We supported a client in challenging incorrect DWP advice, securing over £30,000 in backdated Severe Disability Premium and ensuring she could migrate to Universal Credit with full transitional protection in place.
A 41 year old client (and her wife) were referred to us from the National Citizens Advice Universal Credit Help To Claim (HtC) team, as the client had received a notice that she needed to migrate from ESA to UC.
The HtC team noted it was a complex case (due to a number of factors) and had spent a number of weeks advising the client on all her rights. The HtC team referred the client to the general advice team at Citizens Advice Eastbourne. They had identified she would be entitled to SDP and she should claim this before starting the UC claim in order to get the SDP transitional element payment in place (if she applied without SDP she would lose this transitional protection).
An Adviser called the client. The client said she didn't need our help as she had already called DWP and was told that she was not eligible for SDP as she did not live alone. The Adviser checked the client's situation, confirmed that she and her wife are both in receipt of PIP, and advised the client that the DWP 'advice' appeared incorrect. He asked the client if she would like us to do a 3 way call to DWP to query this. The client agreed. The Adviser called DWP and explained the situation. The DWP adviser agreed that the client was eligible for SDP and should have been getting the couple rate since 2021. The DWP adviser said the client would be getting over £30,000 in back payment and the SDP payment would be put in place - enabling her to migrate to UC with transitional protection in place.
Client is now awaiting a £30,000 SDP back payment and ongoing will be getting an additional £165 p/w; £8,580 p/a. (approx - UC Transitional element may vary slightly) i need a subtitle for this with the same style and tone as this one We helped a client challenge a £923 Housing Benefit overpayment, secure a DHP award, and obtain a full write-off of the remaining debt—allowing her to move forward and apply for a housing transfer.