Claiming DLA - son gone to college

paulfoel

Not sure what to do. As we all know, the PIP/DLA people are not the fairest so I'm not sure what to admit to.

Both PIP (went to tribunal) and DLA (appeal) they gave him zero points to start with. In my experience they try not to pay anyone.

He was diagnosed on the Spectrum 5 years ago now. He REALLY struggled but now hes doing much better. School was awful for him but he still managed to get into Uni. He even managed to pass his driving test (now that was not easy - another story about complains there!). Hes doing really well.

Hes in Uni 100 miles away. We were worried but hes doing OK. Not 100% but OK. Hes registered as needing special assistance and hes a college counsellor. Struggles socially but getting there. Of course, we're mega proud of him.

Thing is, does it count as still living at home? I reckon hes here about 50% of the time. Should we really be going through the initial forms and seeing what he can now do?

I'm a bit torn. I don't want to claim fraudulently but, as I've said, the behaviour of the DLA people is not great. I don't want to admit one thing is better and they give him zero points again.

Anyone else been here?

poppy123456

Whether he's classed as living at home or not, this in itself won't affect a PIP claim. I'm assuming it's PIP he's claiming and not DLA, PIP no longer exists for those aged 16 and over. A previous thread also suggests it's PIP because he transferred from DLA. https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/80884/pip-claim-son-moving-from-dla-to-pip-scored-zero#latest

PIP is awarded based on the help you need, regardless of whether you receive that help or not. He maybe managing much better, which is good but ASD never goes away and there's likely to always be some support needed somewhere.

Just because he learned to drive doesn't mean he no longer qualifies for PIP. Remember, PIP is how you're affected the majority of the time over a 12 month period. You can go through the descriptors to see if he would still score enough points needed for the award he has and go from there.

This link is a lot to read but worth having a read of so you can have a better understanding of the PIP descriptors.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

paulfoel

poppy123456 said:

Whether he's classed as living at home or not, this in itself won't affect a PIP claim. I'm assuming it's PIP he's claiming and not DLA, PIP no longer exists for those aged 16 and over. A previous thread also suggests it's PIP because he transferred from DLA. https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/80884/pip-claim-son-moving-from-dla-to-pip-scored-zero#latest

PIP is awarded based on the help you need, regardless of whether you receive that help or not. He maybe managing much better, which is good but ASD never goes away and there's likely to always be some support needed somewhere.

Just because he learned to drive doesn't mean he no longer qualifies for PIP. Remember, PIP is how you're affected the majority of the time over a 12 month period. You can go through the descriptors to see if he would still score enough points needed for the award he has and go from there.

This link is a lot to read but worth having a read of so you can have a better understanding of the PIP descriptors.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

Yes hes 19 now. Sorry always get them wrong way round.....

Of course, ASD never goes away. I just don't trust them based on previous experiences..