Working Tax Credit disability element - questions and how to proceed?

Commanded2bwell

Hello. I've finally been awarded my PIP, and have been made aware that I may qualify for additional payments under my Working Tax Credit. I'd be interested to hear anyone's experience or advice regarding the process of applying.

In my instance, my PIP was awarded for my autism. Looking at the following website,

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/work-disadvantage-test

which lists the test criteria for the WTC disability element, I assume that I would qualify under item 17, which is "Due to mental disability you are often confused or forgetful." This is a symptom of my condition on most days of the week, and the closest thing in the list that approximates any kind of mental health or neuro-divergent condition.

The next page of the website has this:

Condition C - You get disability living allowance (DLA – either component, any rate), Personal Independence Payment (PIP-either component, either rate) or attendance allowance (or an Industrial Injuries or War Pensions scheme equivalent). You must meet this condition throughout the period of your claim, not just at the start of it.

I added the bold to the last line because I'm not sure what it means. Does this mean I need to be receiving PIP for a certain minimum time before I can claim the disability element? Or that I need to be receiving PIP throughout the time it takes to claim the disability element? Or something else? It seems very strangely worded.

Thanks

poppy123456

It means that to continue to receive the disability element of WTC you must continue to be awarded PIP. If your PIP stops for any reason they so will the disabled element of tax credits. It will also be backdated to the start of your PIP award, providing you were claiming WTC at that time.

Commanded2bwell

Hi poppy, thanks for your reply.

When you say backdated to the start of my PIP award, does that mean the original (failed) PIP application? I got PIP after mandatory reconsideration, and received a backdated lump sum to cover the intervening months while it was waiting to be reconsidered. I've been claiming regular WTC since before my original PIP application.

Cheers

poppy123456

Yes backdated to when your PIP award was backdated to, which is the start of your claim. It may take several weeks to recalculate your WTC.

Commanded2bwell

I got through on the WTC phone line, today and have been told to expect a phone call sometime next week... or not. I might not get one if the disability team decide to just use the data and evidence collected by the DWP for the PIP claim. But if I do get a phone call, there will be questions.

Does anyone know what questions I should expect?

There is not, apparently, a claim form to fill in, any more. There is just this phone call... if you get one.

tess9pups

bit confused is this site for people who have been awarded PIP>

janer1967

Hi @tess9pups and welcome to the community 

The site is for disabled people and carers and c8vers many different areas not just pip and benefits 

Have a look around the different categories and get a feel for the site a good place to start is recent discussions 

chiarieds

Hi @tess9pups - & welcome. This site is for any person affected by disability, so is often disabled people, but also those with disabled children, or other relatives.

Many questions are about benefits such as PIP, but all things related to disability are very welcome. Please let us know if you have any questions of your own.

Alex_Alumni

Hello there @Commanded2bwell I'm just checking back after you first posted in December, how have things been going?

Did you ever get that phone call in the end?

Commanded2bwell

Hi Alex, yes, everything is sorted now! Payments are arriving as scheduled after January. I still don't know what they think was the official start date because I still think their first payment was late... but I don't think it's worth pursuing. Cheers.

Alex_Alumni

That's good to hear @Commanded2bwell I'm glad it's all in order now. I hope you're enjoying your weekend

solly1902

@Commanded2bwell I'm in the same situation I got my pip awarded and spoke to wtc lot. Submitted the disability form to wtc been 3 weeks still waiting. I spoke to them yesterday and was told a notice will be sent out in 48 hours and payments should be updated. See how it goes 

Alex_Alumni

Keeping fingers crossed for you @solly1902 I hope that's the case! 

Let us know how you get on

Alex

ChiChi

I receive standard rates of both parts (PIP AWARD) and also recieve tax credits and working tax credits because my husband works 25 hours. 

I spoke to the lady at WTC and she said that I will not recieve any extra money as I do not meet the criteria for any back dated payments as I recieve only standard rates of both parts. I was awarded from June 20th 2022 til March 2025.

Am I not entitled to the disability premium?

calcotti

ChiChi said:

I receive standard rates of both parts (PIP AWARD) and also recieve tax credits and working tax credits because my husband works 25 hours. 

Am I not entitled to the disability premium?

You are not entitled to the disability element of Working Tax Credits because you are not the one working.

if you got the enhanced rate of Daily Living PIP you would get the Severe disability element but as you get the standard rate you do not qualify for that. 

ChiChi

calcotti said:

ChiChi said:

I receive standard rates of both parts (PIP AWARD) and also recieve tax credits and working tax credits because my husband works 25 hours. 

Am I not entitled to the disability premium?

You are not entitled to the disability element of Working Tax Credits because you are not the one working.

if you got the enhanced rate of Daily Living PIP you would get the Severe disability element but as you get the standard rate you do not qualify for that. 

Thank you for explaining it to me, I understand it.now.

L_Volunteer

You are welcome @ChiChi. It is the very least you deserve.

It sounds really positive that you understand it now. Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything else to support you