I have now received all backpay from migrating from Incapacity Benefit Contribution based to ESA Income Related. I was informed on the telephone that I would also receive backpay for my deceased husband who passed away in February 2015. We were both receiving our benefit separately not as a couple and his backpay would be separate to mine. I now found they have paid me as a couple, I wondered if anybody knew if this was right? Surely if we were claiming benefit as 2 separate people we would be paid backpay as separate people, they did admit they made a mistake not paying us way back when, as a couple but I feel they are just trying to save money that was originally owed to us. Your thoughts would be appreciated.
The back pay is in regard to Income Related ESA that you were entitled to but were not paid. ESA(IR) is always paid as a couple when the claimant has a partner and only one person in the couple can receive the ESA(IR).
Gordon
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