Will I get SDP backdated if I wasn’t made aware of it

shellyjjj

Hi I am wondering if anyone can help me, I was first awarded pip in March 2017 I was on an still am on ESA. I was living with my ex partner at the time of my claim but 3 weeks later after my pip was awarded we split up. I made ESA aware of this as I had to go from a joint claim to a single claim. Last week I was talking to citizens advice who done a benefit check for me as I am always struggling with bills etc. I get standard living an care rate on pip. The CAB advised me that I should be getting SDP and told me to ring ESA to be sure. When I rang I explained to ESA I had a benefit check done with CAB and should I be claiming SDP and ESA said yes. She then explained that usually pip or ESA send me the form to claim SDP but stated after looking on her system that no form was sent to me from neither pip or ESA an I explained I wasn’t aware of SDP and asked for it to be backdated as it wasn’t my error ot was there’s. I then completed the form over the telephone. Can anyone tell me if I should get it backdated to 2017 as it was there mistake not mine? Thank you any advice would be really helpful

calcotti

Usually they will backdate to when you became entitled.

shellyjjj

Thankyou calcotti. Did similar happen to you? Do you no how long it takes DWP to backdate it. I got told by ESA up to four weeks but I have been reading so much on here with regards to DWP messing people around that am beginning to feel quite stressed out about it all ?

calcotti

shellyjjj said:.. am beginning to feel quite stressed out about it all ?

Try not to. A short while ago you didn't know about this entitlement anyway. At the moment your situation is no different to before you knew. It will get sorted, generally you only read on the forum about things that have gone wrong, many more will be processed correctly.

Alex_Alumni

Hi @shellyjjj and welcome to the community. I'm glad you found calcotti's reply useful.

I can completely understand why you might be feeling stressed, but try not worry. While it's sometimes very reassuring to read about other experiences, and sometimes a little unsettling, it's important to remember those experiences are not your own. As things stand the process is underway, and hopefully it will be within that 4 week timeframe.

Given there's a lot of backlogs and Christmas is approaching, it might well take longer. What's important is that you've done all you can, so try not to dwell on the 'what ifs' if you're able to. 

If you're still unsure about anything please do say, we're here to help.

Alex

shellyjjj

Thankyou for both your replies, I will just wait for the decision to be made and try not to dwell on it, your right I didn’t no about SDP so hopefully everything will work out just fine. Hope to hear of people that where in a similar situation to me an see what there outcome was. Thanks again for replies I really appreciate it

Alex_Alumni

You're very welcome @shellyjjj I hope Christmas can be a welcome distraction for you?

shellyjjj

Yes looking forward to Christmas with my family ? merry Christmas, wishing you all the best