Just a quick question about SDP

rg

Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is

Welcome to Benefits and Work

Yes, the SD Premium should be payable from the day that the claimant becomes eligible but the DWP often take the view that if the claimant has not notified them then it is not payable.

I would start by contacting the DWP office dealing with your ESA claim and ask about the back payment of the Premium. You may then need to request a Mandatory Reconsideration of any Decision not to backdate.

Gordon

rg

I'm afraid I can't point you at anything, the problem is that the SD Premium is not a benefit that you have to apply for although claimants often have to contact the DWP to get it paid, claimants become entitled when they meet certain criteria.

Ultimately you will need to argue that it is unreasonable of the DWP to withhold payment of the Premium when you met the criteria for it to be paid and that they would have known this based on their own internal notifications of changes, which clearly happened as it was them that contacted you.

Also, that you should not be penalised for not contacting them about a Premium that you knew nothing about.

Gordon