Completely terrified and confused

[wordonthestreet2006]

My husband has been disabled with mental health difficulties most of his life. 20+ years ago he had an industrial accident and was unable to work. he had been receiving Incapacity Benefit,

 

he was then moved to income based income support. He receives DLA at higher rate mobility and middle rate of care. He continued to receive these allowances until he was moved on to contribution based ESA and was told he needed to start sending in sick notes from his doctor, which he did.

 

He was called to an ATOS medical and told he was fit for work, one breakdown later and we appealed. His money was initially stopped but then re-instated with a drop of £160 a month!

 

In total we received carers allowance for me: industrial injuries benefit for him: DLA for me (I have fibromyalgia) and DLA for him, as well as his new amount of ESA, providing he sent in sick notes.

 

On the 21st Dec 2012 we went to appeal and won! From nil points he was awarded 36 points and we were told by the judge "You have won, they shoould leave you alone now for two years" We were so relieved.

 

His money was stopped again after the appeal though with no explanation. I have to add that during this whole process we have not recieved one letter from the DWP.

 

Yesterday he was told that his money would be back dated and he would be getting £82 a week. This morning he received a letter syaing his contribution based ESA had run out and he would get £0.00!

 

now we're frantic, we have nothing accept carers allowance, DLA and IIB and don't know where to turn. Our housing benefit has also been stopped, what do we do?

Edited January 18, 2013 by honeybee13
Spacing.

[honeybee13]

Hello and welcome to CAG.

 

I'll move your thread to the benefits forum, where the guys should be able to help you.

 

I'm wondering if something has gone wrong at the DWP here. Normally if you've been on ESA contribution-based then after a year, they move you to income-related ESA, if you qualify.

 

Does any of that make sense to you?

 

My best, HB

[wordonthestreet2006]

Where will I find it please? I'm so upset and the moment and really not thinking straight.

[honeybee13]

If you mean your thread, you're on it. I should have said I'd left you a redirect, sorry.

 

Would you like me to send you a link for future use so you can find this easily?

 

HB

[honeybee13]

Where will I find it please? I'm so upset and the moment and really not thinking straight.

 

You'll be OK, you've come to the right place. I see a few people are hovering, you should have answers soon. Take a deep breath and have a cup of tea, help will be along.

 

I've put some spacing into your post to emake it a bit easier to read for people trying to advise you.

 

HB

[debt4get]

when you won the appeal can you tell us what group the tribunal put your husband in? it will be either the wrag group or the support group? if he has been placed in the wrag group then it could be his contributions have now run out, however if he is in the support group he is not subject to the 1 year contribution timetable

[honeybee13]

Thank you for the clarification, d4g, I forgot about the subtleties just now.

[Bullpoofilter]

You've done the right thing by asking.

 

It might also be worth contacting your local Citizens Advice Bureau or a Welfare Rights Officer. You can often find Welfare Rights contact details on the website of your Local Authority webpage.

 

Good luck getting this all sorted out.

[debt4get]

also put your figures in here it is a good guide http://www.turn2us.org.uk/

[Nystagmite]

As someone receiving carers allowance, income support might be an option for you? This will entitle you to full housing and council tax benefit for your situation.

[estellyn]

All he needs to do is make an application for income based ESA - it should be a simple process.

 

Your housing benefit in the meantime should be reassessed on the basis of your current income - phone or visit them to find out what documents they require to reassess the claim.