Condition worsens while on DLA

zaksmum

Friend, 57, is on DLA Higher rate mobility component and in the last year her condition has worsened a great deal.

She is now totally housebound and has carers coming in 3 times a day as she can do very little for herself.

GP suggested she should tell DWP things are much worse now, so presumably this means applying for PIP.

How would she go about this? Should she ring DWP and explain? Would she be expected to answer eligibility questions over the phone, as she has some difficulties with understanding the spoken word, or would they send a form?

Thanks

Alice_Holt

Before doing this, I would suggest your friend gets benefits advice.

PIP has different criteria to DLA. It was introduced, partly, to reduce the costs of disability benefits to the DWP.
So, for instance whilst under DLA it was possible to get an award of High Rate Mob if you couldn't walk 50m - for PIP to get the equivalent award the distance is 20m. If the claimant can manage to cover 20m-50m a lower award is made.

Is she getting an award for care DLA?

Alice_Holt

PIP is points-based and there is a medical assessment your friend would need to attend.

Some details here:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

She needs to be sure before contacting the DWP, that voluntarily moving to PIP from DLA will not disadvatage her.

[Deleted User]

It is more than likely that she will be "invited" to apply for PIP before the end of this year, so personally I would leave things as they are whilst starting to gather supporting evidence for PIP

atrixblue.-MFR-.

I would personally leave the award as it currently sits.


That's not to say don't prepare for PIP. I would advise to keep a diary of care and mobility needs as they progress, as PIP also takes into account fluctuations and variations over 12month period. By keeping a detailed 1 month diary you can get a clear 12 month projection of care and mobility needs inc these variations and fluctuations.


Get copies of ALL relevant medical diagnosis' and if possible ask regular attending health carers to compile a care and mobility report if they would care to do so.


Study this and understand it, its long winded but ESSENTIAL in my opinion. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/...data/.../pip-assessment-guide.pdf



Look at all descriptors and all guidelines to having those awarded.


Reliability is a KEY role in this PIP benefit also.


Prepare now, then when called help friend make the claim to PIP.

zaksmum

Thanks. She doesn't get an award for care. She can only shuffle with great difficulty around the house now and would not be able to leave the house to attend a medical - GP said the assessment can be done at home if need be.

I also feel that she should leave things as they are for now but she is having financial struggles on top of everything else so any extra care award would help her a lot.

She is receiving palliative care so perhaps can't wait too long for the DWP to get around to "inviting" her to apply for PIP.

pmlindyloo

Would your friend qualify under the 'special rules'?

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-pip-claim/how-to-claim-if-terminally-ill/

Alice_Holt

Are there any organisations such as Macmillan, who could help you friend with this?

Macmillan sponser benefit advisers. They can apply for PIP, under special rules, on behalf of the person concerned. Macmillan can also offer grants to alleviate financial hardship.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

You need to call the DWP PIP claim line, select opt 1 then opt 3 IIRC there is a dedicated team of DWP advisors who can take the claim over the phone. NO FACE TO FACE shall ever be conducted when claiming for terminal illness. but the criteria must met and they can guide you through the rest.

zaksmum

I'm not sure if her illness is terminal and there's not really any way I can find out. It's not cancer, I do know that. Are Macmillan only involved where cancer is diagnosed?

xylophone

She is now totally housebound and has carers coming in 3 times a day as she can do very little for herself.

Surely under such circumstances she should be entitled to a care award?