Benefits

[Poobear69]

Good afternoon all 😊

Is there anyone out there that is or was a welfare benefits professional? If so could you message me. Many thanks.

[Hidden]

Hi

Most seem to get the best advice from Citizen Advice.

I never had any luck!

[AyrshireK]

We got great help with hubbies first PIP appeal from local council Welfare Rights Department and I use the great advice guides on the Benefits and Work website @ benefitsandwork.co.uk/ - small joining fee but worth every single penny. Used it for PIP and ESA claims.

[Poobear69 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you so very much 😊. I’m going to get into it after a very lat b’fast!

[AyrshireK in reply to Poobear69]

Hubby got ESA at first asking on a paper decision and it was recently renewed also on paper. Battle with first PIP claim, zero points at face to face 'medical', no joy on Mandatory Reconsideration, success at appeal tribunal and awarded Enhanced Daily Living for 3 years (back dated) so next year had to go through it all again. This time success at face to face - enhanced rate daily living and basic rate mobility, renewed again a couple of years ago (on paper). Ever since first appeal i've used Benefits and Work guides as they take you through it step by step and highlight the 'buzz terms' and phrases plus the evidence you'll need to make it difficult for them to reject.

Best wishes, it's horrendous that genuine poorly people need to 'play' their cruel games.

Katie

[Radnor in reply to Poobear69]

Definitely Benefits and Work. I had always worked, didnt have a scooby about claiming anything! I was awarded ESA with support and I didnt need a medical! . This was before my liver disease. Every question has points awarded. The B & W take you through every single question. Good luck but if you answer on how you are on your worst days, its more likely you will be awarded, no problem. Always keep a copy too.

[Poobear69 in reply to Radnor]

I was awarded PIP on enhanced rate December 2018. I was already on ESA, support group but informed that hem that my partner was married bing in with me so my ESA strophes. After the ESA was stopped I lost all HB. I recently found out thst my ESA has nort been closed but suspended. I have now been awarded backdated for 13 months and I’m also entitled and will be receiving another £238 a fortnight in addition to my PIP 👍😊. What im wanting to find out will I be entitled to backdated council tax and tbe interest on my mortgage. ESA seem to think that I will now that I’m unsuspended on ESA? Finger 🤞🏻 I will be 😊

[Radnor in reply to Poobear69]

You need to write to the Council and explain that you have now had your payments resumed and you have had all payments back dated You certainly got a low blow for being honest and above board. As I recall council tax rebates are dependent on your total household income. They will stop your 25% discount as you are not on your own. Some benefits you receive should not be included in the means testing for this. I didnt apply because they are nosy ar***! Im one of the lucky women born in the fifties! I have to wait until Im 66 to get my state pension. You should find information on your councils website. I used my savings to pay my mortgage off, I was a single parent for 10 years so had excellent training in making a little go a long way. If you pm me your council details I dont mind looking it up for you, I did work for my local council None of the residents needed help, they knew the benefits system better than DSS lol. firstly as a housing officer. They love their Gobbldeys****.Every year they have new in vogue Buzz words. Hazelx

[Radnor in reply to Radnor]

Savings under £16,000 is one part. Just a thought, it may be worth asking DWP for written confirmation regarding your benefits being reinstated and also backdated. Can your live in friend claim carers allowance for you? Your not out of the woods yet.A transplant is a little bit more than a broken nail!

[Poobear69 in reply to Radnor]

That’s so kind, thank you Hazel. My local authority is London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham. Again, thank you Leigh x

[Radnor in reply to Poobear69]

I eventually found the information, not for the fainthearted, it is a nightmare. !!! As I understand it, it is paid from the following Monday from DWP decision. You can apply on line . As your benefits were back dated ie re instated it should therefore follow so is this benefit. Every council has their own regs. You have a Labour council so it is likely they are more sympathetic too. It says if your on ESA that is not contribution based none of this is counted as income. It doesnt mention PIP but I'm sure this is also exempt. Ring them and mention your benefits are now fully re instated . Back to original date of suspension. Hope it works out. If they get awkward see your local councillor. They rely on your vote and in this area their enquiries get top priority! I worked inter agency so if anyone was lagging behind in their department, I just mentioned it to the local councillor. Worked a treat . Hope this helps Hazelx

[Poobear69 in reply to Radnor]

That’s so very kind of you Hazel, thank you x

[Mama41]

I don't work for the benefits agency but some of you may be entitled to the Warm home discount. It's a £140 payment from your electricity company. Have a look on your energy providers website and see if it's still open for this year and what criteria they have.