A little confused about disability premiums

Hi,

I currently claim income-related ESA and am in the support group. For a long while I was getting £256.90 every 2 weeks, but the last payment was £259.10, so I assume the benefit has gone up.

I applied for PIP a few months ago and was turned down. I submitted a mandatory reconsideration, which was successful, and I was awarded the daily living component at the standard rate, which, according to the letter, is £58.70.

Am I now entitled to an extra disability premium to be added to my ESA? If so, how much would I get, and do I need to apply for it?

I'm a little confused, cos on the government's website it seems to imply that I meet the requirements for the server disability premium and it says that you don't need to claim it and it's added to your benefits automatically. However, I've seen posts from people online saying that you do need to apply for it, which requires having an over the phone interview, then filling out a form (IS10).

So, yeah, if anyone could shed some light on what I might be entitled to in terms of premiums that I'm not already getting, whether I have to do anything to get it and if so, how, that would be great. Thanks.

Thanks for the reply, Gordon.

I live with my mum, who is 75. The government's website says that there are 4 exemptions to the living alone rule, 3 of which definitely don't apply, but the 4th says "they get a qualifying benefit". So, what are those qualifying benefits?

All my mum gets is the state pension, so I'm assuming that wouldn't count.

Thanks, Gordon. Much appreciated.