Crossover from DLA/PIP Should I reapply?

fletcher88

Hi, I am new to these forums so please be gentle! Hope I have posted in right place

Anyway, I have been receiving DLA for the past 5 years now for my general epilepsy which I have suffered with for around 8 years. I began receiving DLA pretty instantly after applying after being advised to apply for it by my doctor. I was pretty unaware that I was able to receive this benefit, especially as I have worked on/off too during this time and felt I would be rather, well, "cheating the system" somewhat receiving benefits on top of wages but was reassured this was not the case as people with a disability could receive DLA and work. I currently do work right now so that has to be taken into account - however I also worked when I last applied so I am assuming that isn't regarded a "change in circumstance".

I will quickly give you some background of my condition. Up until the age of 14 I never once suffered with any kind of seizures, fits of any kind. I lived a perfectly normal life and I guess in some respects you could argue I do now because due to the medication and care I receive it is controlled well although others may argue otherwise.

Anyway when I was 14/15 I started to notice strange feelings. The main feeling was completely unawareness and it used to really freak me out. I would lose all sense of "what was happening", "de ja vu".. "complete memory loss" if you like.. I guess only people that have epilepsy can understand what I mean. Many of those types of feelings still go on now.

I probably did the wrong thing and didn't tell anyone, then all of a sudden I had a major seizure and was in hospital overnight. For the next year or so I suffered with really bad seizures until they got my medication correct.

Since then, despite the medication, I still suffer with seizures. I suffer with really bad memory blanks which even now really aggravate and frustrate me. The "fits" in itself have improved. I do not suffer as much as I do however I still do have seizures. I would say I have a "bad day" a couple of times a week, where I go a little off and lose all awareness. A general episode in terms of a "seizure" only comes around every month or so. Fingers crossed I want to be in a position it never happens again though although my neurologist tells me unfortunately this may never be the case as I suffer from general epilepsy. Not the type that comes, goes, or goes away completely in some cases.

In 2013 I had the forms come through to reapply to receive my DLA. I was in two minds on whether or not to (I am quite concious of what people think about me receiving benefits, especially given the general consensus on people receiving them) but again I was encouraged by my GP and neurologist to definatly at least reapply do so as there was no change in my general condition. My initial application was rejected, which in some ways was no surprise to me and I was asked to appeal by DWP and did so and was very surprised by how straight forward and prompt it was and so I was awarded the decision by a independent hearing (I did not need to attend, this was all done by letters to me) and so was awarded the same benefits until June of this year.

Now to the present day.

I have had a letter through from PIP about the changes in the benefit which I was broadly aware of. They told me about the change from DLA to PIP and if I wanted to apply for PIP. Basically I am in two minds. It seems very very thorough and I am not sure whether my condition warrants the time and patience from both myself and from the way the DWP may look at it. It also stated on the lettter I may have to attend a "face to face hearing".. part of me things this would be a waste of my time and theres. My mom thinks I should apply, as I have always been awarded it before, there has not been a change in my circumstances and it did actually state on the letter that if you recieved DLA there was a good chance you would get PIP.

I may ask my neurologist who I see every 6 months or so. Or my local GP for advice. I just thought I would seek advice on here as I was forwarded to the site by a friend.

Any replies I recieve will be really greatly recieved.

Thank you for your time

nannytone_2

you have nothing to lose by applying for PIP.
google the PIP descriptors and complete the forms with the descriptors that best match your needs in mind

pmlindyloo

As I am sure you are aware PIP is awarded to your care and mobility needs, not the disability itself.

There is a 50 % rules that applies to fluctuating illnesses and this may help you decide what to do.

This link may help:

https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/help-support/personal-independence-payments-pip

and you could contact your local epilepsy society for more help and support for completing the form.

[Deleted User]

the problem with epilepsy and benefits is the crucial point is how well it is controlled by medication,if you get any warning of seizures also
the point with pip etc is apply and see what happens BUT give as much detail as possible about how you are affected by your epilepsy,by medication and what care/mobility needs you have

[Deleted User]

pmlindyloo wrote: »

As I am sure you are aware PIP is awarded to your care and mobility needs, not the disability itself.

There is a 50 % rules that applies to fluctuating illnesses and this may help you decide what to do.

This link may help:

https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/help-support/personal-independence-payments-pip

and you could contact your local epilepsy society for more help and support for completing the form.

local branches of national epilepsy organisations tbh are less than useless

fletcher88

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. I will take all on board. Guess there is no harm in reapplying, they can only say no!

HB58

Your DLA will continue to be paid until 4 weeks after a PIP decision is made as long as you make the initial application and, later, return the form within the time-scale stipulated.

I know you haven't asked that but I thought the information might be useful to you!

fletcher88

Thanks for all the initial responses I got. I now have an update.

I re-applied initially over telephone and got all my forms sent across by the end of the month.

I now have a letter saying I will get a home consultation appointment with a health professional. Is this a good/bad/normal sign?

Also, I dont know whether I mentioned it, but I also work. From anyone's experience will this cause some kind of conflict between work and them actually knowing I am applying for this? I am always very reluctant to tell anyone I recieve PIP/DLA. I am worried what they will think of me or even how they may punish me in terms of my wages/future wage etc.

rogerblack

You can in principle claim DLA or PIP while working, your wages do not matter.

It is normal that people may have consultations.

It's only if there is a conflict between the reason you are getting DLA/PIP and your work that there is an issue.
For example - if you are taking a driving job, while claiming you have unpredictable epilepsy, that would of course raise issues.

fletcher88

rogerblack wrote: »

You can in principle claim DLA or PIP while working, your wages do not matter.

It is normal that people may have consultations.

It's only if there is a conflict between the reason you are getting DLA/PIP and your work that there is an issue.
For example - if you are taking a driving job, while claiming you have unpredictable epilepsy, that would of course raise issues.

No that certainly isn't the case. I wished I could drive however!

I guess my problem is more to do with the fact I feel a little greedy I am earning a wage/whilst also claiming benefits. Although I have had it well explained I am entitled to do this, I have never told anyone I receive this benefit - of course people, especially my boss is aware of my condition, but I do not want them knowing I am applying for a benefit in the case that is a barrier in me getting a promotion/pay rise of some kind because of my employer perhaps thinking "well he receives x amount of benefits, so lets try keep his wage to a minimum"

Things.Past

Interesting subject.
My own son has been awarded DLA indefinitely. This is because his health issues are life term even though he takes medication.

I do know if he had been transferred to PIP and DLA had finished his payments would have reduced some £80.

I do wonder how people would survive if they were originally claiming ESA and DLA, but then transferred to the NEW PIP and ESA arrangement.
It seems there income would reduce some £80 PM, unless ESA make the difference up ?????.:(