I've been underpaid in my benefits. Would they take more money off of me for my care?

martie1118

Hi,
I am an adult with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. I have just found out I have been underpaid in my benefits by a considerable amount per month, I have been told by social service not to claim or they would take more money off me for my care. I have worked out that if I had received this I could pay them and my bills without a problem, is social service right? I receive 24/7 care. Could you please advise me on what to do?

poppy123456

It would help if you could tell us which benefits exactly you claim and whether you live with a partner or alone?

Who told you, you've been underpaid a considerable amount?

martie1118

I only on PIP

poppy123456

PIP doesn’t automatically entitle you to any other benefits.
You said you’ve found out you’ve been seriously unpaid in your benefits but you only claim PIP.
Whether you’re entitled to any other benefits such as Universal Credit will depend on your circumstances. It can only be backdated for a maximum of 1 month on the most extreme circumstances.

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @martie1118  

Would you mind telling us a bit more about who told you you were being underpaid, and why this might have been? 

martie1118

I have been led to believe that I should be receiving Universal Credit, PIP and another allowance for the house, I live with my sister who is disabled but she's not claiming any other bar her state pension.  

poppy123456

If you think you're entitled to Universal Credit then you need to start a claim, you're not automatically placed onto any means tested benefits. Your PIP will not have any relevance to UC entitlement.

When you claim you'll need to report your health condition and send in a fit note from your GP within 7 days of this.

If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you'll be excluded from claiming. UC can only be backdated for a maximum of 1 month under the most extreme circumstances (for example, you were in hospital) so you won't be owed any money.

If you're renting your home with your sister and you're liable to pay any rent then you can claim for this as part of your UC entitlement known as housing element. You will need to send proof of liability to pay rent (if privately renting)

If you're entitled then your local Authority could do another financial assessment and yes you may have to pay towards your care.

https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim