DLA to PIP

hannah9000

Good afternoon

I have been in receipt of lower rate DLA for about ten years - I remember it was a hard process because my condition is so rare no-one knew what I was talking about, I had a welfare officer helping me and it went to tribunal etc etc.
I had the letter through a week ago to say I need to apply for PIP now, so I called the number and the advisor asked if I wanted the evidence and documentation from my DLA claim used? I said yes, of course, however I'm petrified it's going to end up going to tribunal again.

Are existing DLA to PIP applications smoother than new claims or should I expect a bumpy ride?

rogerblack

hannah9000 wrote: »

Good afternoon

I have been in receipt of lower rate DLA for about ten years - I remember it was a hard process because my condition is so rare no-one knew what I was talking about, I had a welfare officer helping me and it went to tribunal etc etc.

Do you have any recent evidence of your condition that was not supplied to the tribunal or DWP?

DLA and PIP are not granted for the same reasons.
It could well be that it is not possible to come to a conclusion based on the papers they hold, and will need to interview you in person.
Alternatively, it's possible they may come to the conclusion you are not entitled, and you may need to appeal.
Hence it's important to supply any evidence you have.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/personal-independence-payment/the-personal-independence-payment-pip-assessment/personal-independence-payment-pip-activities-descriptors-and-points/

hannah9000

I have review letters from my 8 weekly check-ups which list every ailment and every item of medication I'm on...would that help?

billywilly

hannah9000 wrote: »

I have review letters from my 8 weekly check-ups which list every ailment and every item of medication I'm on...would that help?

You would need evidence that specifically explains what descriptor you would be looking to qualify under and why.

A monthly repeat prescription is of no use as it does not identify what your difficulties are that you are claiming PIP for.

I always had DLA High Mobility & Middle Care for 19 years, never having to go to a Tribunal despite regular reviews. Following my PIP claim, they didn't give me any points for anything!
I didn't go for an appeal as I simply could not face the uphill challenge of fighting the DWP.
As Roger has said, evidence that was used to get your DLA award will not be of any real use for the PIP claim - they are two totally different benefits with totally different criteria.

The best evidence is that from Social Services via an OT. You will be assessed by them as to what are the difficulties that you face. Such a report in the hands of the DWP will almost guarantee some level of award.

kingfisherblue

Neither DLA nor PIP were or are awarded based on diagnosis, so the fact that your condition is rare is irrelevant. My friend's daughter had no diagnosis for eight years, and when she did receive one, her condition is very rare with fewer than fifty people in the world currently with the same diagnosis. The child receives high rate care and high rate mobility because of how her disabilities affect her life.

For a PIP, as has been said, it depends on whether you 'fit' the descriptors. If you do, depending on what level you fit, you will receive points. Once the points are added together, you will receive an award (or not) accordingly. There are many people who have been in receipt of DLA who do not receive PIP, and for some it is because the descriptors do not apply to them.

I believe that there is space on the forms to expand on any difficulties that you have. In addition, if your GP is aware of the problems you face, it could help in his report if he is asked to provide one.

billywilly

kingfisherblue wrote: »

I believe that there is space on the forms to expand on any difficulties that you have. In addition, if your GP is aware of the problems you face, it could help in his report if he is asked to provide one.

The GP report does not ask for that sort of info. It mainly concerns with the diagnosis, the medication authorised, the treatment plan and a simple question - can your patient self care.
Like most surgeries, most of these forms are completed by the back office staff and a GP is then asked to sign it.

Ferryboat_Woman

I'm one of the few people who are actually better off with PIP than DLA and i put this down to the fact i had a face to face assessment where i could explain in far more detail about my disability and day to day problems than simply filling in a form.(Nobody from DSS bothered to examine me whilst claiming DLA) I also asked for a home visit (you must ask, they won't offer and will try and fob you off by asking you to visit one of their assessment centres.Stick to your guns, say travelling is difficult and they will then offer a home visit) Home visits are ideal because you can show the assessor any aids you use, wet room,etc.Also you can actually show them the difficultly you face in everyday tasks like cooking, making tea, washing up, getting out of your chair etc. PIP is not so much about the disability you have but more about how you cope with everyday tasks.

billywilly

Ferryboat_Woman wrote: »

I) I also asked for a home visit (you must ask, they won't offer and will try and fob you off by asking you to visit one of their assessment centres.Stick to your guns, say travelling is difficult and they will then offer a home visit)

I was never offered a home visit, and it should have been clear from my disabilities and the past history I have that one would be needed.
I just assumed that it was OK as my ESA assessments were only 10 miles away. Unfortunately they demanded that I travel 70 miles each way to the nearest PIP assessment centre. I questioned it with the DWP and they confirmed to me that if I didn't go, my claim would be closed down.