Any changes to PIp criteria as regards hard of hearing.

anotherquestion

Hi folks,

I wonder if there has been any changes to the PIP descriptors in the last few years so that it would be easier for someone with severe hearing impairment to get an award?

Thanks a lot for any advice.

poppy12345

No, not that i'm aware of. This may help. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

Spoonie_Turtle

There have been no changes to the criteria, but a couple of case law updates in the last few years. 
The main applicable areas if there are no other issues are likely to be washing/bathing (taking hearing aids out means risk of harm if the person cannot hear the fire alarm - a safety issue.  Info here https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/deaf-and-hearing-impaired-claimants-have-missed-out-on-pip-points ) communicating with others, and engaging with others.  Also possibly mobility, again the safety aspect and reliability of following journeys. 

Any anxiety about social situations or going out counts, and it's really important to consider the effect of listening fatigue on being able to do things reliably.

The NDCS has some good info https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/childhood-deafness/information-for-deaf-young-people/money/what-is-pip/mobility-activities/
and https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/money-and-benefits/personal-independence-payment/

And definitely read the link poppy posted, which explains all the descriptors, how they're assessed, and the fundamental concepts such as reliably and safely.

peteuk

Im sure its in the link but if you have a flashing light fire alarm then it takes away the safety aspect of taking your hearing aids out to wash hair, shower etc.

Spoonie_Turtle

peteuk said:

Im sure its in the link but if you have a flashing light fire alarm then it takes away the safety aspect of taking your hearing aids out to wash hair, shower etc.

Yes, that counts as an aid and thus scores points.

" ... would be unable to hear a fire alarm or smoke detector and so could not carry out the activity safely.  Leaving the door open would not allow them privacy and so would not be carrying out the activity to an acceptable standard.

The judge found that the claimants would be able to use a visual alarm to bathe safely and thus should score points for needing an aid or appliance.  If they had not been able to use a visual alarm they would have scored points for needing supervision."