Change in amount

Lyndrix

Hi there, last year I was awarded back payment because of being in the wrong category of ESA, I understand that it is disregarded for a year but I am worried about abiut the housing benefit I get because my weekly payment is higher and I still have some of the money left. Any advise to ease my mind it's starting to affect my sleep too.

michfinch

How did you get a back payment - Tribunal? I’ve submitted my Dr’s letter, my Psychologist, my Specialist all advising I am unable to work and submit a monthly Fit Note yet the DWP put me in the Work Related Activity Group and I’ve had to appeal payments. Am I an unusual case or do many other Epileptics submit the same info and get placed in the Work Activity Group? Tx

clarkjohnson

Hello michfinch how many more things do they need you have my sympathy 

poppy123456

Lyndrix said:

Hi there, last year I was awarded back payment because of being in the wrong category of ESA, I understand that it is disregarded for a year but I am worried about abiut the housing benefit I get because my weekly payment is higher and I still have some of the money left. Any advise to ease my mind it's starting to affect my sleep too.

Hi,

Savings of £6,000 and over affect means tested benefits and any back dated money you received is disregarded for 1 year for all means tested benefits. If after this time your savings are more than this amount you need to report the changes.

Savings of £16,000 and over and all means tested benefits stop.

poppy123456

michfinch said:

How did you get a back payment - Tribunal? I’ve submitted my Dr’s letter, my Psychologist, my Specialist all advising I am unable to work and submit a monthly Fit Note yet the DWP put me in the Work Related Activity Group and I’ve had to appeal payments. Am I an unusual case or do many other Epileptics submit the same info and get placed in the Work Activity Group? Tx

Hi,

A fit note from your GP isn't proof of how your conditions affect you and is not classed as evidence. To be placed into the support group you need to look at the criteria to see which, if any apply to you. For ESA, it's not about a diagnosis, but how your conditions affect your ability to do any type of work. See descriptors for support group here. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/1353-support-group-descriptors

Reg 35 here.

http://www.cpag.org.uk/content/making-exception

clarkjohnson

So that's a doctor , psychologist , specialist the lady as seen who else do you suggest she sees 

poppy123456

I don't make the rules, sorry. I just posted some links to try to help!

clarkjohnson

Good on yer sir everyone needs a little help in life 

Lyndrix

Hi poppy 123456
I put £5,500 in an ISA for 2yrs is this counted in to the £6000? Also my weekly payments are more because they changed me to IR ESA, that's how I got the back pay being in the wrong group for 5yrs! So will I still qualify for housing and council tax benefit?
ThanQ

poppy123456

Yes all savings are counted but the backdated money is disregarded for 1 year so it doesn't count at the moment.

Lyndrix

Ok thanQ, but what about the increase in my weekly money will it affect housing benefit etc?

poppy123456

You mean contributions based ESA with the income related top up? No, it won't affect it in a bad way because you don't have any income. You're receiving a means tested benefit, which isn't income.

Lyndrix

Yes sorry, I was on contribution rate and in the suoosup group, then when they were doing whatever last year they sent me a letter to say I was in the wrong group and should've been income related all along hence me getting back money.  Who knew getting some money would be so stressful!  
Thanks again from all you help, it is very much appreciated.

Lyndrix

*support

poppy123456

No problem, i agree it's stressful. Enjoy the money it's disregarded for 1 year.

Lyndrix

Hi again Poppy, sorry to be asking again but what happens after the 1year is up? Do they want to know what you did with the money? InI assuming you have to show what's left cos obviously it has a bareing on your housing benefits.
Thanks again with your help x

poppy123456

What you do with that money in that year is entirely up to you. If you have anything left after that and it's more than £6,000 then you need to report those changes.

easy

I think the back pay for this is disregarded indefinitely. 

poppy123456

The award letter should state this if it is.

CockneyRebel

easy said:

I think the back pay for this is disregarded indefinitely. 

Sorry but I do not think this is correct. How can you distinquish these savings/capital from any other ?

easy

I have no idea but I think I read it on B&W and I have never Known them to be wrong.