Adult Son on DLA - Worth Applying for PIP for Him?

deannagone

My older son (with autism) receives DLA (mid care and low mobility).  I applied for this 15 years ago, didn't make a brilliant job of it due to lack of experience and due to rules then, no chance of getting anything but low mobility - obviously things are different now.  I have done better with my younger son (16), he has just been awarded Enhanced PIP (Daily Living and mobility).  

My older son also receives non contributory ESA (he's never worked due to his disabilities).  .  No idea if its new or old (was awarded about 5 years ago). He doesn't presently claim SDP. He officially lives here but spends a lot of time at his gf's also.  I am afraid I also claim benefits (including enhanced PIP) - sorry know that makes us sound like a load of free loaders but there are genuine disabilities. So as far as I understand it his claim for SDP wouldn't be affected by mine (I do get it).  

Obviously the PIP my younger son receives is quite a lot more than DLA, certainly at the level my older son receives (somehow no one seems to have noticed he turned 16 ten years ago and I didn't want to risk losing it for my older son by asking for a change - getting PIP for my younger son has increased my confidence a bit).  So is it worth discussing claiming PIP with my older son (he actually has even more challenges than my younger son)?  I am also a bit scared that changing from DLA to PIP will cause a change to Universal Credit earlier than it would 'naturally' happen.  Looking online I couldn't see a clear answer on this. .  Also need to consider if claiming SDP is worthwhile or even possible or if that will trigger a transfer to UC.

He does get stressed by all this so I need to have a clear understanding of the pro's and cons so I can discuss it with him.

I hope I haven't explained the issues in a confused way.  It is hard to put it all down clearly.

RobinHill

Other forum members will be better placed to confirm but I am fairly sure there's no connection between DLA/PIP and UC. I was on DLA for 20 years and elected to jump to PIP. Bar a 9 month delay in getting the award my experience of PIP has been a positive one. 

Newly_retired

RobinHill is correct. Changing from DLA to PIP will not trigger a switch to UC.
impossible to comment on the likelihood of your older son’s case for PIP without going through the criteria. I suggest you look on gov.uk for the descriptors, how points are scored.
sorry I am not an expert on SDP.

poppy12345

As your son offically lives with you, then he's also entitled to the SDP so i'd advise him to contact ESA to ask to claim it because it's a lot of money to lose out on. The form can be filled out during the phone call because it's just a few questions.

They very likely haven't forgotten about your son still claiming DLA but if he turned 16, 10 years ago then that would have been before PIP was introduced (which was April 2013) therefore he will be in the queue with thousands of others waiting to be invited to apply.

He can apply at anytime if he thinks he's entitled to a higher award but before doing this then he should get some expert advice from an agency near you.

Albermarle

Can I get a Severe Disability Premium - Turn2us