info about benefit changes

cowsnhope

Hi
This relates to my last post. I am considering acting as a guarantor for my friend's rent, he is entitled to the LHA self contained rate (he has had this for the past few years) as he is in receipt of DLA at the middle rate for care.

Does anyone know of any forth coming changes to benefits that would change this as if his income is reduced and he can't pay I will be liable.

Many thanks

poppy12345

All those currently claiming DLA and are aged between 16 and 65 will soon be asked to apply for PIP (DLA replacement) If he applies before the deadline and returns the completed forms back in time his DLA will continue untill a decision has been made on PIP. Most people are asked to attend an assessment for this. If unsecessful his disability benefit will stop. If successful he'll recieve PIP money instead of DLA. He can of course appeal the decision if he's refused. SO yes it's not guarenteed money. It has been known for those transfering from DLA to be refused PIP.

cowsnhope

Thank you
That is a bit worrying. If the PIP takes months to assess will my friend still get the DLA whilst they are deciding?

poppy12345

cowsnhope wrote: »

Thank you
That is a bit worrying. If the PIP takes months to assess will my friend still get the DLA whilst they are deciding?

Yes providing they apply by the deadline and return the completed forms by the dated stated then payments will continue from DLA. If they don't return them as stated in my last post the payments will stop.

cowsnhope

Ok - thank you

jetplane

Does he have any other income or are you concerned that without the DLA he can not afford to top up his rent?

dekaspace

I havent been keeping up with this, what is the deadline as no one told me and I get DLA.

poppy12345

dekaspace wrote: »

I havent been keeping up with this, what is the deadline as no one told me and I get DLA.

When you're invited to apply for PIP they'll write to you. On that letter there'll be a deadline date and if you don't ring to start your apllication off by this date your DLA will stop. Also another deadline is when you do start your claim off they'll then send you a long form to fill in. On the front of this there will be another date in which you'll need to return the form by. Make sure you return it before this date because if it isn't then again your DLA will stop.

cowsnhope

Thank you
As my friend gets DLA at the middle rate for care he is entitled to the LHA rate for a self contained flat, if he lost his DLA he would only get the rate for one room in a shared house which is a lot less; additionally he would lose his premiums which are quite a lot. I do not know how quickly the housing benefit rate would be reduced if my friend was seen as not eligible for PIP; would they give him time to move?

poppy12345

cowsnhope wrote: »

Thank you
As my friend gets DLA at the middle rate for care he is entitled to the LHA rate for a self contained flat, if he lost his DLA he would only get the rate for one room in a shared house which is a lot less; additionally he would lose his premiums which are quite a lot. I do not know how quickly the housing benefit rate would be reduced if my friend was seen as not eligible for PIP; would they give him time to move?

It would reduce as soon as his DLA stops.

dekaspace

All I worry about is one the Christmas post and two I have a postie that doesn't go the extra mile to deliver so had stuff returned to sender before because he hasnt rang by buzzer, its a case of if he cant get in the main door instantly he goes off even as far as if the door is stiff and requires a push if he has to use any effort he leaves without pushing it hard. I respect he has a set time to do stuff but it has caused issues with both the bank and phone company before.