DLA to PIP Application

RobinHill

Hello,

I wonder if you guys can help with advice as to whether I should apply for PIP or not.

I have a progressive neurological disorder which causes muscle wastage and a variety of other associated ailments. I cannot walk any distance without incurring significant risk of falling or tripping. In addition it is now affecting my upper limbs causing difficulties with my daily living. To assist with this I use calipers, crutches and a wheelchair, and various household adaptations eg. toilet, bathing, bed, and kitchen etc. This is strongly evidenced and supported by documentation from relevant medical and social services professionals eg. neurologist, occupational therapist etc.

Some 20 years ago I was awarded an indefinite DLA award of lower rate Care and higher rate Mobility. My condition has deteriorated somewhat since then. About 7 years ago it was apparent that I would most likely attract a higher rate of care but so as not to risk losing my Motability vehicle entitlement I was advised to wait until invited to apply for PIP, however I am still on DLA. On looking at the descriptors and points, best efforts suggest I would gain 12 to 14 points for care, and 12 points for mobility, but as we are aware this is a subjective matter.

I would be grateful for advice from anyone who has knowledge or experience of the process.

Thank you.

calcotti

There is no definite answer because the outcome of an assessment is never certain. Even if you are confident about what the outcome should be the DWP may get it wrong in which case your benefit would be disrupted even if you later got a different decision by going to appeal.

Going from low rate care DLA to enhanced rate Daily Living PIP would in itself be a significant increase in money. In addition getting Daily Living PIP rather than low rate Care DLA may increase your entitlement to other benefits depending on your situation or allow someone else to claim Carer's Allowance for looking after you (if relevant). However there is a risk you will drop from high rate mobility in which case you would lose your Motability car.

On the other hand you are going to be required to transfer at some stage so it is a process you will have to go through at some time.

RobinHill

Thanks Calcotti. Yes it is a dilemma, however trusting entitled, the Carer's Allowance and increased payment is relevant as these add up to significant sums of money which would help greatly. What I thought was appropriate so as to not be too time constrained was to prepare in advance ie. collect medical reports etc and draft complete an application form. I used these for a U/C LCWRA claim and it was awarded without interview, which given the stressful nature of such was a huge relief. I am fortunate to have the assistance of an experienced partner (has two severely disabled adult children of her own so has spent most of her life battling SS & DWP), and that of an extremely supportive medical consultant ... you get the impression that they are more than willing to help you fight any battle with the DWP :-). I just wondered if there are people on here who may have similar / related experience that they could share and offer advice.

RobinHill

Eg. one question ... do PIP always interview / assess in person, or do they sometimes award just based on application and supporting evidence?

Alice_Holt

Be aware of the change from 50m for DLA, to only 20m for an enhanced mobility award under the moving around descriptor of PIP.

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/sites/default/files/pdf/DBCpip20mconsultation.pdf


PIP is usually subject to an assessment examination (unlike DLA)

Spoonie_Turtle

It's definitely worth starting to prepare as you will have to move over at one point, so you could do it thoroughly and at your own pace without a time constraint

(As to whether to actually start the process yourself I can't give any advice.)

calcotti

RobinHill wrote: »

... the Carer's Allowance and increased payment is relevant as these add up to significant sums of money which would help greatly. ... I used these for a U/C LCWRA claim

If you do get an award of daily Living PIP (at some point), given that you are on UC, your partner will be able to claim the Carer Element for looking after you (she would not need to claim Carers Allowance) and that would give you an extra £160.20/month. Note that if an LCWRA element is already included for her then the Carer Element will not be available because the same person cannot be paid both the LCWRA Element and the Carer Element.

Although Carer's Allowance can be claimed alongside UC it is deducted in full from the UC.

If you do decide to claim PIP it is worth letting UC know and making sure that they are aware that your partner looks after you (if that is the case).

RobinHill

It is me that gets the LCWRA, however this is potentially at risk due to a pending divorce settlement. My partner is fit and able, but together with her ex is a full time carer over the weekend for her disabled child (requires 2 to 1). Her ex receives the Carer Element in this case, so I understand that my partner would be free to receive it for the assistance she provides me should I receive the relevant PIP award.

RobinHill

Alice Holt ... I did receive a DLA assessment, albeit at home, though this was 20 years ago.

Blatchford

Unlike many posters here I'm not an expert. And I don't know the rules very well. I usually don't post here because experience rather than knowledge isn't always welcome. But you asked, so this is my PIP story...

I applied for PIP. Didn't have DLA previously. b was actually a bit put off by sites like this because I heard so many bad stories and thought that I wasn't bad enough. It was my physio who pushed me. I applied. I filled in the form with guidance notes from another website - cost me £20 to join it. I learned that a lot of the secret is in using the right words. Filled in the form. Sent it off. Had a text saying they'd look at it. I didn't send anything other than a GP letter. They phoned my physio. I got higher rate, both care and mobility. No 121 appointment at all. I could have been knocked over with a feather. Even I didn't think I was that bad - I believed higher rate mobility but not care. That was a year ago. I just took delivery of my lovely new car that makes things sooo much easier.

Don't be put off. I know that there are some scary stories. Most people don't have scary stories.

TELLIT01

The qualifying criteria for PIP are considerably tighter than for DLA. Read all the descriptors carefully before volunteering to move to PIP.