Backdate

private_Scoper

Hi,
I was wondering if someone could advise me on something please ?
DWP have just told me that I have been awarded the standard rate for pip.
I’ve applied on February and just got told by DWP that my backdate will start from April. 

How can that be as I thought backdate starts from the date you apply from which in my case should of been from February  

janer1967

Hi there

Was it a first time claim or a review and if  review was it initiated by you or dwp

If a new claim it should be paid back to the date you applied 

private_Scoper

Hi Janet,
it’s a new claim

janer1967

You need to challenge them then about your back pay 

calcotti

When did you first become ill and start to have difficulties? If it was in February then your PIP cannot start until 3 months after that.

private_Scoper

I started having difficulties at the beginning of January and applied on February, I also asked the person on the phone when I first applied and he said if I do get awarded then the backdate will start from the date I first applied which is on February 

janer1967

As above you need to have had the condition for 3 months before pip is awarded so that will be the reason it is being backdated to April and not when you applied 

calcotti

private_Scoper said:..I also asked the person on the phone when I first applied and he said if I do get awarded then the backdate will start from the date I first applied which is on February 

They will not have been aware of all the circumstances and are just call handlers.
If your problems started in January then it is correct that the PIP can only start in April.
https://www.gov.uk/pip/eligibility

You must also have a physical or mental health condition or disability where you:

• have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months

• expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months