PIP and no carers allowance

littleacorn

I receive enhanced care and mobility PIP and ESA support group no income top up or universal  credit. My partner was my carer, he never claimed carers allowance as he worked. He has now passed away so I have no carer. Am I entitled to claim any additional money as I no longer have a carer? I will not be able to claim universal credit as I will be just over the threshold. I am confused about severe disability premiums and money to replace that which a  carers would receive as no one claims that for caring for me. Any advice please. DWP say no but still can't understand as everything I read is about claiming Universal Credit!

Rosie_Scope

Hi @littleacorn. I'm afraid I don't have any specific advice, but I will do some research for you and hopefully some of our members will be along shortly to share their experiences too. I just wanted to pop in to say I'm sorry for your loss and I hope you're doing as well as possible.

Are you coping okay without a carer, or will you be looking into getting some further help? Do you have anyone else around helping to support you?

bg844

I'm sorry for your loss.

Is your ESA income-related or contributions-based? Do you claim help with housing costs via Housing Benefit (if applicable) and finally would you say you are going to struggle a lot more going forward?

poppy123456

Sorry for your loss. I see from a previous thread that it’s New style ESA that you’re claiming and not Income Related or the old contributions based. See thread here https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/76575/i-get-ns-esa-sg-and-my-wife-used-to-care-for-me-can-my-daughter-claim-ca-now-shes-caring-for-me#latest
Unfortunately there’s no disability premiums payable with this ESA and this includes the Severe Disability Premium you mentioned. 

https://www.gov.uk/disability-premiums/eligibility

You mentioned not being able to claim UC because you’re over the threshold. Is this because you have savings/capital of more than £16,000? 

littleacorn

It is old style ESA support group contribution based. I have claimed this for approx 8 years. My husband had private pensions which I will inherit which will be over £16000. He did own the house and has no mortgage so I do not claim housing benefit because at present I am living in it but this will now be difficult as specially as I have no carer. 

poppy123456

If that pension is a lump sum with savings of more than £16,000 then this will mean you're excluded from all means tested benefits. The disability premiums such as Severe disability premium are all means tested. If you're claiming Council Tax reduction it will also include this.

Once your savings go below £16,000 then you can contact ESA to ask them to assess you for the Income Related top up (disability premiums) there will be a deduction in your ESA of £1/week for every £250 or part thereof over £6,000.

For Council Tax Reduction some local Authorities have a maximum savings limit of £6,000 before entitlement ends so you will need to look to see what their limit is. If you're claiming single person discount for this then you will still be entitled to that because it's not means tested.

chiarieds

I'm ever so sorry about your husband @littleacorn - & I'm sure he's an awful miss. The only other thing I can think about, if you're now living on your own, is a council tax discount of 25% as a single occupant, if you haven't already claimed this.