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PiP, ESA, and now SDP - DWP are confusing me!

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6 years 6 months ago #197517 by isalu
I was recently awarded full PiP (enhanced daily living and mobility - in July) which was backdated to April. Since that, due to severe mental distress, I became unable to work and am currently in the assessment phase of ESA.

The DWP sent me a form to claim Severe Disability Premium which they've taken over a month to get round to processing. A gentleman I spoke to on the phone several weeks ago - when calling to ask about progress of this particular thing - informed me that I would get it backdated to when my PiP started. I said I didn't think I would, as my ESA claim was much later on - 11 August or thereabouts. He said no, they'd backdate SDP to when PiP began.

Weeks pass, I call them every week to find out what's going on. Today I finally got the person who processed the SDP claim tell me that it will only be backdated to the start of my ESA claim, as it's an ESA premium not a standalone benefit, and said I was misinformed by the person I'd spoken to before.

I haven't the mental strength to go through even more phone calls to them. My tolerance for Vivaldi is at an all time NOPE.

Can anyone here advise me what is correct about SDP payments? The internet gives very conflicting advice. I have always fit the criteria - lived alone, no carer, etc. but I just don't know how long I've been eligible for, from the start of PiP (April) or the start of ESA (August)?

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6 years 6 months ago #197533 by Gordon
isalu

The second DWP person is correct, the SDP is payable from the date your were awarded PIP or the date that your ESA claim started, whichever is the latest. So from your post this would be when your ESA started.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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6 years 6 months ago #197539 by isalu
Thank you for explaining, Gordon.

Looks like my plans for having a spending spree on much needed household items is on hold for now!

Out of interest, was I allowed to claim for SDP when just on PiP? If I was, I'll be mighty annoyed that I wasn't aware of such a benefit before the ESA claim.

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6 years 6 months ago #197541 by Gordon
Isalu

Your PIP award creates eligibility for the Premium, but entitlement to payment is only enabled by your receiving an Income Related benefit such as ESA(IR).

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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