02-05-2016, 06:41 AM
3
Re: Dla/pip
Robert I have been advised to take the forms to the Citizens Advice so they can help fill them out, there is a certain way that they have to be done which they have experience of. Many people who fill put their own forms are getting turned down so best to get advice and help.They also recommended ( the fybromyalgia group I belong to also said this) taking someone with you if you have an interview with a recording device if possible in case you need to appeal.
Good luck, it's a very stressful time for you, hope you succeed.
02-05-2016, 10:40 AM
5
Re: Dla/pip
My only advice is to exaggerate your symptoms. My stepson, who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and had been receiving DLA for some years was recently reassessed for PIP and had his benefits removed. The fact that he could dress himself, feed himself and clean himself meant that he did not accumulate enough points to qualify. The fact that he talks to "himself" (actually several other personalities resident in his head) constantly, making normal interaction very difficult, and sees (and interacts with) people who are not there, means that a normal social life, work and relationships are pretty much impossible for him. No employer would touch him with a bargepole and he wouldn't last a day in a full-time job. Some days he cannot get out of bed at all because he is so depressed. Other days he doesn't sleep at all and causes disruption in the house as he plays music or talks loudly to his "voices" in the early hours of the morning - shrieking with manic laughter or violently arguing with his other personalities. In the past he had a different medication, but that just turned him into an unresponsive zombie. At least the meds he is on now allows him to be a human being, but, unfortunately a very damaged one. The fact that he is highly intelligent, articulate and well-spoken also seems to go against him in such assessments.The letter the DWP sent him cancelling his DLA/PIP laid out the points system for a PIP award and my wife and I felt strongly that even she would struggle to qualify - despite her chronic osteo-arthritis, life-threatening allergies, heart problems and spinal problems. Luckily for her, she has an indefinite award of DLA, but that could change if they want to switch her to PIP.
So, when answering the questions, think of the issues you have on your worst possible day and write that down as your best possible day. The DWP is not interested in supporting disabled people, just minimising the amount spent on benefits. Screw them!
02-05-2016, 02:22 PM
8
Re: Dla/pip
No, Malcolm, even if you have a "lifetime" award of DLA you still have to apply for PIP and be assessed. Everyone has to be no matter what conditions and illnesses they have.It's important to fill in the answers for your worst days they told me, also they sometimes have cameras to see how you are walking etc. on arrival at the building.
02-05-2016, 02:56 PM
9
Re: Dla/pip
I think it is unlikely that you'll be asked to apply for PIP because of your age. The official line is:"If you’re on DLA and were 65 or older on 8 April 2013, these changes won’t affect you (you’ll stay on DLA and you don’t need to worry about PIP)."
However at 67 you may not scrape into this group if you were only 64 in 2013, but my guess is that they won't bother with trying to change you. As you may know - if you are on DLA before age 65 you stay on it and don't change to Attendance Allowance which is the equivalent of DLA for people who apply when they are over 65.
In any case, don't do anything until/unless you are asked to.
02-05-2016, 02:57 PM
10
Re: Dla/pip
Originally Posted by TessA
->
No, Malcolm, even if you have a "lifetime" award of DLA you still have to apply for PIP and be assessed. Everyone has to be no matter what conditions and illnesses they have.It's important to fill in the answers for your worst days they told me, also they sometimes have cameras to see how you are walking etc. on arrival at the building.
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