ESA and PIP

Thomas_More

Hello everyone and thanks for welcoming me.
I have a question about ESA and PIP.
If one loses PIP, why is one's ESA halved as well? Conversely, why is it doubled if one is awarded PIP?
Why do those getting more receive more of everything, while those getting less get even less? Does the extra ESA that comes with PIP qualify as PIP or as ESA?

poppy123456

This is related to those that claim Income Related ESA that includes the Severe Disability Premium. 

To be entitled to SDP you must live alone or be treated as living alone. No one must be claiming either carers allowance or carers element of Universal Credit for looking after you. You must also be claiming either daily living PIP/ADP or DLA mid/high rate care or be registered blind. 

SDP is a disability premium payable when claiming the old legacy benefits such as Income Related ESA/JSA or Income Support, it’s paid in with it. 

It’s not payable when claiming either New style ESA or Universal Credit. 

Not everyone is entitled to it as it does depend on individual circumstances because of the criteria. 

Thomas_More

But even though i'm on ESA Support Group and live alone, i will lose half the ESA if i lose PIP.

poppy123456

If your PIP includes the SDP (£76.40/week)  then yes unless you are registered blind. You need a daily living award of PIP. See link https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/severe-disability-premium

Jimm_Scope

Hey @Thomas_More, welcome to the community Can I ask if you've recently had a PIP decision that has caused this or if this is a hypothetical you're worried about? We can help with the appeal process for PIP if you feel an incorrect decision has been made!

Just incase here is our advice page on appeals: https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/challenging-PIP-or-other-benefits-decisions

Thomas_More

Many thanks and good afternoon. 
I am undergoing a PIP review.

Thomas_More

Losing PIP also takes away over £100 a week of ESA.

poppy123456

Thomas_More said:

Losing PIP also takes away over £100 a week of ESA.

That’s not correct when you’re in the Support Group. If in the Support Group and your ESA includes the SDP then as I advised above this is £76.40/week. 

Are you in the Support Group? 

Thomas_More

Yes. With PIP, I get £400+ a fortnight. Without PIP, I get £200+ a fortnight.

poppy123456

It’s not £100 per week less as I keep advising. Your calculations are not correct. The calculations are as follows…
ESA Support Group £129.50
Enhanced Disability Premium £19.55
SDP £76.40
total weekly amount £225.45 / £450.90/fortnight

Without SDP the weekly amount is £149.05/week £298.01/fortnight

Difference between SDP added and no SDP added is £76.40/week or £152.80/fortnight.

It’s not £100+ per week.

Thomas_More

Either way, you lose SDP when you lose PIP.

poppy123456

Which is exactly what I advised in my first response.