SDP again

Client on assessment-phase IRESA takes up first tenancy on 1 July, claims PIP on 5th July and claims UC for housing costs on 22nd July with a backdate request to start date of tenancy (thus losing IRESA). Would there be any circumstances where a subsequent award of PIP could give him SDP ie. claimed PIP before UC? I’m guessing that the fact he backdated the claim past the date of the PIP claim means no transitional protection possible?

I think you’re right unfortunately. Maybe think about amending the claim ASAP to remove the backdating request?

Trouble is that he can’t afford to pay his housing arrears if he doesn’t backdate and the PIP claim might not be decided for a few months

Hmm, that is a problem. How about amending claim to backdate only to 6th July? Would he manage with missing out on 5 days worth?

I’ll discuss it with him, thanks