welfare rights training 2013

Welfare Rights Welfare Rights

Training 2013Training 2013

October 2013 changes?October 2013 changes?

Mandatory reconsideration comes in for almost all Mandatory reconsideration comes in for almost all DWP benefits. DWP benefits.

Any DWP decision given after 28Any DWP decision given after 28 thth October 2013 October 2013 means that the person must first ask the DWP to means that the person must first ask the DWP to look again at this decision (Reconsider) before look again at this decision (Reconsider) before being able to appeal to a tribunal. being able to appeal to a tribunal.

During this dispute period NO benefit is paid, once During this dispute period NO benefit is paid, once the dispute has been dealt with and an appeal the dispute has been dealt with and an appeal submitted (Directly to the tribunal service) benefit submitted (Directly to the tribunal service) benefit can re-start.can re-start.

For many people on means tested ESA this will be For many people on means tested ESA this will be a very difficult time as this dispute period has no a very difficult time as this dispute period has no time limit for the DWP to make a new decision.time limit for the DWP to make a new decision.

So many ESA claimants will be left with no money So many ESA claimants will be left with no money at all or be forced to claim Jobseekers.at all or be forced to claim Jobseekers.

If an ESA claimant claims Jobseekers and then If an ESA claimant claims Jobseekers and then gets told the ESA dispute decision they must then gets told the ESA dispute decision they must then appeal directly to the tribunal service and request appeal directly to the tribunal service and request the JSA is stopped and the basic ESA re-started the JSA is stopped and the basic ESA re-started pending the appealpending the appeal

SWF & food banks be ready.SWF & food banks be ready.

Others who will face hardship include people who Others who will face hardship include people who have had their on-going benefit stopped for any have had their on-going benefit stopped for any other reason?other reason?

Lone parent accused of having a partner?Lone parent accused of having a partner?

JSA claimant accused of working while claiming?JSA claimant accused of working while claiming?

New form needed to dispute decisions?New form needed to dispute decisions?

New form needed to appeal decision SSCS1New form needed to appeal decision SSCS1

GL24 appeal form should still be used for GL24 appeal form should still be used for decisions made before 28decisions made before 28thth October 2013 October 2013

DLA to PIPDLA to PIP

The move from DLA to PIP for existing claimants turning 16 The move from DLA to PIP for existing claimants turning 16 and others reporting a change to their condition has been and others reporting a change to their condition has been delayed and does not effect anyone in the D&G area at this delayed and does not effect anyone in the D&G area at this time.time.

Claimant Commitment?Claimant Commitment?

Again not in this area until March 2014 at the earliestAgain not in this area until March 2014 at the earliest

Universal Credit?Universal Credit?

A shambles and not likely to come to this area for many A shambles and not likely to come to this area for many years which is good news.years which is good news.

INCOME MAXIMISATIONINCOME MAXIMISATION

What’s this all about?What’s this all about?

The ability to listen, fact find, and notice The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise that something is missing, advise accordingly, helping to identify further accordingly, helping to identify further claims due. claims due.

Thus increasing the weekly income of any Thus increasing the weekly income of any client.client.

How do you do this?How do you do this?

INCOME MAXIMISATIONINCOME MAXIMISATION

Interview and listen carefullyInterview and listen carefully

Think aheadThink ahead

Write down or record Write down or record

the facts / information giventhe facts / information given

on a case record sheeton a case record sheet

Check this information again Check this information again

at the endat the end

Calculate existing entitlements Calculate existing entitlements

using the above using the above

informationinformation

Submit and backdate any and Submit and backdate any and

all existing claims identified at all existing claims identified at

this first stagethis first stage

Identify any possible new Identify any possible new

claims dueclaims due

Re-calculate again as if theseRe-calculate again as if these

claims where awarded / paidclaims where awarded / paid

Submit any and all claims that Submit any and all claims that

would become payable only if would become payable only if

or when these new claims are or when these new claims are

paid / awardedpaid / awarded

Clearly explain to the client Clearly explain to the client

what will or will not happenwhat will or will not happen

The following are real casesThe following are real cases

He is 62, has Incapacity Benefit at £101.35 and He is 62, has Incapacity Benefit at £101.35 and Low rate Care at £21, he claims full HB & CT Low rate Care at £21, he claims full HB & CT Benefit paying no Rent, he has savings at Benefit paying no Rent, he has savings at £15,400. Benefit check requested.£15,400. Benefit check requested.

Interview, think ahead, write down, and checkInterview, think ahead, write down, and checkagain, all done.again, all done.

CALCULATE (Ignore DLA)CALCULATE (Ignore DLA)

Income now £ Applicable amount £Income now £ Applicable amount £

Incapacity Benefit 101.35 Incapacity Benefit 101.35

Tariff on Savings 11.00 Pensioner Single 145.40Tariff on Savings 11.00 Pensioner Single 145.40 Total 112.35 Total 145.40 Total 112.35 Total 145.40

ANY CLAIMS? NEW CLAIMS?ANY CLAIMS? NEW CLAIMS?

RE-CALCULATE (Ignore DLA)RE-CALCULATE (Ignore DLA)

Income now £ Applicable amount £Income now £ Applicable amount £

Incapacity 101.35 Pensioner Single 145.40 Incapacity 101.35 Pensioner Single 145.40

Tariff on savings 11.00 Tariff on savings 11.00

Pension Credit 33.05 Pension Credit 33.05

Total 145.40 Total 145.40Total 145.40 Total 145.40

Claims: Claims:

Pension Credit due £33.05 weeklyPension Credit due £33.05 weekly

(£145.40 - £112.35 = £33.05 PC due)(£145.40 - £112.35 = £33.05 PC due)

Arrears 13 x £33.05 = £429.65 Arrears 13 x £33.05 = £429.65

(27/10/08 limited backdating to three months)(27/10/08 limited backdating to three months)

Couple under 60:

He has since August 2013 had Employment Support Allowance Contribution Based (CBESA) at £71.70 weekly and also has Disability Living Allowance at Middle Rate Care (£53) and Low Rate Mobility (£21), she has Carers Allowance at £59.75. They pay no rent or council tax.

He has failed the ESA medical scoring nil points and is looking for help to appeal.

Calculate (Ignore DLA)Calculate (Ignore DLA)

Income Now £’s Applicable Amount £’sIncome Now £’s Applicable Amount £’s

ESA (CB) 71.70 Couple ESA 112.55ESA (CB) 71.70 Couple ESA 112.55

Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30

Total 131.45 145.85Total 131.45 145.85

Any Claims?Any Claims?

Re-Calculate (Ignore DLA)Re-Calculate (Ignore DLA)


ESA (CB) 71.70 Couple 112.55ESA (CB) 71.70 Couple 112.55


Means tested ESA 14.40Means tested ESA 14.40

Total 145.85 145.85Total 145.85 145.85

ESA can be backdated 3 monthsESA can be backdated 3 months

He had in August 2013 the 4 He had in August 2013 the 4 week Working Tax Credit run on week Working Tax Credit run on at over £100 weekly so at that at over £100 weekly so at that time he was not due any means time he was not due any means tested ESAtested ESA

Any other claims?Any other claims?

What about her claiming Income Support?What about her claiming Income Support?

Re-Calculate (Ignore DLA) Re-Calculate (Ignore DLA)


ESA (CB) 71.70 Couple 112.55ESA (CB) 71.70 Couple 112.55


Disability Premium 44.20 Disability Premium 44.20

Total 131.45 190.05Total 131.45 190.05

Income Support now due at £58.60Income Support now due at £58.60

Means Tested ESA was due at £14.40Means Tested ESA was due at £14.40

Couple: Couple:

Both over 65, one has DLA at Both over 65, one has DLA at Middle Rate Care (£53) and theMiddle Rate Care (£53) and theother has Attendance Allowanceother has Attendance Allowanceat (£79.15) weekly at (£79.15) weekly

The AA has only recently beenThe AA has only recently beenawardedawarded

Other incomes? Other incomes?

Both have weekly Retirement Both have weekly Retirement Pensions at £157 & £98 Pensions at £157 & £98

They pay rent @ £6.50 weekly and They pay rent @ £6.50 weekly and Council Tax @ £2 weekly Council Tax @ £2 weekly

They live aloneThey live alone

Interview, think ahead, write down, andInterview, think ahead, write down, andCheck again, all doneCheck again, all done

Income now £ Applicable amount (Before AA) £Income now £ Applicable amount (Before AA) £ Retirement Pension 157 Pensioner Couple 222.05Retirement Pension 157 Pensioner Couple 222.05 Retirement Pension 98 Retirement Pension 98

Total 255 Total 222.05Total 255 Total 222.05

Over 65 So Add full Savings Credit To HB/CTB 22.95 Over 65 So Add full Savings Credit To HB/CTB 22.95 (This is a HB & CTB figure only) (245)(This is a HB & CTB figure only) (245)

Rent x 65% CT x 20% Excess Income 10.00Rent x 65% CT x 20% Excess Income 10.00

Council Tax paid now £2 Rent paid now £6.50Council Tax paid now £2 Rent paid now £6.50

CALCULATE (Ignore DLA & AA)CALCULATE (Ignore DLA & AA)

ANY CLAIMS? NEW CLAIMS?

Claim:

Carers Allowance x 2

Pension Credit

Backdated three months

RE-CALCULATE

(Ignore DLA & AA)

Income now £ Applicable amount £

Retirement Pension 157 Pensioner Couple 222.05

Retirement Pension 98

Severe Disability Prem x 2

119

Carer Premium 33.30

Carer Premium 33.30

Total 255407.65

Savings Credit Due in full @

£22.95

Rent paid now 00.00 Pension Credit Due £152.65

Council Tax paid now 00.00 (£407.65 - £255 =

£152.65)

Claims?Claims?

Carers Allowance £59.75 x 2 (Underlying only) Backdated 13 weeks Carers Allowance £59.75 x 2 (Underlying only) Backdated 13 weeks

Pension Credit GT On-Going @ £152.65 weekly Backdated 13 weeks Pension Credit GT On-Going @ £152.65 weekly Backdated 13 weeks @ £1,984.45 @ £1,984.45

Pension Savings Credit On-Going @ £22.95 Backdated 13 weeks Pension Savings Credit On-Going @ £22.95 Backdated 13 weeks @ £298.35@ £298.35

Housing Benefit increase @ £6.50 weekly Backdated 13 weeks Housing Benefit increase @ £6.50 weekly Backdated 13 weeks @ £84.50 @ £84.50

Council Tax increase @ £2 weekly Backdated 13 weeks Council Tax increase @ £2 weekly Backdated 13 weeks @ £26@ £26

£184.10 weekly increase in income (PC/GT £152.65, PC/SC £22.95, Rent £184.10 weekly increase in income (PC/GT £152.65, PC/SC £22.95, Rent / HB £6.50, Council Tax £2) / HB £6.50, Council Tax £2)

Arrears paid @ £2,393.30 Arrears paid @ £2,393.30

Carers Allowance will be awarded but not be Carers Allowance will be awarded but not be PAID,PAID, due to the Retirement Pensions of a due to the Retirement Pensions of a higher value, however underlying entitlement higher value, however underlying entitlement will give the Carer/s Premiums x 2 (£33.30) will give the Carer/s Premiums x 2 (£33.30) within their applicable amount so additional within their applicable amount so additional PC will be due PC will be due

Rent & Council Tax will be nil due to PC/GT Rent & Council Tax will be nil due to PC/GT

Due to backdating Pension Credit client will Due to backdating Pension Credit client will get a refund of any Rent & Council Tax get a refund of any Rent & Council Tax already paid for that time.already paid for that time.

SDP X 2 WILL STILL BE PAID AS SDP X 2 WILL STILL BE PAID AS UNDERLYING CARERS DOES NOT STOP ITUNDERLYING CARERS DOES NOT STOP IT

Couple with 2 children under 10Couple with 2 children under 10

Husband works 18 hours at £130 weeklyHusband works 18 hours at £130 weekly

Partner has no income at all, she recently Partner has no income at all, she recently got awarded DLA Low Care (£21) got awarded DLA Low Care (£21)

They also have Child Tax Credit at £110 They also have Child Tax Credit at £110 and Child Benefit at £33.70and Child Benefit at £33.70

They had until April 2012 working tax credit at £70 They had until April 2012 working tax credit at £70 weekly but due to the 24 hour couple rule this was weekly but due to the 24 hour couple rule this was stopped.stopped.

They have a mortgage at £50 weekly and are They have a mortgage at £50 weekly and are struggling to pay the household bills etc.struggling to pay the household bills etc.

They already get full Council Tax BenefitThey already get full Council Tax Benefit

What if any claims are available to them?What if any claims are available to them?

What about her claiming means tested ESA if she What about her claiming means tested ESA if she can get a sick line or Jobseekers Allowance?can get a sick line or Jobseekers Allowance?

Calculate (Ignore DLA)Calculate (Ignore DLA)


Wages 130 Couple 112.55 Wages 130 Couple 112.55

Earnings Disregard 20 Earnings Disregard 20

Total 130 132.55Total 130 132.55

ESA or JSA due £2.55 not a lot to help with the ESA or JSA due £2.55 not a lot to help with the

mortgage Anything else?mortgage Anything else?

Now that she has the DLA she is Now that she has the DLA she is classed as disabled for Working classed as disabled for Working Tax Credit purposes so they are Tax Credit purposes so they are now due Working Tax Credit even now due Working Tax Credit even although he only works 18 hours, although he only works 18 hours, this worth at about £70 weekly.this worth at about £70 weekly.

That will help with the mortgageThat will help with the mortgage

Couple with one disabled child Couple with one disabled child under 16, the child recently got under 16, the child recently got DLA at Middle Rate CareDLA at Middle Rate Care

She works 22 hours earning She works 22 hours earning £180 weekly.£180 weekly.

They also have Child Benefit at They also have Child Benefit at £20.30 and Child Tax Credit at £20.30 and Child Tax Credit at £65 weekly.£65 weekly.

No Working Tax Credit paid No Working Tax Credit paid since April 2012 due to the 24 since April 2012 due to the 24 hour couple rule.hour couple rule.


The Child Tax Credit at £65 weekly is very The Child Tax Credit at £65 weekly is very low for a disabled child? low for a disabled child?

Suggesting that they have failed to tell Tax Suggesting that they have failed to tell Tax Credits that the child now has DLA? Credits that the child now has DLA?

This DLA award will increase the Child Tax This DLA award will increase the Child Tax Credits by about £58 weekly, backdating is Credits by about £58 weekly, backdating is now limited to one month.now limited to one month.

Anything else?Anything else?

He can now claim and backdate a He can now claim and backdate a Carers Allowance claim worth Carers Allowance claim worth £59.75 weekly for him looking after £59.75 weekly for him looking after the disabled childthe disabled child

As he is now a Carer, she only has As he is now a Carer, she only has to work 16+ hours now (Rather to work 16+ hours now (Rather than the previous 24 hours) to than the previous 24 hours) to allow Working Tax Credit to be paid allow Working Tax Credit to be paid at about £70 weeklyat about £70 weekly

Single person aged 48 who was Single person aged 48 who was working full time but is now off work working full time but is now off work sick. sick.

She is getting paid basic Statutory Sick She is getting paid basic Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) at £86.70 weekly, she also Pay (SSP) at £86.70 weekly, she also has Working Tax Credits at £12 weekly has Working Tax Credits at £12 weekly and DLA at Low Rate Mobility.and DLA at Low Rate Mobility.


What about Income Support?What about Income Support?

Calculate (Ignore DLA) Calculate (Ignore DLA)


SSP 86.70 Single 71.70SSP 86.70 Single 71.70

Working Tax 12 Disability Prem 31Working Tax 12 Disability Prem 31

No Disregard ? No Disregard ? Total 98.70 102.70Total 98.70 102.70

Income Support due £4 weeklyIncome Support due £4 weekly

SSP allows an Income Support SSP allows an Income Support claim if your income/s are below claim if your income/s are below your applicable amount.your applicable amount.

Although HB & CTB count SSP Although HB & CTB count SSP as earnings and allow an as earnings and allow an earnings disregard IS counts it earnings disregard IS counts it as other income with no earning as other income with no earning disregard allowed.disregard allowed.

This man has been working part time for This man has been working part time for the last 4 years earning just £140 weekly the last 4 years earning just £140 weekly for his 18 hours worked. for his 18 hours worked.

He has now turned 60 and is asking you He has now turned 60 and is asking you about him claiming Pension Credit?about him claiming Pension Credit?

He lives with his brother who owns the He lives with his brother who owns the house.house.

Any claims?Any claims?

Pension Credit is not available for Pension Credit is not available for people aged 60 now so that is not an people aged 60 now so that is not an option for him.option for him.

What about Working Tax Credit?What about Working Tax Credit?

People aged over 60 can now get WTC People aged over 60 can now get WTC if they work over 16+ hours and their if they work over 16+ hours and their income / earnings are low enough?income / earnings are low enough?

He should get about £37 weeklyHe should get about £37 weekly

This couple are both under 60This couple are both under 60

She works full time earning £400 She works full time earning £400 weeklyweekly

His only income now is his work His only income now is his work Occupational Pension at £200 weeklyOccupational Pension at £200 weekly

They own the house with no mortgage They own the house with no mortgage and pay full Council Taxand pay full Council Tax

They have a disabled daughter with They have a disabled daughter with Downs Syndrome in the house aged 30 Downs Syndrome in the house aged 30

She has ESA (£121.65) and DLA at the She has ESA (£121.65) and DLA at the High Rate Care and High Rate MobilityHigh Rate Care and High Rate Mobility

They are asking for a benefit check for They are asking for a benefit check for their daughter?their daughter?

Clearly the daughter has her full legal Clearly the daughter has her full legal entitlements at this time! entitlements at this time!

Anything Else?Anything Else?

Dad can claim and backdate Carers Dad can claim and backdate Carers Allowance at £59.75 weeklyAllowance at £59.75 weekly

His Occupational Pension at £200 His Occupational Pension at £200 weekly does not stop him claiming this weekly does not stop him claiming this

He should let HMRC know as Carers He should let HMRC know as Carers Allowance is a taxable benefit so he Allowance is a taxable benefit so he may pay more tax on his pensionmay pay more tax on his pension

Anything else?Anything else?

Looking at the daughter with the High Care Looking at the daughter with the High Care of DLA and Downs Syndrome the chances of DLA and Downs Syndrome the chances are she would fit the severely mentally are she would fit the severely mentally impaired criteria for Council Tax exemptionimpaired criteria for Council Tax exemption

That then leaves 2 adults in the house mum That then leaves 2 adults in the house mum and dad.and dad.

They could They could both claimboth claim a Carers Exemption a Carers Exemption from Council Tax making them both invisible from Council Tax making them both invisible as well that leaves no adults in the house so as well that leaves no adults in the house so a 50% Council tax discount would apply.a 50% Council tax discount would apply.

This person has a severely disabled child This person has a severely disabled child with DLA and has had Carers Allowance at with DLA and has had Carers Allowance at £59.75 weekly for the past two years £59.75 weekly for the past two years

She also works 12 hours weekly earning She also works 12 hours weekly earning £98 so is just below the Carers earnings £98 so is just below the Carers earnings limit at £100, her partner works full-time.limit at £100, her partner works full-time.

Her employer has asked her to work 10 Her employer has asked her to work 10 hours overtime for the next 3 weeks hours overtime for the next 3 weeks

She is worried about her Carers Allowance She is worried about her Carers Allowance stopping and is looking for your advice?stopping and is looking for your advice?

Once you have had Carers Allowance Once you have had Carers Allowance for over 22 weeks you are allowed 4 for over 22 weeks you are allowed 4 weeks holidays or a break from caring weeks holidays or a break from caring just like someone employedjust like someone employed

During this 4 week period you can go During this 4 week period you can go over the normal £100 weekly earnings over the normal £100 weekly earnings limit and remain entitled to Carers limit and remain entitled to Carers AllowanceAllowance

This can be done every 22 weeksThis can be done every 22 weeks

This couple have come to you looking This couple have come to you looking for help as he has been made for help as he has been made redundant last week after 35 yearsredundant last week after 35 years

He is 61 years old. He got £25,000 He is 61 years old. He got £25,000 redundancy and has a weekly company redundancy and has a weekly company pension at £124 weeklypension at £124 weekly

She is 63 with her old age pension at She is 63 with her old age pension at £66 weekly£66 weekly

He has been told by his union at work to He has been told by his union at work to claim Jobseekers Allowance they say he claim Jobseekers Allowance they say he should get £71.70 weekly Contribution should get £71.70 weekly Contribution Based JSA for 6 months due his previous Based JSA for 6 months due his previous National Insurance ContributionsNational Insurance Contributions

They have full rent to pay at £70 weekly They have full rent to pay at £70 weekly and full Council Tax at £25 weeklyand full Council Tax at £25 weekly

What would you advise them to do?What would you advise them to do?

He could claim Contribution Based He could claim Contribution Based Jobseekers at £71.70 weekly but Jobseekers at £71.70 weekly but he would get paid nothing due to he would get paid nothing due to his works pension as anything over his works pension as anything over £50 comes of his JSA £ for £ £50 comes of his JSA £ for £

So £124 - £50 = £74 excessSo £124 - £50 = £74 excess

Their capital at £25,000 will then Their capital at £25,000 will then stop any claim for HB & CTB stop any claim for HB & CTB

She should be advised to claim Pension Credit. She should be advised to claim Pension Credit. Calculation:Calculation:

Income £’s Applicable Amount £’sIncome £’s Applicable Amount £’s

Old Age pension 66 Couple 222.05Old Age pension 66 Couple 222.05Work Pension 124Work Pension 124Savings Tariff 30 Savings Tariff 30

Total 220 222.05Total 220 222.05

Pension Credit Guarantee due £2.05 weeklyPension Credit Guarantee due £2.05 weekly

More importantly they now get full HB at £70 & full More importantly they now get full HB at £70 & full CTB at £25CTB at £25

If you come across anyone who If you come across anyone who has full HB and/or full CTB and has full HB and/or full CTB and they are not on a means tested they are not on a means tested benefit alarm bells should start benefit alarm bells should start ringing as they may be below ringing as they may be below their applicable amount and their applicable amount and possibly should be claiming possibly should be claiming something else?something else?

Couple under 40:Couple under 40:

She has DLA at Middle Rate Care and She has DLA at Middle Rate Care and Employment Support Allowance at £100.15 Employment Support Allowance at £100.15 weekly. weekly.

He is off work sick and has Statutory Sick He is off work sick and has Statutory Sick Pay from work at £86.70 weekly. Pay from work at £86.70 weekly.

She claims HB & CTB and they pay rent at She claims HB & CTB and they pay rent at £16.80 and Council Tax at £5.17 both £16.80 and Council Tax at £5.17 both weekly.weekly.

HB / CTB Calculation (Ignore DLA) HB / CTB Calculation (Ignore DLA)

Income now £ Applicable amount £ Income now £ Applicable amount £ Employment Support 100.15 Couple ESA Work Related 141 Employment Support 100.15 Couple ESA Work Related 141 Statutory Sick Pay 86.70 SSP Disregard 20 Statutory Sick Pay 86.70 SSP Disregard 20 Total 186.85 Total 161 Total 186.85 Total 161

Excess Income £25.85 (£186.85 - £161 = £25.85) Excess Income £25.85 (£186.85 - £161 = £25.85)

Rent x 65% = £16.80 Council Tax x 20% + £5.17 Rent x 65% = £16.80 Council Tax x 20% + £5.17

Any claims? Any claims?

Can he claim Carers Allowance Can he claim Carers Allowance

while on Statutory Sick Pay?while on Statutory Sick Pay?

Income now £ Applicable amount £Income now £ Applicable amount £ Employment Support 100.15 Couple ESA Work Related 141 Employment Support 100.15 Couple ESA Work Related 141 Statutory Sick Pay 86.70 SSP Disregard 20.00 Statutory Sick Pay 86.70 SSP Disregard 20.00 Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30 Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30

Total 246.60 Total 194.30 Total 246.60 Total 194.30

Excess Income £52.30 (£246.60 - £194.30 = £52.30) Excess Income £52.30 (£246.60 - £194.30 = £52.30)

Rent x 65% = £34 Council Tax x 20% = £10.46 Rent x 65% = £34 Council Tax x 20% = £10.46

Any other claims? Any other claims?

Swap the Housing Benefit Swap the Housing Benefit

claimants?claimants?

Income now £ Applicable amount £Income now £ Applicable amount £ Employment Support 100.15 Couple 112.55 Employment Support 100.15 Couple 112.55 Statutory Sick Pay 86.70 SSP Disregard 20.00 Statutory Sick Pay 86.70 SSP Disregard 20.00 Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30 Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30 Disability Premium 44.20 Disability Premium 44.20 Total 246.60 Total 210.05 Total 246.60 Total 210.05

Excess Income £36.55 (£246.60 - £210.05 = £36.55) Excess Income £36.55 (£246.60 - £210.05 = £36.55)

Rent x 65% = £23.76 Council Tax x 20% = £7.31 Rent x 65% = £23.76 Council Tax x 20% = £7.31

This middle age couple have various This middle age couple have various benefits paid including?benefits paid including?

Incapacity for him at £107.35, he also has Incapacity for him at £107.35, he also has an Income Support top up at £49.40 making an Income Support top up at £49.40 making a total of £156.75 weekly. a total of £156.75 weekly.

He also has DLA at Middle Care and just He also has DLA at Middle Care and just recently his partner has also been awarded recently his partner has also been awarded Middle Care of DLA as well.Middle Care of DLA as well.

They are requesting a benefit check?They are requesting a benefit check?

Due to the new DLA award they are Due to the new DLA award they are now due a double Severe Disability now due a double Severe Disability Premium worth an extra £119 weekly.Premium worth an extra £119 weekly.

Carers Allowance can be claimed by Carers Allowance can be claimed by him but it will not be paid due to his him but it will not be paid due to his Incapacity Benefit at a higher value. Incapacity Benefit at a higher value.

They will still get the Carer Premium at They will still get the Carer Premium at £33.30 added.£33.30 added.

If his partner claimed Carers Allowance If his partner claimed Carers Allowance it would be paid giving them the extra it would be paid giving them the extra value of the Carer Premium at £33.30 value of the Carer Premium at £33.30 weekly. weekly.

But they would then lose one SDP But they would then lose one SDP worth £59.50 weekly, so a net loss of worth £59.50 weekly, so a net loss of £26.20 weekly£26.20 weekly

Any backdated Carers Allowance does Any backdated Carers Allowance does not lose any SDP already paid.not lose any SDP already paid.

The Severe Disability PremiumThe Severe Disability Premium

This worth £59.50 per person who qualifies and is This worth £59.50 per person who qualifies and is paid in most means tested benefits.paid in most means tested benefits.

To qualify you must have middle or high care of To qualify you must have middle or high care of DLA, AA, PIP daily living component or certain DLA, AA, PIP daily living component or certain industrial injuries and war disablement pensions.industrial injuries and war disablement pensions.

And And

You count as living aloneYou count as living alone

And And

No one gets No one gets paidpaid Carers Allowance for you Carers Allowance for you

The Carer PremiumThe Carer Premium

This is worth £33.30 for each person that qualifies This is worth £33.30 for each person that qualifies and is included in means tested benefits.and is included in means tested benefits.

To qualify you must claim and be paid Carers To qualify you must claim and be paid Carers Allowance or have entitlement but not paid due to Allowance or have entitlement but not paid due to another overlapping benefit of a higher value.another overlapping benefit of a higher value.

Overlapping benefits include, Contribution Based Overlapping benefits include, Contribution Based ESA, Incapacity, Severe Disablement Allowance ESA, Incapacity, Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA), Retirement Pensions, Maternity Allowance, (SDA), Retirement Pensions, Maternity Allowance, Contribution Based Jobseekers, Widows and Contribution Based Jobseekers, Widows and Bereavement Benefits. Bereavement Benefits.

No claim is needed in Universal CreditNo claim is needed in Universal Credit

ENDEND

Questions and Answers?Questions and Answers?

welfare rights training 2013

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