I’m dismayed at the lack of sensible information relating to the “migration” onto Universal Credit.
I can’t find out how much my son will be paid or how it will be paid. Told to look at his journal on 25th November and all will be revealed!?
Today I’ve had a letter saying his ESA is going down about £100 from today, so I rang to find out why. That was 90 minutes on the phone just waiting for someone to answer! Finally I was told that my son would still receive ESA but some of the payments would be included in the (unknown) amount of Universal Credit. I asked if they would be paid in two separate amounts, but the man could only tell me about ESA payments not Universal Credit Payments. I sked if they’d actually be paid in one lump? He HUNG UP ON ME!!!
If they can’t explain it properly to me, they need to review the system.
In the hope of understanding more I’ve just ordered the latest copy of the Disability Alliance Handbook, but if anyone who has already been through all this can give me a clear explanation, I’d appreciate it.
Bowlingbun, members see you as the fount of information. You have had a tough life since your husband died, and you know social services inside out. “Knowledge is power,” indeed! So when you are stumped it is a poor show for the department you are trying to seek clarification from. The man hung upon you! How rude and incompetent!
I hope you will have a clearer idea when the handbook arrives and I expect you will share it with us. Best wishes!
Yes, it arrived this morning. I usually say it’s the most concise book I have ever read, but this morning I read a few paragraphs and put it down again! I’ve been busy doing other things that needed priority. Then a Zoom call (supposedly for carers support) seriously wound me up. Whenever I suggested anything I was just given the official line about changes, lack of money, who was responsible etc. etc. All I wanted was more thought about parent involvement when M was at a meeting, and the implications of going from a hot meal at lunchtime to a baguette then lunchbox. All a waste of breath I’m afraid.
The transfer to UC has complicated Mike’s money so much we’re still trying to figure it out, as the council has taken the opportunity to reset his Council Tax benefit to less than half what it was. Apparently this is because they can now take PIP - all of it, including Mobility Component - into account. Bearing in mind that all of the Care Component is already taken for his social care services…
We’re still trying to find out what he’s getting!
Would he be defined as having severe mental impairment? If so he’d be completely exempt from Council Tax.
We’re applying, but apparently only one GP can deal with this and it’s been three weeks…