ESA moving to SDP & Housing Benefit

Mr.Croesus

I'm presently living with family whilst on ESA (Support Group & Enhanced PIP). However, I am looking at moving very shortly (pre Xmas) into a single-occupancy tenancy. I understand this would make me eligible for SDP (as an addition to the ESA); as such this then means it would be Housing Benefit rather than UC I would be applying for. 

I am unsure as to how to approach the update/application process about these. I assume I have to inform the DWP somehow about the ESA shift to include the SDP, but do I need to then wait for that to be awarded formally before applying for Housing Benefit? Is there any indication as to how long it takes to get an SDP award letter, etc?

I'm just struggling to understand the sequencing and details of all this, and how best to approach the situation in general (and am getting no where trying to speak to the DWP itself on the phone...). I have serious issues with anxiety as it is (part of the mental reason for me being on ESA to begin with), and as there is plenty here to cause things to get really interesting with the struggles I have already, I'd be grateful for any guidance. 

calcotti

First thing, as you say, is to inform ESA of your change of circumstances as soon as you have moved. I don't know how long ESA will take to put the SDP in place.

Once you have moved you may be able to apply for Housing Benefit but explain to your local authority the circumstances and ask them to delay determining the claim until you have confirmation of the SDP. They may refuse to accept the claim. If that is the case once you have confirmation of the SDP you will have to apply and ask for backdating, explaining that you could not apply sooner because you were waiting for the SDP confirmation. However the maximum backdate is one month.

You should also apply for Council Tax Reduction from your local authority to help pay your Council Tax bill.

You will of course also need to tell PIP that you have moved.

poppy12345

You'll need to move house first before you can do anything. You were given lots of information on your other thread regarding this.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6177830/esa-support-group-uc-lcwra-permitted-work/p1

calcotti

poppy12345 said:

You'll need to move house first before you can do anything. You were given lots of information on your other thread regarding this.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6177830/esa-support-group-uc-lcwra-permitted-work/p1

Didn't spot that it was the same OP and had all been covered before.