Hi, my name is kia18! with my esa am i even allowed this amount of the pip mixed with savings?

kia18

kia18

I need really desperate help with some i am in the ESA support group i have been since 2021 i also get pip in October i had savings £5,350 with my pip i didn't disclose it as it didn't go over the £6000 rule of capital.In February i had a pip assessment i was very shocked to be awarded £549 a month as i have a lot of issues anxiety severe severe depression anorexia dyspraxia and some mobility issues now ive just got into a panic as i don't know with my esa i am even allowed this amount of the pip mixed with savings.My ESA now that rates went up in April is £318 EVERY Two weeks the pip is coming in at £549 a month then i have the £5350 of savings ive tried to work it out but have issues working out money so im really confused and anxious and scared.i also get housing benefit that is based on my esa .please can someone give me advice

Albus_Scope

Hey there @kia18 and welcome to the community. :)

So what brings you here today? If you need help with anything, please just ask and we'll all do our best to support you. :)

kia18

please can someone help me with some benefits questions im new on here.

Albus_Scope

No problem @kia18 apologies, your comment appeared whilst I was typing my reply haha.

I'm just going to move your discussion to the benefits category, so more people in the know will be able to see it. I hope that's ok?

poppy123456

Did your ESA claim start in 2021? If it did then it will be new style ESA that you’re claiming and this isn’t means tested so savings will not affect it.

If you’re claiming council tax reduction then this is means tested. All local Authorities have their own rules and some have a maximum savings limit of £6,000 before entitlement ends.

kia18

Hi poppy no im on income based ESA i meant to say i was only put in the support group in 2021

poppy123456

Ah yes, sorry I missed the payment amount, which should have indicated part of it was at least Income Related.

PIP isn't means tested but any money not spent at the end of the period it's paid for becomes savings. For ESA your payments are not treated as savings until the end of the period they are paid for so if you have anything left then it becomes savings.

Please also note that if you received any of the cost of living payments they are disregarded indefinitely.

kia18

Thanks very much yes i had a few costs of living payments last year 2023 and didn't know that.So its useful to know thank you.