Severe Disability Premium Arrears — Scope | Disability forum
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Severe Disability Premium Arrears

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blackcats11
blackcats11 Community member Posts: 3 Listener
edited April 2019 in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Hello everyone I`ve had a letter from the DWP informing me that I am owed arrears from feb 2013 to feb 2019 totaling 19 thousand pounds. When I spoke to the DWP they advised me to contact my Local benefits office (Durham County Council) and inform them. Durham Benefits have informed me that the money will only be disregarded for 52 weeks. The letter I received stated that This is classified as "Official error arrears of 5000 or more" and may be disregarded as capital. Do Local authorities make there own rules regarding Capital (They can't tell me how much I can have in savings before it's counted) or is there one rule for the whole of the country ?. The letter from Durham County also states any large purchases I make I have to keep receipts. I am in receipt of PIP high rate for both components and ESA. I receive full rent rebate and full council tax rebate
Thanks Paul
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  • Dotty123
    Dotty123 Community member Posts: 492 Pioneering
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    It’s usually 6000 savings then it changes 
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  • Dotty123
    Dotty123 Community member Posts: 492 Pioneering
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    Keep receipts for everything you buy you need spend bit to reduce your savings on benefits you get told no more than 6000 or youl lose some look up how much savings you can have on benefit 
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  • blackcats11
    blackcats11 Community member Posts: 3 Listener
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    Thanks Dotty If a moderator sees this I seem to have posted my question 3 time maybe yo could remove the others
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  • Dotty123
    Dotty123 Community member Posts: 492 Pioneering
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    Il try 
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  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 53,978 Disability Gamechanger
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    Hi,

    As the backdated money you received was because of DWP official error and it's more than £5,000 then it's disregarded for the life of your ESA claim and this should include any housing benefit and council tax reduction you receive. I'd definitely get further advice and speak to either welfare rights or a law centre near you.
    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
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  • blackcats11
    blackcats11 Community member Posts: 3 Listener
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    Hi poppy many thanks for your reply maybe citizens advice or something
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  • Adrian_Scope
    Adrian_Scope Posts: 10,937 Scope online community team
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    Hello and welcome to the community @blackcats11. I'd definitely echo @poppy123456's excellent advice and recommend you speak to a welfare rights agency near you. Citizens Advice are a good starting point and should be able to direct you. 
    Community Manager
    Scope
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