Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance
- How claims are decided
- The decision on your claim
- How you are paid
- If your circumstances change
- Effects on other benefits
This is an extra allowance if you are exceptionally severely disabled and already entitled to CAA at the intermediate or exceptional rate, and your need for the attendance is likely to be permanent. [Legislation (78)]
You do not have to make a separate claim. Your entitlement will be considered at the same time as your CAA.
How claims are decided
When CAA is granted at the intermediate or exceptional rate, entitlement to Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance is automatically considered at the same time.
The decision maker looks at the doctor’s advice and decides the period of the award. Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance is usually awarded for the same period as CAA. The allowance may be reconsidered from time to time depending on your circumstances.
The decision on your claim
You will be notified of the decision in writing. It will explain how the decision was arrived at and if there is any entitlement to benefit.
If you disagree with the decision
There is no right of appeal against a decision on Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance. If you disagree with the decision you can ask for it to be reconsidered if you think you have good reason. [Legislation (79)]
How you are paid
Payment of your Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance will be made with your Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and Constant Attendance Allowance direct into an account.
If your circumstances change
If you are absent abroad, Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance can be paid for 6 months from the date of absence from the United Kingdom, or for such longer period as the Secretary of State may allow. [Legislation (80)]
If you are admitted to hospital or a similar institution for medical treatment you can continue to receive Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance.
Effects on other benefits
Your Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance does not affect any other National Insurance benefits such as:
- Incapacity Benefit
- Employment and Support Allowance (contribution-based)
- Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Retirement Pension.
But Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance may affect income-related benefits you or your partner receive such as:
- Income Support
- Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit.
Note: You will have to contact your local authority to confirm if any reduction you or your partner receive in your council tax bill is affected.
