How We Can Help
With Benefits & Social Care
M.E Support Northern Ireland has a dedicated committee member to help guide you through all benefit and social care issues.
However, due to the number of queries we receive, we ask that before you contact us concerning benefits or social support that you read the information on this page, that may be able to answer some of your queries.
ESA & PIP
FAQS
WHERE CAN I GET HELP FILLING IN A FORM FOR BENEFITS?
We provide this service to our members. Contact us for more information
What Benefits Can I Claim?
The benefits that you may be entitled to depend on your personal circumstances Contact us to see what help you may be eligible for
CAN I CLAIM ESA?
Scroll down to our section on ESA and read the “Eligibility” sub-heading
CAN I CLAIM PIP?
Scroll down to our section on ESA and read the “Eligibility” sub-heading
Can I work and claim ESA?
This will depend on whether you are in the “work” or “support” group. Scroll down to our section on ESA for more information
Can I work and claim PIP?
Yes Scroll down to our section on PIP for more information
I received a letter saying my benefits are going to change.
This will either be due to a change in your personal circumstances or because certain benefits are being phased out Contact the department that sent the letter and ask for an explanation
I HAVE BEEN MOVED FROM INCAPACITY BENEFIT ONTO ESA.
This is likely due to the changes in the benefit’s system Contact that department that sent the letter to ask for an explanation
MY GP HAS STATED THAT I AM UNFIT FOR WORK. DOES THIS MEAN I AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY FOR ESA?
Unfortunately, no; the decision is made by an independent party.
DO I HAVE TO GO TO A WORK CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT FOR ESA?
There is no way of knowing beforehand whether you will be asked to attend an in-person assessment o If you are asked to attend, you are unable to refuse. However, you are entitled to an assessment at home Scroll down to our section on PIP/ESA for more information
CAN I APPEAL THE DECISION MADE ABOUT MY ESA/PIP CLAIM?
Yes Scroll down to our section on PIP/ESA for more information
CAN I MAKE A COMPLAINT IF I FEEL THAT I WAS NOT TREATED FAIRLY DURING MY PIP/ESA ASSESSMENT?
Yes Scroll down to our section on PIP/ESA for more information
WILL THE BENEFITS CAP APPLY TO ME?
MaybeThere is a range of exceptions for someone who is disabled.
CAN I GET A BLUE BADGE EVEN IF I DO NOT DRIVE?
Yes Scroll down to see our section on the Blue Badge for more information
What is a "Needs Assessment"?
To receive help with health and social care, your needs will first need to be assessed Following this, you may be eligible for home care, specialist equipment or adaptations to your home to help you with day-to-day tasks Scroll down to see our section on “Needs Assessment” for more information
CAN I VOLUNTEER OR WORK UNPAID WHILE RECEIVING ESA/PIP?
Yes, in some circumstances
Students
FAQS
CAN I CLAIM ESA AS A FULL-TIME DISABLED STUDENT?
Yes, in some circumstances
CAN I CLAIM ESA AS A PART-TIME DISABLED STUDENT?
Yes, in some circumstances
CAN I CLAIM PIP AS A PART/FULL-TIME DISABLED STUDENT?
Yes
CAN I VOLUNTEER OR WORK UNPAID WHILE RECEIVING ESA/PIP?
Yes, in some circumstances
AS A DISABLED STUDENT, WHAT SUPPORT AM I ENTITLED TO?
The university must make “reasonable adjustments”
I FEEL L THAT I WAS DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BY MY UNIVERSITY DUE TO MY ILLNESS. WHAT DO I DO?
Contact the appropriate person within your university such as the learning support advisor or disability coordinator. Oftentimes even informal conversations can help resolve issues. Beyond the university complaints process, contact citizen’s advice
For more information, email info@mesupportni.com
ESA
Employment Support Allowance (ESA) provides you with financial support if you are unable to work due to your illness or disability.
Alternatively, they may also help those who are disabled or ill but are still able to work.
ELIGIBILITY
You may be able to claim ESA if any of the following apply:
- your Statutory Sick Pay has ended or you cannot get it
- you are employed, self-employed, unemployed or a student on Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment
- you have been getting Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and have not gone back to work for your employer because you have an illness or disability which affects your ability to work
- you are under State Pension age
- you are not getting Jobseeker’s Allowance
You must also either:
- have had an illness or disability which affects your ability to work
- be unable to work for two or more days out of seven consecutive days
- be getting special medical treatment
ESA Claims
For ESA claims, there are of two phases.
ELIGIBILITY
During the assessment phase you will be paid ESA at a basic rate until your claim is considered and you are the put into one of two categories.
This phase can last up to 13 weeks while a “Work Capability Assessment” is carried out.
ELIGIBILITY
Once your “Work Capability Assessment” is carried out, you will be put into either the “Work Related Activity” or “Support” group.
Work Related Activity Group
If you are put into this group, you are assessed as being able for employment provided you get some additional assistance.
Support Group
If you are deemed to be unwell for any type of employment you will be put into the support group. You are able to take part in unpaid work, such as volunteering for a charity. See our “volunteering” Page for more information.
Assessment
All claimants will have to fill out a capability for work questionnaire, in which you will be asked about how your M.E effects your ability to complete everyday tasks.
Additional information from your GP or anyone involved in your care is also taken into account.
You may be asked to attend a face-to-face assessment, however oftentimes a decision is made on the weight of the information already provided.
Decision
Decision Your case worker will explain to you in writing the decision made. There is an appeal process if you do not agree with the decision made.
PIP
Background
Personal Independent Payments (PIP) aims to help those with long-term ill-health or disabilities. It was first introduced in the “Welfare reform Act 2012” to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and has been slowly introduced region by region. Currently, anyone who still claims DLA will be transferred over to PIP
Eligibility
To claim PIP, you must meet the following criteria:
- be aged 16 to 64 years
- have a long-term health condition or disability and difficulties with activities related to daily living and/or mobility
- have had these difficulties for three months and expect them to last for at least another nine months. If you’re terminally ill, (not expected to live for more than six months), you don’t need to have had these difficulties for three months
- be in Northern Ireland when you claim – there are some exceptions, for example members and family members of the Armed Forces
- have been in Northern Ireland for at least two of the last three years
- be usually resident in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands
- not be subject to immigration control (unless you’re a sponsored immigrant).
- have had an illness or disability which affects your ability to work
- be unable to work for two or more days out of seven consecutive days
- be getting special medical treatment
PIP Consists of Two Components
Daily Living component that includes things like:
You may get the Daily Living component of PIP if you need help with things like:
- preparing food
- eating and drinking
- managing treatments
- washing and bathing
- managing toilet needs
- dressing and undressing
- communicating
- reading
- mixing with other people
- making decisions about money
Mobility component including:
- Going out
- Moving about
PIP Claims
There are four steps in claiming PIP.
STEP 1 - THE PIP CENTRE
The PIP centre The process begins by requesting a form from the PIP centre where you will be required to provide information such as:
- your contact details
- your date of birth
- your National Insurance number
- your bank or building society details
- the name and contact details of your GP or other healthcare professionals
- details of any time you’ve spent abroad, or in a care home or hospital
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Centre
Castle Court
Royal Avenue
Belfast
BT1 1HR
For new claims to PIP:phone: 0800 012 1573textphone: 0800 012 1574 (for people with speech and hearing difficulties)
For existing claims and enquiries:phone: 0800 587 0932 textphone: 0800 587 0937 (for people with speech and hearing difficulties)
Phone lines open: Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm (excluding public holidays)
STEP 2 - THE FORM
The PIP Centre will the send you a form that requires you to explain how your M.E affects you. The form is extensive and it is advised that you contact us to help you through the process. M.E Support Northern Ireland aims to help everyone in our community with this process, however due to limited resources our members are prioritised.
Contact: info@mesupportni.com for more information
STEP 3: THE ASSESSMENT
Once the form is submitted your claim will be considered by an “independent health professional” to assess what level of help you need. Information provided by your GP and any other people involved in your care is taken into account at this stage.
You are likely to receive a face-to-face evaluation at this point with a member of the assessment team. This assessment can take place in your home or at a PIP Centre.
We would advise that you bring someone with you to this assessment for support.
STEP 4: THE DECISION
Lastly, a decision is made by the case manager and a letter will be send to you explaining the outcome. This decision can be appealed.
Needs Assessment
Your Local Council
Ask for a “needs assessment” from your local council to see if they can provide social care and support within the community. Your local council will involve you throughout the assessment process to identify your needs and how they affect your wellbeing as well as explore the best options to help you live as independently as possible. It is very unlikely that the assessment will be refused to be carried out.
This assessment will be needed before the council can recommend services such as:
- Mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walking frames
- Alterations to your house such as replacing a bath with a walk-in shower
- Practical help from a paid career
- Child care
The Assessment Process
Assessments can happen either over the phone or face-to-face with a social worker, occupational therapist or someone else familiar with your situation, usually lasting an hour. They will ask how you are managing everyday tasks such as washing, dressing and cooking – they may ask you to go into detail about specific things, such as how often you are able to shower or if you need help using the toilet. It is important to be as honest as possible when asked these types of questions, as any downplaying of your disability may be marked against you. The assessment process is the opportunity for you to have a say in the future of your care so be prepare. You also have the right to have a family member or friend with you for support as well as have someone advocate on your behalf.
Within 4-6 weeks of your needs assessment you should know the outcome. If you are granted help, then you will have to undergo a financial assessment to see how the cost of your care and support will be split between you and the council.
The financial assessment is means tested and will take into account:
- Your income, including from state or private pensions
- Any savings you may have
- Any investments including any property
- Your outgoing expenses
- Any other benefits you receive
If for whatever your needs assessment finds that you do not qualify for care and support, the council should still provide you with further advice. There must be a change in circumstances to re-apply.
What happens next?
If the HSC Trust grants assistance, a “Care and Support Plan” will be drawn up and you will also be given the name of a care manager who is responsible for ensuring services are provided to you.
The care plan should set out:
- What needs have been identified
- How these needs will be met
- The outcomes of any financial assessment
- And a date for review of your care plan
Alternatively, rather than the council arranging your care, you can receive funding by the council through direct payments. This option must be offered to you once it is decided that you need support. Payments will go directly into your own bank account allowing you to spend the money to best address your needs. The council however, must be satisfied that payments are being used to fulfil the care plan. Direct payments cannot be used to pay a family member or friend to provide services.
Direct payments may be right for you if:
- You want more control over your care
- You want more choice
- You are good with finances and paperwork
- You are comfortable taking on the legal role of an employer
Direct payments may not be right for you if:
- You are not comfortable being an employer
- You are unsure about your ability to manage finance and keep accounts (however, you can get help with this)
- You have long periods of time in hospital
Direct payments will also allow the hire of a homecare agency who will:
- Act as an employer
- Train your homecare worker
- Replace your career when they are ill
- Take your choices into account
Homecare workers are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and must meet minimum standards and regulations as well as vet their staff thoroughly.
Costs can vary depending on the services required.
FORMAL COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES
You do have the right to complain if you are unhappy with the results of the assessment. Your council will have a formal complaints process that you should be told about at your assessment. Beyond this, you can also take your complaint to the local government and social are ombudsman to act as an independent person to examine your case.
Blue Badge Scheme
The blue badge scheme is intended to make the lives of people with mobility problems slightly easier. Badge holders have the ability to access parking bays reserved for disabled people as well as free on street parking in “pay and display” bays.
Eligibility
You are automatically eligible for a Blue Badge if you:
- are registered as blind
- get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and scored 8 points or more in the ‘moving around’ area of your assessment – check your decision letter if you’re not sure
If you are automatically eligible for a blue badge, then the application process is straight-forward, requiring you to provide some personal information such as your date of birth and address etc.
However, if you are not automatically eligible then you will be required to fill in “Section C1” of the application form which asks a series of questions about your mobility level. It is important to answer these questions accurately as the information you provide may be shared with your GP.
You must also either:
- have had an illness or disability which affects your ability to work
- be unable to work for two or more days out of seven consecutive days
- be getting special medical treatment
Other Things to Know
The guidance notes state that “Conditions such as . . .Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), . . .are not in themselves a qualification for a badge” so it is important to stress your need for a blue badge and not rely on your diagnosis.
There is a cost of £10 to apply for a blue badge.
You should hear in 6-8 weeks whether your request was granted.
Lastly, it is a criminal offence to allow anyone else to use your blue badge.
M.E Support Northern Ireland can assist you in the process of claiming a blue badge. Contact us for more information.