DLA to AA or PIP

beattie

Hi
 i have been on the lowest DLA  for a number of years However I am  much worse with my disability now  at 75 years  
What do i need to do to claim for a higher rate and which benefit  thanks Beatrice

Sncjw

I am not sure on aa but with pip you don't pick which rate you get. You need to go through an assessment and the descion maker decides. 

Savvy_Sue

At 75 you can't put in a new claim for PIP, and you'd need to check whether AA would be more than your current DLA award.

Contact Age UK or similar to get some advice. For example, are you eligible for Pension Credit?

poppy12345

With AA there's no mobility part like there is with PIP. For PIP, if you were born before 9th April 1948 then you can't start a claim for PIP.

AA is more about night and or day time care needs. If you need help during either day/or night then it would be lower rate. If you need help/care for both day and night then it's higher rate. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/attendance-allowance/

Alice_Holt

Savvy_Sue said:

At 75 you can't put in a new claim for PIP, and you'd need to check whether AA would be more than your current DLA award.

Contact Age UK or similar to get some advice. For example, are you eligible for Pension Credit?

         It's not a good idea to claim AA as this applies: "If you were born before 9 April 1948, you can't move to PIP - you can keep getting and renewing your DLA."


"Disability Living Allowance - Care Component 

You might be eligible for the care component if you require help with everyday tasks, such as cooking or dressing. You'll be assessed on the help you need rather than any help you may or may not be getting. 

Care component	Weekly rate	How much support you need
Highest rate	£92.40	Constantly need help day or night
Middle rate	£61.85	Frequently need help day or night
Lowest rate	£24.45	Need help only some of the day or with cooking meals

       

If your circumstances change 

If you already claim Disability Living Allowance and your circumstances change you might want your award to be reassessed. 
Before contacting the DWP to have your claim reassessed it's a good idea to get independent advice to help make the best decision for you."

Any existing DLA mobility award continues (unlike AA).
DLA has a lower rate (c.£25pw) which includes the cooking test (unlike AA).
Highest rate of DLA can be paid for day time help (unlike AA). 

OP - as suggested contact Age UK or your local advice agency for help.