Cut in ESA payments

Bec301

Apologies for the long post but I need to off load as I'm so worried and sad. A little backstory. Diagnosed with colorectal cancer stage 3, chemotherapy, surgery and ileostomy, ileostomy reversal. Following stoma reversal little to no bowel control. I had worked for the NHS for 20+ years prior to cancer diagnosis. Was forced into ill health retirement as they would not allow me to return to work as no bowel control and a new diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis and on methotrexate. Initially had Pip a standard rate for daily living and enhanced for mobility, following a review cut to standard for both. Today received a letter to say that because I receive £501 per month private pension I'm only entitle to £110 a month ESA. My understanding was anything over the £85per week would be cut by 50p in every £1. I cant meet my bills and now face more financial hardship when I was already struggling. I feel like giving up!

Kimi87

Did they give any calculations as to how they arrived at £110 monthly New Style ESA?

Did you appeal the PIP outcome? You have 13 months to do so if not, starting from the date of decision. If over a month you'll be asked why you are appealing "late".

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/mandatory-reconsideration-pip/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/apply-to-tribunal/

Are you eligible to claim Universal Credit?

Your pension and New Style ESA would be deducted in full from any UC award.

https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Do you receive Council Tax Reduction?

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/council-tax/applying-for-council-tax-reduction/

Link to find local help with benefits:

https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

Bec301

Hi Kimi87

Thank you for your reply. No calculations just stated that because my pension was £144.65 a week ( I actually get £125.25) per week, from the 9th October I would get £110.73 per month. I did not challenge the PIP decision as the whole process had caused me so much anxiety and depression and after losing my job I had no fight left in me. Every point the office manager made was unfair or untrue.

Kimi87

If you feel the ESA calculation is wrong, you can ask them to look at the decision again.

Hopefully, as part of the process they tell you the calculation used.

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

Local welfare rights can help support you with a PIP appeal if you are still within 13 months.

Media

Maybe a fund could be set up . So that a demand for a clear explanation is made . A large a group as possible,The Post Office Scandal is an example. Then approach government. The DWP HAS A REPUTATION FOR OBFUSCATION AND SECRECY. Must be broken. Mike we

66Mustang

I think "earned income" reduces your benefit by a percent; "unearned income", which a pension is treated as, reduces it pound-for-pound

Which is sick, because pensions are very much earned, but that's the rules they use 🙁

Not a lot of help but may help you understand (if not agree with) their decision

Bec301

Contacted DWP and they have said that the letter may have said monthly in error and should have said weekly but they can not confirm this and I need to wait for a few day for a call back.