advocating) and was told that due to the fact my son had worked, 'contributions based' was the correct one..... she basically said if we applied for income related, he would end up on contributions based anyway...so we proceeded with the claim for CB and uploaded sons sick note straight away

This was two weeks ago, and all he has had out so far is a letter to check details are correct and posted hard copy of sick note

So question one is - how long may it take for payments to begin? I think it must all still be being processed

We were also told to apply to the local council for Housing benefit and council tax, which we have and took all ID in etc
However he has heard nothing back from these, and coming up to the end of the month it is getting quite worrying as his land lord isn't the most patient

Is there anything else we should or could be doing at the moment?

Question two, for ESA, I think that sick notes need to be sent in on a regular basis? Do they send reminders out for this or will benefits automatically stop?
i am just trying to work out how to help him manage, as he isn't the best at remembering this stuff

Question three I understand that Universal Credit has rolled out in our area, literally three days after putting in a claim - will this make a difference to the current claim

From my current reading and understanding, this ESA system seems to be deliberately tripping people up as in putting them at a disadvantage because they have worked - it actually seems harder to claim for people who have worked. With IS, it includes housing costs and NHS charges, but with Contributions based, none of that is included and you have to research if any other help is available with these things

We have found that he can apply for NHS cert when he gets an ESA certificate of entitlement - and this will be massively helpful as he does have a lot of medication

Thank you for reading, what a mine field this has, and continues to be

kingfisherblue

Hi, contributions based ESA is based on contributions for the previous two years, so that may be why it is CB rather than income based. There is no automatic entitlement to help with health costs when on CB ESA, so you may need to apply.


The first seven days of a new claim for ESA are unpaid. Then, payments are made two weeks in arrears. So the earliest payment is around three weeks from application. This is the assessment rate, which lasts fior thirteen weeks. You can request a sick note from your GP to last the full thirteen weeks.


I applied for my son on 19th April, to be paid from 17th April (the phone systems were having problems, so they accepted my claim was from two days earlier). I received a text five days later, saying that the amount was being calculated. The first payment was due on Monday 7th May (paid early because it was a bank holiday). In the meantime, I had to fill in the form and send in evidence and the sick note.



My son has his face to face assessment this Friday. It will be ten weeks and one day from the initial application.


The assessment rate is paid for thirteen weeks. If it takes longer to make a decision, and any extra money is due, it will be backdated. The rates depend on age (my son is 20 and gets a lower rate). After his assessment, it will depend on whether he is in the support group or the work related activity group.


Overall, so far it has not been a difficult experience for me. My son is totally unaware of ESA and all that it entails.


So,
Question 1 - fairly quick for assessment rate payments. I can't help with the council tax and housing benefit questions.



Question 2 - I sent in a sick note that lasts the full three months (time that theoretically you should be on the assessment rate). I don't know if reminders are sent, but I have a note on my calendar to get another one next week. This is to allow time for it to reach the right department.


Question 3 - UC has rolled out in my area, but not for ESA claims as yet. I don't know how ESA is affected by it.



Sorry I can't be more helpful.

NeilCr

Do you know if it a full roll out of UC or a live roll out?

If not you can check here

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/before-you-apply/Check-if-youre-eligible-for-Universal-Credit/

UC covers only income based benefits so it shouldn't effect Conts based ESA. Dependent on where UC is in the area it might impact the HB claim. Council Tax Reduction still lies with the council

In your shoes I'd be having a word with the council to see where the claim for HB and CTR is at.

I would not rely on reminders from the DWP on fit notes. Find a way to ensure your son submits them at the right time.

ska_lover

Thank you both

I really appreciate the time you have taken to reply , and the insight is very helpful, some valuable advice thre

We are going to pop into the council on Thursday (as he is also applying for council housing), so will chase the housing benefit claim for his current house

Initially he got a sick note for two months, but I know he has copies of the sick note so I will make a note on my calendar to remind him to obtain another one to send in, as I know he can't be relied upon at the minute to remember. He makes a lot of mistakes with dates and appointments bless him

ska_lover

kingfisherblue wrote: »

Overall, so far it has not been a difficult experience for me. My son is totally unaware of ESA and all that it entails.

.

I have found it a bit of a maze to be honest as was unsure of what he could claim for initially. My son has no clue what it entails either and wouldn't be able to handle applying or any admin after, by himself, at the moment

Sounds like we are in a similar situation.

It does sound like its early days too, that if we applied two weeks ago, the claims still going on, likely

Many thanks.

NeilCr

Have you considered PIP

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

If your son is long term ill then could qualify. I know you have a lot on your hands at the moment but might be worth a look

ska_lover

NeilCr wrote: »

Have you considered PIP

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

If your son is long term ill then could qualify. I know you have a lot on your hands at the moment but might be worth a look

Thank you, we will investigate this, much appreciated

poppy12345

PIP descriptors here.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf


Relevant evidence will be needed to support a claim. There's also lots of information available on the internet for you to look at.