You may have seen in the news this week that as a result of historic mistakes in the assessment of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) entitlements for those transferring from Incapacity Benefit on to ESA, the Department for Work and Pensions is going to have to pay out an estimated £1.67 billion in arrears payments to claimants. Some of the payments that claimants may now expect to receive as a result of the error are estimated to be between £5,000 and £20,000. Indeed, in some cases not only will people get an arrears payment but it may result in them getting more ESA now.
This Benefits Bulletin explains what the error was and who it potentially affected.
Some of the people affected may have passed away. This will most likely be the case in situations where people were at the time claiming benefits on grounds that they were terminally ill. In such cases, surviving family members may be able to receive any lump sum arrears payment due. Anyone affected should contact the DWP and make sure that their historic claims are reviewed. In the case of those who have passed away, the person who was the executor of the will or the administrator should write to the DWP providing as much information as possible about the deceased person including their name, address, date of birth, date of death and National Insurance Number.
Should you require any further information and/or advice in relation to this matter email [email protected]