Backdated ESA Premium Difficulties

katyxx1977

Hi There
I received a letter a few weeks ago to tell me that I am entitled to Carer's Allowance but as I am on ESA with my own health difficulties, this is classed as an underlying entitlement and I will receive the carer's premium.  I have been on the phone constantly since last Monday, and i still cannot seem to get anyone to sort this out for me.  I have been promised at least 6 callbacks now and have only received one, who gave me wtong information and sent me back to Carer's Allowance.  The front line staff have tried to pass ke through to the benefits centre, but they refuse to speak to me.  I am now at the end of my tether.  Can anyone please offer me ant advice?
Many Thanks
Catherine

CockneyRebel

Hi katy and welcome

You need to contact the carers unit

https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance-unit

CR

katyxx1977

I have.  They sent me back to ESA. 

CockneyRebel

If possible take the letter to CAB who should be able to sort it for you

katyxx1977

I might have to.  Its so difficult.  Thanks for your help

poppy123456

It's not an underlying entitlement that you'll receive because you'll be paid both Carers Allowance and the Carers premium. What they actually do is take the CA from your ESA and add the premium. CA will then pay you the CA either weekly, 4 weekly or 12 weekly which ever you decided when you first claimed.

It can take 8-12 weeks for payments to start. CA have to send ESA a form to fill in and return. This is to see how much CA will owe ESA for the "overpayment" Once this has been received back to Carers Allowance you will then receive back dated money, this will be the Carers premium that is owed to you from the date you put on the form when you first applied. In the letter ESA send you it will seem like to you that you're worse off but you won't be, You will be £34.95 per week better off.

sandyp196

I don't understand the difference between carer allowance and carers premium. Does anyone have a link so I can look it up? 

whistles

I thought they were making the system simpler for everyone!

CockneyRebel

sandyp196 said:

I don't understand the difference between carer allowance and carers premium. Does anyone have a link so I can look it up? 

here is CAB link

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/carers-allowance/

katyxx1977

Carers are telling me ESA pay the premium.  ESA telling me carers pay it.  Been going round i  circles sent from one to the other.  Feel like giving up 

poppy123456

katyxx1977 said:

Carers are telling me ESA pay the premium.  ESA telling me carers pay it.  Been going round i  circles sent from one to the other.  Feel like giving up 

ESA pay the premium and Carers Allowance pay the Carers. As i said in my post above the CA is taken off the ESA.

katyxx1977

Well just an update on my case.  I ended up having to go to my MP as ESA would not raise a complaint for me.  I finally got my carer's premium 2 days ago.  Fighting since January.  At least it is sorted now.  However no one taking responsibility.  Carer's blaming ESA and ESA blaming carers so of course no one is at fault.  Just glad it is sorted, for now.

Laura99

What s surprise. The DWP never know the answer to any questions. Useless.