Disability Premiums Eligibility

shruta1

Hi. I was wondering if someone knows about who is eligible for disability premiums? Do you qualify even if you are not on means tested benefits? My husband is a very severe case, he’s bedridden and he gets PIP (enhanced) and is in a support group ESA (contribution type). I get carers allowance. This is all we get. I was wondering if perhaps he qualifies for Disability Premium too? Does anyone know? Thank you for your help 

poppy123456

The disability premiums are only paid with Income Related benefits such as ESA/JSA or Income Support.

Which ESA does he claim, is it the old contributions based or New style ESA? If you're unsure when did his ESA claim start?

calcotti

shruta1 said:

Hi. I was wondering if someone knows about who is eligible for disability premiums? Do you qualify even if you are not on means tested benefits? My husband ..gets PIP (enhanced) and is in a support group ESA (contribution type). I get carers allowance. 

The premiums only apply to old types of means tested benefit.

if his ESA is the old type of ESA (not new style ESA) he can ask to be reassessed for income based ESA. He would get an increased personal allowance, the Enhanced Disability Premium and the Carer premium included in the calculation. You can use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. 

If you have joint capital over £16,000 you are excluded from means tested benefits.

Do you claim Council Tax Reduction?

shruta1

His ESA started 2018. I’m pretty sure it’s Contribution based one. Thank you 

calcotti

shruta1 said:

His ESA started 2018. I’m pretty sure it’s Contribution based one. Thank you 

2018 is possibly the old type of ESA but it is more likely to be new style ESA. it would be sensible to look at his award letter, 

How much is he receiving? If he gets more than £117.60/week he is already getting income based ESA.

Use a benefits calculator anyway. If on new style ESA it is likely that you would be better off if you both claim Universal Credit if you have no other income and no (or limited) savings.

shruta1

This part on the gov website is very confusing to me
‘If you get income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) you cannot get the disability premium, but you may still qualify for the severe and enhanced premiums.’ 

poppy123456

shruta1 said:

This part on the gov website is very confusing to me
‘If you get income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) you cannot get the disability premium, but you may still qualify for the severe and enhanced premiums.’ 

He won't qualify for the SDP anyway unless you are either claim a qualifying disability benefit yourself such as PIP daily living or DLA mid/high rate care or you're registered blind.

The Enhanced disability premium maybe possible depending on which ESA he's claiming.

shruta1

calcotti said:£117.60 he gets a week thanks 

shruta1 said:

His ESA started 2018. I’m pretty sure it’s Contribution based one. Thank you 

2018 is possibly the old type of ESA but it is more likely to be new style ESA. it would be sensible to look at his award letter, 

How much is he receiving? If he gets more than £117.60/week he is already getting income based ESA.

Use a benefits calculator anyway. If on new style ESA it is likely that you would be better off if you both claim Universal Credit if you have no other income and no (or limited) savings.

calcotti

shruta1 said:

This part on the gov website is very confusing to me
‘If you get income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) you cannot get the disability premium, but you may still qualify for the severe and enhanced premiums.’ 

The disability premium was never applicable to ESA.

shruta1 said: :£117.60 he gets a week thanks 

In that case you need to look at his letters to determine if he is on old contribution based ESA or new style ESA. I suspect the latter given that he claimed in 2018. If so then there is no entitlement to premiums but, as advised, UC may increase your income.

shruta1

Thanks everyone for your advice, appreciate it. 

L_Volunteer

You are welcome @shruta1. It is the very least you deserve.

Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything else to support you. We are all here for you and listening to you 

Debbie1204

I only get the highest rates of DLA care and mobility as this is not means tested so does this mean, I cannot claim the Disability Premium or Severe Disability benefit.  I have Cerebral Palsy which affect everything, cannot walk, speech impairment, personal care

poppy123456

Debbie1204 said:

I only get the highest rates of DLA care and mobility as this is not means tested so does this mean, I cannot claim the Disability Premium or Severe Disability benefit.  I have Cerebral Palsy which affect everything, cannot walk, speech impairment, personal care

Severe disability premium and the disability premium isn't a benefit on there own. they are paid with certain legacy benefits such as Income Related ESA/JSA/Income Support or Pension Credit.

Do you currently claim any benefits others than DLA?

Debbie1204

No only DLA as got a company pension but I need a lot more help now

poppy123456

Debbie1204 said:

No only DLA as got a company pension but I need a lot more help now

Then unfortunately, you won't be entitled to any of the disability premiums. I'm assuming you're under state pension age?

Are you living alone or with a partner? Have you worked at all in the last 2 tax years?

Debbie1204

yes I am 58 but live with my husband and daughter and haved not worked for 12 years, I did not think i would be entitled to it but thought I would check

poppy123456

Debbie1204 said:

yes I am 58 but live with my husband and daughter and haved not worked for 12 years, I did not think i would be entitled to it but thought I would check

Thanks. Then the only other benefit will be Universal Credit. As you live with your husband you'll need to claim as a couple and entitlement will be based on your joint circumstances.

If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you're excluded from claiming. You can use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=b484bfb4-1dc5-48ed-a73b-f5f1b29f3f6f

If there's any entitlement and you claim you should report your health condition supported by a fit note within 7 days of that and continue to send them without any gaps until a decision is made on your work capability assessment.

Your pension will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.