I am a 30 m living alone since nov 16
Registered Disabled
Was Claiming Incapacity Benefit which then went to ESA Contributions (no idea who or why it went to contributions)
Was Claiming DLA middle rate care, high rate mobility which is now PIP standard care, enhanced mobility (going to tribunal to challenge the standard care on doctors advice after looking at scoring system)
I have only just found out there is something called severe disability premium and to be honest its all confusing me.
I rang ESA as some one informed me i would be entitled to ESA Income related aswell as Contributions but the call handler advised me this was incorrect and said i could only get ESA contributions or Income related not both, she then said il send you a claim form, she sent;
A Form with the heading: EXTRA MONEY - SEVERE DISABILITY PREMIUM
A Form with the heading: EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE application for reassesment ESA3 10/14
Im just after some advice on whats what in simple terms as looking on gov websites ect i find it all so confusing.
Im always of the mindset not to rock the boat but i honestly cannot afford to live on current income.
My questions i guess are;
1/ what is the severe disability premium
2/ should i have always had this premium & if so can it be backpaid if so to when
3/ when i moved from incapacity why did i go on contributions esa (i did briefly work when left school prob earned less than 6k in all employment)
4/will these chances affect my housing benefit or council tax support
5/ how much and what benefits should i be getting
Thank you in advance for your help