The amount of backdated PIP i will be getting is around £8000...will that affect my ESA payments?

larlyb

Hi, my names Larlyb and id appreciate some help please. Ive just been awarded PIP after winning my tribunal. My question is: the amount of backdated PIP i will be getting is  around £8000...will that affect my ESA payments? Will i have to tell ESA, housing benefit etc? TIA

poppy123456

Good news. The money owed will be disregarded for 1 year.

larlyb

Poppy123456 really? Thats great news. Do i still have to inform the relevant departments of it tho? Does that mean i can spend just enough to bring the amount down to below £6000?...so long as i do it within a year?

poppy123456

You can spend it on anything you want during the disregard period. No, you don't need to tell them. https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/benefits/problems-with-benefits/how-do-savings-and-lump-sum-pay-outs-affect-benefits#backdated-lump-sum-payments-from-DWP

May i ask if your ESA is Income Related? If so do you live alone (no other adults)?

Savings of less than £6,000 are always disregarded.

larlyb

Poppy123456...yes its income related ESA....and yes i live on my own.
Thanks ever so much for your advice, youve been extremely helpful ☺️

poppy123456

That means that you'll also be entitled to Severe disability premium (SDP) in with your ESA. This will increase your ESA by £69.40/week. It can also be backdated to the date you became eligible for it. Once your PIP award is in payment you'll need to ring ESA to claim it. The form can be filled in over the phone and only takes a few minutes. It will take a few weeks to look into your circumstances to see if entitled.

You must make sure that no one claims either carers allowance or carers element of Universal Credit for looking after you anytime in the future because you'll lose the SDP if they do.

asg23

Hi how did your tribunal go? 

Glad to hear you won it

larlyb

Poppy123456...you are a font of knowledge ☺️...i havent even heard of the SDP! Ill get on to ESA as soon as PIP start the payments. Again thanks for yr advice...its very much appreciated ☺️

poppy123456

You're welcome. Thanks also for the kinds words.

larlyb

asg23...the tribunal was terrifying lol! Altho once id gotten over my nerves, i found the panel very understanding, and not as terrifying as first thought. Totally didnt think it would go my way...was gobsmacked when i received the letter to say id won. 

asg23

So glad to hear that! Well done I am awaiting the dwp to write to the tribunal panel have a fee more days then I guess I will get my date so nervous 

larlyb

asg23....totally understand yr nerves. Tbh i almost had a panic attack beforehand...the panel were great...told me to take 5mins and offered a glass of water. If you can, take a good friend along with you..theyre allowed to go in with you..it helped calm me. Also send in as much supporting evidence as you can. I sent 13yrs of mental health letters lol...probs a bit excessive but just wanted to show that it hadnt changed over the years. Also tell them how your issues affect you at their worst. It might help if you try find a benefits advisor who will help fill out yr forms also. And use this online community for advice...i wish id found out about this group before my tribunal. Youve got this...stay positive. Keep us updated ☺️

poppy123456

larlyb said:

 Also tell them how your issues affect you at their worst. 

I do not advise anyone to do this at all and doing so can be benefit fraud. PIP is about how you are at least 50% of the time over a 12 month period. So you need to tell them about all of your days. 

larlyb

Poppy123456...sorry yes yr right...i was actually meant to put something like that in afterwards but totally forgot....thanks for putting me straight ☺️