Pip

magicrock

Hi I'm new to the site although I do read quite a lot from the site.

I have been receiving the lower rate for DLA and I recently went for one of those interviews with an ATOS rep. My conditions have deteriorated severely since my last claim and I struggle a lot. I have osteoarthritis in both knees and currently await a knee replacement. I also have arthritis in my feet and now just diagnosed with diabetes.. I can't drive my car for more than fifteen mins without severe discomfort.
I received a form today asking me to complete it and return. There are questions about who is living with us, do I get carers allowanceand questions about my wife. We do have twin boy and girl registered at our address, they're both 28 but both have girl and boyfriends and stay with them some of the time. They have a lot of debt with student loans etc and struggle to pay their way. Are the DWP trying to get out of continuing paying me this money or are they just simply after more information.
The twins do not pay us anything because of their debts but my son does pay for the broadband and sky TV otherwise we wouldn't need it.

Cheers.

w06

PIP isn't means tested (you can legitimately recieve it and work full time) and so those questions are irrelevant for PIP, are they asking because of other benefits?

anmarj

You must have some form of income related benefits? If som if your wife is in receipt of middle/high rate care of DLA or PIP, now that you have been awarded PIP, then you may be entitled to a premium on the income related benefits.

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Severe-Disability-Premium/What-is-a-Severe-Disability-Premium.aspx

magicrock

There is just myself that receives this payment. I am not very well up with benefits etc as I have worked all my life in the building trade in all weathers. The knees have got worse in the past 2 years, I'm 62 and not worked for three years since being told not to apply my trade any longer. finding alternate work at this age is an impossible mission especially with two bad knees and not being able to walk far. .I did apply for DLA which was granted on the lower rate. Now I have since been diagnosed with Diabetes they seem a little reluctant on which rate to award.
Thank you for the replies and assistance.

Stripeybat

I agree, this doesn't sound like it's just DLA. Do you also receive Employment Support Allowance or any incapacity benefits because of being unable to work? This kind of form is more what I would expect for these means tested benefits. As others have explained, DLA (and the new PIP) are not means tested, and they do not ask about finances.

If you know the name or number of the form, others may be able to advise you further.