I was granted PIP in Nov 17 backdated to the date of my claim 1 July 17. High mobility and low care. I was granted it after my first medical assessment without having to appeal or provide any further info.
I was turned down for ESA also in Nov following my medical assessment. I applied in April 2017. I have appealed and a tribunal agreed so am back on assessment rate.
The problem I have is that I was under the impression that I was on IR ESA from the beginning of my claim because I received a letter from the DWP not long after I claimed stating that I did I qualify for ESA CB as I had not paid enough tax for the year in question. The letter stated that I may still receive benefits and would need to apply. Before I replied to this letter i recieved another one from the DWP stating they they would pay me ESA into my bank account from a certain date. It did not state IR or CB. I assumed it was IB.
Once i was awarded PIP I called the DWP and asked for the disability premiums to be added to my ESA and also for it to be backdated to the date of my PIP award. They then told me that i had always been on CB ESA and was not entitled to the premiums. I explained what had happened and was asked to put it in writing. I this and applied for IR at the same time. I was immediately changed to IR and SDP added to my weekly money. They ignored my letter about thinking I was on IR
I again phoned and was more or less told that it was 'tough' and that I should of known I was on CB. I'm not happy about this and am going to write a formal letter of complaint.
I am in so much debt now having had only £73pw to live on while having to pay £239 a month of my rent due to bedroom tax. I've borrowed from the bank, credit cards, family and friends
Does anyone have any advice for me please?
Thank you so much
