Your news item dated December 17 confirmed that the Minister for Employment had said that ESA payments would be backdated to cover the reconsideration period, once an appeal has been lodged.
Does anyone know if this would also apply to any housing benefit that would also have been stopped during the reconsideration period because of the temporary loss of a qualifying benefit?
carmind wrote: Your news item dated December 17 confirmed that the Minister for Employment had said that ESA payments would be backdated to cover the reconsideration period, once an appeal has been lodged.
Does anyone know if this would also apply to any housing benefit that would also have been stopped during the reconsideration period because of the temporary loss of a qualifying benefit?
The first thing to say is that back dated ESA at the Assessment rate is only payable if the claimant has provided Fit notes during the Mandatory Reconsideration phase.
As to Housing Benefit, I think it unlikely as claimants can make a zero income claim and there is therefore no reason for HB to be back dated, alternatively claimants can claim JSA which should also enable the payment of HB.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems