New pip criteria

Spoonie_Turtle

Realistically nobody knows.  (And I'm sure I commented on this exact thing a couple of days ago.) 

It is possible they could put in an exception that pensioners don't have to meet the 4-point criterion.  But unless they say they will, we can't expect that to happen.  The only existing difference in the PIP rules for pensioners now is to exclude them from gaining/increasing the mobility element after pension age.

If a pensioner loses PIP because at their light touch review they don't get a 4-point descriptor, they would then be forced to claim AA to get any financial help (an avenue not open to working age disabled people) which is likely to be cheaper than PIP because it doesn't include a mobility element.  ← speculation, as all of this is, but based on the intention of the cuts it is a feasible outcome.

And we do factually know this government aren't afraid of unpopular decisions nor do they view pensioners as untouchable, since one of the first things they did was cut the Winter Fuel Allowance.

This is NOT intended to scaremonger.  With age tends to come greater disablement and more likely need for assistance, so perhaps people who didn't/wouldn't have scored a 4point descriptor when younger will do as they get older and score at their review.  And if they really truly don't, they will have the fallback of AA - not a perfect solution by any means and it doesn't necessarily mean people will be okay (what happens if they qualify for the mobility element but lose daily living?) but it does mean they are in much less danger than working age people are.

born_again

Spoonie_Turtle said:

Realistically nobody knows.  (And I'm sure I commented on this exact thing a couple of days ago.) 

It is possible they could put in an exception that pensioners don't have to meet the 4-point criterion.  But unless they say they will, we can't expect that to happen.  The only existing difference in the PIP rules for pensioners now is to exclude them from gaining/increasing the mobility element after pension age.

If a pensioner loses PIP because at their light touch review they don't get a 4-point descriptor, they would then be forced to claim AA to get any financial help (an avenue not open to working age disabled people) which is likely to be cheaper than PIP because it doesn't include a mobility element.  ← speculation, as all of this is, but based on the intention of the cuts it is a feasible outcome.

And we do factually know this government aren't afraid of unpopular decisions nor do they view pensioners as untouchable, since one of the first things they did was cut the Winter Fuel Allowance.

This is NOT intended to scaremonger.  With age tends to come greater disablement and more likely need for assistance, so perhaps people who didn't/wouldn't have scored a 4point descriptor when younger will do as they get older and score at their review.  And if they really truly don't, they will have the fallback of AA - not a perfect solution by any means and it doesn't necessarily mean people will be okay (what happens if they qualify for the mobility element but lose daily living?) but it does mean they are in much less danger than working age people are.

One thing that has been said (but again could change) is that is mobility side would still stand. Although over pension age has never been mentioned.

I think that it's as clear as mud, as far as the whole green paper & spring statement on Wed goes. 
There are more questions than answers
And the more I find out the less I know
Yeah, the more I find out the less I know
as the song goes.

Really need someone to stand up & go through all the options to put peoples minds at rest. But can not see that happening.