DLA renewal and Incapacity Benefit/ESA

Hi

My DLA renewal is due at the end of next February. I have not received a renewal form as yet but am aware they are sending out forms about 4 months in advance so I expect one soon. I have been receiving HRC and LRM for 5 years. I was told that my incapacity would not be reviewed until the end of my current DLA award due to the fact I am in receipt of HRC of DLA and therefore have not been reviewed since February 2007 for incapacity benefit. I phoned the Benefit Enquiry Line today to find out what happens. I explained as above and was told there was no such policy and was advised to ring the office that deals with my Incapacity Benefit to find out when the incapacity award ends. I have no paperwork that tells me this. Obviously, I am worried about contacting them too soon as I understand that I will be sent forms for ESA but equally I don't want to leave it too late. Any suggestions please? Thanks.

phidgity wrote:

Hi

My DLA renewal is due at the end of next February. I have not received a renewal form as yet but am aware they are sending out forms about 4 months in advance so I expect one soon. I have been receiving HRC and LRM for 5 years. I was told that my incapacity would not be reviewed until the end of my current DLA award due to the fact I am in receipt of HRC of DLA and therefore have not been reviewed since February 2007 for incapacity benefit. I phoned the Benefit Enquiry Line today to find out what happens. I explained as above and was told there was no such policy and was advised to ring the office that deals with my Incapacity Benefit to find out when the incapacity award ends. I have no paperwork that tells me this. Obviously, I am worried about contacting them too soon as I understand that I will be sent forms for ESA but equally I don't want to leave it too late. Any suggestions please? Thanks.

Hi phidgity

Your concern and worry is understandable. Unfortunately we cannot give specific advice on your claims, we can only give general advice on this forum.

Presumably at some point you will be transferred from IB to ESA.

As far as your HRC DLA is concerned you will receive a form to reapply, usually about 4 months prior to your current award running out.

You can find all the information B&W have in the orange Members Only section. You may wish to consider getting face to face advice from a Welfare Rights Officer at an Advice Centre.

Regards

Michael