I need advice regarding benefits....

[georgie63]

Hi, I really need some advice please.

Currently I am on Employment Support Allowance and I'm in the Support Group and my benefit is up for review next February. This new Universal Credit rolls out already in my area so I'm not sure whether I stay the same or will move over next year.

I suffer with Lupus sle, depression, pelvic pain, underactive thyroid and osteoarthritis in both legs and spreading to hands and feet. Would it be worth me applying for PiP instead or as well.

This is where hopefully you all can advise me what you think would be more beneficial to me.

Thank you all in advance xx

[suzannah16]

I'm in a similar situation, ESA support group, but I have no idea when I will change only that I am sure I am overdue for a revue. Having seen the PIP questionnaire I'm pretty sure that as I am still breathing I don't qualify.

[whisperit]

Hello georgie63,

I can't give any advice, but as far as I understand it, PIP is not means-tested, but given to anyone who meets the criteria for support. According to a few internet advice sites I've seen, it should not affect your Universal Credit payments. For example, Scope (the voluntary agency on disability equality) says, "If you get UC, and are then awarded PIP, it does not affect entitlement to UC. It neither increases UC nor decreases it." The Citizen's Advice Bureau seem to say the same thing - see here citizensadvice.org.uk/benef... Obviously, it would be a good idea to get some personalised advice from them or a similar agency before deciding what to do. x

[georgie63 in reply to whisperit]

Thank you for all your advice I need to try and speak to someone about this, but I don't think I'd meet the criteria anyway. But thank you both xx

[Marosea]

Unless you have a change in your circumstances that mean a new claim to any of the benefits UC replaces (ESA, IS, JSA, housing benefit, and both working and child tax credits) at the moment there is no timeline for existing customers to move from their current benefit to UC. If you decide to apply for PIP your current benefit shouldn’t be adversely affected either (though sometimes depending on your specific circumstances it can add a premium to your ESA). So a claim for PIP would be in addition to your ESA and if you feel you meet the criteria it could be worth applying for it.

[georgie63 in reply to Marosea]

Thank you Marosea you've calmed my nerves about UC so that's good to hear. It gives me time to have a think about applying for PiP, so thank you for your advice.

[Buffy14]

Have not heard this are you saying everyone who recieves ESA will have to change to universal credit the benefit that there is so many problems with and is always in the news ?

[georgie63]

Hi Buffy, unfortunately yes. At the moment it's just new claimants that are going straight onto universal credit, but they are saying by 2023 everyone will be on it. Hence my question whether I'd be better applying for PiP.

I'm so scared, I hate being on benefits as it is because I hate the hold they have on you and your money coming in. And now they are going to be putting people on this universal credit and as far as I'm aware it's less money if you don't work. They are giving more money to the people that work but not us that can't.

At least it gives us time to try and pay bills outstanding and get into a better situation before the change.

Xxx

[Buffy14]

It's ridiculous when I had my last ESA review they stopped it and I had to claim jobseekers allowance whilst I appealed , I was told at that time 2 years ago they hadn't figured out how universal credit would work for disabled people and you couldn't go on it if you were sick or disabled , the idea of universal credit is suppose to be to get you into work and you eventually are expected to increase your hours to full time so how does it work if you are too sick to work ? The problems with universal credit is constantly in the news they should be getting rid of it as even politicians say it doesn't work it's another disgrace like the change from disability living allowance to pip has been , pip has taken people's independence off them not helped them be more independent it's a scandal and they never make known how many millions of pounds has been wasted changing these benefits , money which could have been spent on the NHS .

[georgie63 in reply to Buffy14]

Yep I totally agree with what you say.

Let's hope between now and then they have a change of heart and we are able to stay where we are by that time.

I don't know if you've heard about this but I recommend you subscribe to benefitsandwork.co.uk they are a fabulous site, they keep you up to date of what's going on with benefits etc. They also have guides to help you fill out forms and they tell you what they are looking for, also for face to face assessments too. They are really helpful and they have a forum on there to ask questions too.

Fantastic site and I think anyone on benefits should belong.

Xxx

[Buffy14]

Thank-you I have heard about it yes although some people say you can get the advice they offer for free online , when I was appealing my ESA I went to welfare rights at the council they were amazing far better than citizens advice , if you ever find yourself in an appeal situation go to welfare rights for help x