MSE News: Half a million could lose disability benefits

krisskross

nad1611 wrote: »

What this new assessment means for many is that those who are genuinely reliant on DLA to maintain any sort of independence may well find themselves without those means.
Looking at the new assessment on the Mobility questions I would possibly not be entitled to the Higher Rate Mobility which I am now.
What the questions don't take into account are all of the issues around mobility, it only deals with distances you can walk. For me it's so much more. For one I have RA and Raynauds so I have a double problem, not only would walking to the nearest bustop be extremely painful for me, when I got there I'd have to stand or sit at the bustop,both of which are also very painful but that element doesn't feature in the questions as they are not looking at the whole picture. With the Raynauds it would literally be a case of minutes, stood or sat at a Bustop and I would be in pain and having really awful sensations in my feet and legs, whereas if I'm in my car I can keep myself warm and if I am sitting for longer I can at least use cushions etc on the seat to ease things.

For myself and others these changes to the questions are very closed, but the impact that could have on me for exampple, is that without the help I get from leasing a car, I would slowly but surely withdraw from most things, I don't get out and about much now, but I just wouldn't be able to cope with relying on Public Transport, I wouldn't be able to get anywhere unless someone took me and I don't have relatives available to take me to appts etc and I remember what using public transport was like when I hadn't yet applied for DLA some years ago.

You have been fairly fortunate to have had assistance with transport thus far. M husband also has RA, plus serious lung and heart disease. However because he was just past 65 when his longstanding RA relapsed quite spectacularly he was entitled to no help with mobility.

I realise there has to be a cut off point and we have never complained that he is not entitled. He is in need as much as you , he simply doesn't meet the present criteria. Anyone who loses their entitlement when PIP comes in will have to think the same....that they no longer meet the then criteria and accept it.

lyniced

sangio wrote: »

What a load of tosh!!

The HR mobility element for DLA bears no relationship to the enhanced mobility element of PIP.

Many that have HRM will not get the same in PIP!!

Are you saying that it will be more or less in PIP?

Anubis_2

You are forgetting PIP has NOT been finalised yet. No one can tell anyone here they will not get PIP and you seem to be telling people with certainty they will not get it.

That is not a good thing to be doing.

Edinburghlass_2

sangio wrote: »

I would, like most, be very surprised if they 'water down' the mobility section for PIP and make it the same as for DLA! There would be little reason to change from PIP if they did.

You are right though - nothing is written in stone yet, but it is best to be warned now what is likely to happen and people can put in place other options (buy your own car now - using the HRM whilst still getting it and send the Motability one back).

In your opinion!

skibadee

I can't believe that people are saying they've been on IB for years and never been reassessed, I was on contributions based IB 7 years ago for 2 months and was then called for a reassessment.....I wonder does it vary as to where you live? I know people who have been claiming it for a long time who live in a different part of the country to me ?

I personally hope this re-evaluation of Disability Benefits ensures that those who are genuine do not suffer and those who are 'good actors/actressess' get seen for what they are......and believe me I know a few of these...they could actually get Oscars for it !!

CTcelt1988

sangio wrote: »

I would, like most, be very surprised if they 'water down' the mobility section for PIP and make it the same as for DLA! There would be little reason to change from PIP if they did.

You are right though - nothing is written in stone yet, but it is best to be warned now what is likely to happen and people can put in place other options (buy your own car now - using the HRM whilst still getting it and send the Motability one back).

It would be very short sighted to wait until the last knockings before taking alternative actions.

Some people might not get the option of buying their Motability car now, if their lease expires next year or the year after. Only those whose leases end this year have a chance. Also, terminating a lease early costs £250. If they have adaptions, then they would have to pay for their own ones if they buy their own car.

lyniced

sangio wrote: »

To be awarded the equivalent under PIP (HRM) not only will you be unable or virtually unable to walk (as is the case of DLA), you would also have to be in a wheelchair to get around as well.

To get the minimum points (12) for the enhanced rate for mobility (equivalent to HRM with DLA)

you will either fall into one of the following categories.

e. Cannot move up to 50 metres without using a wheelchair propelled by the claimant.
12 points.

f. Cannot move up to 50 metres without using a wheelchair propelled by another person or a motorised device.
15 points.

I fall (literally) into category f

Breast_Cancer_Survivor

sangio wrote: »

So do I!!

And just to confirm that people can be on IB for years without any re-assessment. I claimed IB back in 1995 and came off it in 2002. I never had any assessment or re-assessment in those 7 years!!!

Actually you have to fill in an IB50 every year, then they decide whether you need to be re assessed or not depending on the information you have given.

anguk

sangio wrote: »

I would, like most, be very surprised if they 'water down' the mobility section for PIP and make it the same as for DLA! There would be little reason to change from PIP if they did.

You are right though - nothing is written in stone yet, but it is best to be warned now what is likely to happen and people can put in place other options (buy your own car now - using the HRM whilst still getting it and send the Motability one back).

It would be very short sighted to wait until the last knockings before taking alternative actions.

My husband's Motability car is up for renewal in September and he's going to order it in the next couple of weeks but he most definitely fits the mobility descriptors (he just got re-assessed at the wheelchair clinic last week for a motorised chair because I have to push his manual). Plus nobody really knows when PIP is going to be put in place, my guess is it'll probably take at least a couple of years.

You also have to remember that not everyone can just go out and buy a new car, even with HRM, some people don't have the cash and can't get credit, Motability is their only option.

Anubis_2

sangio wrote: »

To be awarded the equivalent under PIP (HRM) not only will you be unable or virtually unable to walk (as is the case of DLA), you would also have to be in a wheelchair to get around as well.

To get the minimum points (12) for the enhanced rate for mobility (equivalent to HRM with DLA)

you will either fall into one of the following categories.

e. Cannot move up to 50 metres without using a wheelchair propelled by the claimant.
12 points.

f. Cannot move up to 50 metres without using a wheelchair propelled by another person or a motorised device.
15 points.

Again you are NOT posting ALL the PIP descriptors for mobility, you can get HRM without even needing a stick in certain circumstances.

Please people, read the full descriptors here rather than just the "wheelchair" parts.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=53419193&postcount=30