Backdating SDP

whambam

Hello,

I'm writing on the behalf of a friend who was awarded PIP in Feb 2017. He didn't claim SDP nor was told about it in 2017 he was entitled to it in April 2019 they recently backdated it by 8 weeks however is he entitled it to be backdated further? He's been living alone for 8 years without any paid carers on carers allowance. His daughter is a carer who gets carers allowance for her step dad, but does not live with her dad.

I was reading this:-

http://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=3998

huckster

Your friend can submit a mandatory reconsideration of the decision to only backdate it for the 8 weeks. Provide all of the information that would be relevant to backdating it further.

[Deleted User]

If he became entitled to SDP in April 2019 then 8 weeks back dating would be correct

calcotti

venison wrote: »

If he became entitled to SDP in April 2019 then 8 weeks back dating would be correct

I think OP means that he only recently became aware of entitlement. If he has indeed lived alone for 8 years with no one claiming CA for looking after him then he should have the SDP backdated to the start date of the PIP award.

[Deleted User]

SDP was perhaps the only benefit the DWP ever advised me to claim, in this day and age its easy for many people to find out about benefits and their entitlement and there is really no excuse for most people not to be aware.

calcotti

venison wrote: »

SDP was perhaps the only benefit the DWP ever advised me to claim, in this day and age its easy for many people to find out about benefits and their entitlement and there is really no excuse for most people not to be aware.

Given the complexity of the system and the confusing way in which benefits interact I take a different view on that. It is certainly now easier for those who can to find the information and work out their entitlement but many cannot. Often you need to know what you are looking for in order to find the information. Advice given by DWP staff is itself often wrong and letters issued are often confusing.

In theory, of course, UC is supposed to be a simplification of the system but DWP information is often insufficient to allow claimants to readily check their awards - indeed CPAG have suggested that the information provided fails to meet the legal requirements http://www.cpag.org.uk/sites/default/files/Computer%20says%20%27no%21%27%20Stage%20one%20-%20information%20provision_2.pdf

whambam

venison wrote: »

SDP was perhaps the only benefit the DWP ever advised me to claim, in this day and age its easy for many people to find out about benefits and their entitlement and there is really no excuse for most people not to be aware.

Vulnerable disabled people, elderly people who don't know how to use a computer?

The fact it takes over 15 mins to call DWP and to be told its the wrong department or systems are down is enough not to call them back again.

K80_Black

Be prepared for a long wait. I realised I was owed about a year of SDP I hadn't claimed back in January. In March they said I was living with someone else at the time, which I wasn't. Mandatory reconsideration took until late May, which was found in my favour, still waiting for the payment. Each time I'm told it'll take 6 weeks til the next stage, and it's at least 10.

whambam

Good luck K10. Try going through your MP as it scares the life out of them and gives you a quicker response in my experience.

Missy-D1956

They don't want you knowing about other benefits. So they make the phone call waiting lengthy and ignore all letters that are not special delivery.
I now communicate to them by Special Delivery and CC my MP Joan Ryan into every letter or email or send them.
It works ......it appears when they are being watched and judged they do as they should do.
I now attend all assessments with recording devices and record my conversations with them on the phone.
Please someone don't pipe up it's illegal...I know and I don't care.
You wont believe what conversations I have had with the D.W.P.....your hair would curl.

[Deleted User]

I was referring to the fact that we now have for many people (not all) the internet and sites like turn2us/entitled2 and people like MSE, CAB and AGE uk. and if you can afford £20 benefits and work, its far easier to find out what you are entitled to than it was 20 years ago.