Severe disability backpayment

Taurusgirl

Hi.. Out of the blue I have just received an award for Severe Disability Premium. I am already on ESA and in the support group and recieve PIP. I never applied for it as never even knew I could. When I asked if this could be backdated as I have the qualifying criteria since November 2022 ie. live alone and on living component of PIP..I was informed because I never originally told them about a change in circumstances I did not qualify? My mother had passed 3 years ago and my son came to stay for a few weeks to grieve. He was on UC anyway. It was after he left I was awarded PIP and obviously lived alone. There excuse for not backdating is that I never told them he left? In reality it made zero difference financially as he was UC? I was unaware I needed to inform them and severely depressed after losing mum. I also suffer with severe cerebrovascular disease of the brain (which I was mistakenly told by a doctor receptionist was all fine)! I have proof of dates from my sons UC record information about him leaving. They said I was awarded because they had just happened to review my ESA and I qualified. Surely they know all the relevant information about my history anyway? One person from DWP told me should could not see any reason why it would not be backdated but the following phone call from them to me I was told I could not get it backdated because I had not informed them? Any help on this would be gratefully accepted thanks.😁

Albus_Scope

Hey there @Taurusgirl and welcome to the community. 😊

That sounds like a difficult situation, with lots of people saying different things. I know it sounds a bit odd, but would you be able to speak to your MP about this? They're usually very good at getting these situations dealt with pretty quickly.

Unfortunately I'm unable to advise as this isn't a situation I've dealt with before. But I'm hoping some of the community may have some input soon. 😊

Kimi87

You can ask for them to look again at the decision not to backdate.

This is called a Mandatory Reconsideration.

If the decision is unchanged you can take the matter to an independent appeal tribunal.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/problems-with-esa/challenging-an-esa-decision/