Disability Premiums

minimad1970

Ages ago I received a form to apply for Severe Disability Premium. I filled out the form but didn't hear anything, I didn't expect to qualify for it as my son had failed his assessment for PIP. He has now been awarded PIP, backdated to 03/20. He has had the premiuim added to his ESA, he had a phone call checking that he qualified and I'm sure the man said to me that it now meant I would also receive this extra money. This was 3 weeks ago and I haven't heard anything about it, I have tried to phone a few times but it took too long to get through. Whilst I'm waiting to speak to them does anyone know if there's any reason why I wouldn't receive this extra payment? 
Our situation is,
2 adults in the property, myself and my son.
We both receive IR ESA and PIP..

Thanks for any help 

calcotti

You are both eligible for the SDP but it will not be added automatically. You need to keep trying to speak to them and they will confirm the necessary details with you. Following this it will be added (and backdated as appropriate).

minimad1970

Thanks calcotti. I will keep on trying. I really dislike using a phone, I tend to get to about 45 minutes on hold and my anxiety gets too much. I just find it odd that when the DWP phoned me about my son, (he doesn't have a phone) the man said that I would qualify as well, he didn't tell me I'd have to contact them.

calcotti

minimad1970 said:

Thanks calcotti. I will keep on trying. I really dislike using a phone, I tend to get to about 45 minutes on hold and my anxiety gets too much. I just find it odd that when the DWP phoned me about my son, (he doesn't have a phone) the man said that I would qualify as well, he didn't tell me I'd have to contact them.

I can only say what I would expect which is that they would not add the SDP to your award without first speaking to you. Obviously, if you notice that your payments change before you have spoken to them that would indicate that they have made the change.

minimad1970

calcotti said:

minimad1970 said:

Thanks calcotti. I will keep on trying. I really dislike using a phone, I tend to get to about 45 minutes on hold and my anxiety gets too much. I just find it odd that when the DWP phoned me about my son, (he doesn't have a phone) the man said that I would qualify as well, he didn't tell me I'd have to contact them.

I can only say what I would expect which is that they would not add the SDP to your award without first speaking to you. Obviously, if you notice that your payments change before you have spoken to them that would indicate that they have made the change.

Thanks. I waited until my ESA payment went in today and it wasn't added, I'll ring them again tomorrow.

poppy12345

Try ringing as soon as they open i always find this is the best time. I rang them last week and it took them less than 5 monutes to answer the phone, to say i was shocked was an understatement lol.

minimad1970

I finally got through on 22nd of april. The lady said my information would be passed on for a decision and I should hear within 3 weeks. When I checked my bank account today there's 13 months of backpay in there.

calcotti

minimad1970 said:

I finally got through on 22nd of april. The lady said my information would be passed on for a decision and I should hear within 3 weeks. When I checked my bank account today there's 13 months of backpay in there.

Thanks for posting back. Glad it’s sorted.

minimad1970

calcotti said:

minimad1970 said:

I finally got through on 22nd of april. The lady said my information would be passed on for a decision and I should hear within 3 weeks. When I checked my bank account today there's 13 months of backpay in there.

Thanks for posting back. Glad it’s sorted.

Thank you for yours and other peoples advice. I'm going to treat myself to a new lounge carpet