Backdated PIP/Advance UC

Elena84

Hello,

I began my claim for PIP in April, had my assessment on 15th August, the report was received by them on 23rd August. I was told 'off the record' that I was well into the enhanced banding. I am a bit confused over whether this means that I will be receiving both daily living and mobility elements, both of which I qualify for enhanced, or just one? And is the payment backdated to April when they first received my application?

I am really struggling financially at the moment, my UC payment doesn't go near covering my bills and I have had to max out my credit cards. I am wholeheartedly hoping that my claim is finalised within the time scales they advised when I spoke to the PIP helpline on Friday, which would be approximately the middle of this month.

However, my finances have reached the point where I am missing payments this month for the first time. I had hoped to get an advance on my universal credit payment but can't find an option online to do this. Can anyone advise? Thank you.

calcotti

You will have to wait until you get the PIP decision letter to find out what you have been awarded. Any award will be backdated to the day you first rang DWP in April.

Information on UC budgeting advance here https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/on-universal-credit/budgeting-advance/. Try ringing the helpline. Do bear in mind that if you take an advance your next 12 months of payments will reduced which may make things more difficult for you.

poppy12345

Elena84 wrote: »

Hello,

I began my claim for PIP in April, had my assessment on 15th August, the report was received by them on 23rd August. I was told 'off the record' that I was well into the enhanced banding. I am a bit confused over whether this means that I will be receiving both daily living and mobility elements, both of which I qualify for enhanced, or just one? And is the payment backdated to April when they first received my application?

I am really struggling financially at the moment, my UC payment doesn't go near covering my bills and I have had to max out my credit cards. I am wholeheartedly hoping that my claim is finalised within the time scales they advised when I spoke to the PIP helpline on Friday, which would be approximately the middle of this month.

However, my finances have reached the point where I am missing payments this month for the first time. I had hoped to get an advance on my universal credit payment but can't find an option online to do this. Can anyone advise? Thank you.

When you apply for PIP they assess you for both parts, daily living and mobility. When you'll be successfully awarded either part or both will totally depend on how your conditions affect you and no one can give you a definite answer on an internet forum.


There's no timescales for decision's, it depends on backlog in your area and the time they tell you, is just a guide.


You can ring DWP to request a copy of the assessment report to be sent to you, this will give you some idea what the decision is likely to be because they mostly go with the report.



If you're not awarded or it's not the decision you expected you can request the MR within 1 month of the date of the decision.



If you're successfully awarded it's backdated to the date you rang to start your claim, providing you're not transferring from DLA.



For the budgeting advance, you can ring UC to apply. If you are still paying off a previous advance payment you will not be able to have another until that's paid back. Details in the link.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/on-universal-credit/budgeting-advance/


Edited to add, cross posted with calcotti because i took too long to type my comment and didn't see their reply.

Elena84

Thank you both for your reply, that's very helpful. It was the assessor who told me that I fell into the enhanced categories, I have a brain injury following an accident which put me in a coma, this has led to partial paralysis and epilepsy. I submitted letters from my hospital admissions, consultants and my own gp, so I would hope they don't need much else!

poppy12345

Elena84 wrote: »

It was the assessor who told me that I fell into the enhanced categories,

That person should not have said this to you because it's not their place to say anything like this. They are there to assess your functional ability and once that is complete they will write a report which is returned to DWP with recommendations in it.



A decision maker then looks at that report, with all your evidence you sent in and makes a decision.



Ring to request a copy of the report, as previously advised.

calcotti

poppy12345 wrote: »

Edited to add, cross posted with calcotti because i took too long to type my comment and didn't see their reply.

That so often happens to me!
Glad you pointed out that backdating is different if transferring from DLA - I had forgotten to mention that.

Alice_Holt

A couple of thoughts:

a) What group are you in for UC?

b) Have you considered getting debt advice?
Missing payments and maxing out credit cards suggests you may be in (or near) debt crisis. Can you maintain essential costs such as housing, etc?
https://www.stepchange.org/

The debtfree board may be useful to you.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=76

c) Are you getting council tax reduction?
Let your council know when you get the PIP award letter.

Elena84

That person should not have said this to you because it's not their place to say anything like this. They are there to assess your functional ability and once that is complete they will write a report which is returned to DWP with recommendations in it.

Thank you, yes, she did say herself that she isn't meant to give any indication, and that her recommendations are not a guaranteed outcome. But I have confirmed brain damage, am in a wheelchair outside the house, can't leave my flat unassisted, have uncontrolled epilepsy as well as 2 badly fractured vertebrae which will need surgery at some stage but I'm not well enough for a general anaesthetic at the moment, so I am assuming/hoping she was quite confident in the outcome. However, I am prepared to be disappointed and have to go through more hoops if need be.

jtp

do you get standard daily while waiting for a decision

[Deleted User]

jtp wrote: »

do you get standard daily while waiting for a decision

No why would you

calcotti

jtp wrote: »

do you get standard daily while waiting for a decision

You get nothing until a decision is made.