DLA is moving to PIP for pensioners, also my situation.

Nikkita

I've been on the 2 lower payments of DLA for 20 years. My Motability and Care has deteriorated drastically in the past 14 years. I'm 73. I was told that I had to apply for PIP which I did. I filled in the forms and had a telephone interview earlier this week. I was on the telephone for about 1 hour. I told the interviewer the truth about how I had deteriorated to the point of existing instead of living. I've read that the mobility part can't be upgraded from the lowest level. I can't get up or down my house steps or walk more than 2 steps without help. I'm so malnourished, I have no muscles. I'm 5'7" tall and weigh 7 stone. My mental state stops me from eating, my physical state has got used to this over the years (I've always been skinny, but I did eat)

This government has taken away my winter fuel allowance which I desperately need because after major surgery 3 months ago it has left me incontinent. I'm now very afraid that the government will stop my payments altogether. Please can anyone tell me what is happening?

I feel like a worthless piece of detritus to the government after I had paid my NHS and taxes, enough to get my Old age pension plus a little extra because I had a good salary.

I don't have a clue when I'll get PIP if at all.

Thank you for taking the time to read this from a very stressed Nikkita.

Rosie_Scope

Hi @Nikkita, welcome to the community. Sorry to hear you've been through so much and you're feeling stressed out.

When you say that mobility can't be upgraded from the lowest level, what do you mean here? Many of our members have managed to get PIP's enhanced mobility rate for their conditions if that helps put your mind at ease. You can also challenge a decision if you don't think that they have taken your conditions into account enough. PIP is not always the easiest process, but we do see lots of successes too.

Is it the PIP/DLA payments that you are scared the government will stop?

I hope our community can provide some support and advice for everything you're going through ❤️

poppy123456

In your situation because you're transferring from DLA then I believe you can be awarded Enhanced mobility PIP, even though you are over state pension age now. I've seen it many times where someone had to claim PIP due to a change of circumstances or they've been invited to apply for PIP due to the transfer from DLA and they've been awarded.

After all, it's not your fault that the transfer from DLA took more than 11 years.

The only downside here is that if your PIP award is higher than the DLA award you will not be owed the difference. This is because your PIP payments will start about 7 weeks after the decision was made.

You will receive 1 final DLA payment once the decision is made on the PIP.

chiarieds

Hi @Nikkita - & welcome to the community from me too.

You're correct, that if awarded PIP, which as you likely now know has 2 rates, standard & enhanced, that if awarded the lower standard rate of PIP for the mobility component before State Pension age, then it's very difficult to get this later increased to the enhanced rate once past State Pension age.

However, you're migrating from DLA to PIP (which has different criteria), & you may get an award of PIP which is higher or lower than that you're currently receiving with your DLA, & the above doesn't apply in your situation, tho if only awarded the lower rate of PIP for the mobility component, then it would be difficult to get this increased if reviewed at a later date due to your age. As Poppy says, in circumstances such as yours, it is perfectly possible to be awarded the enhanced rate for this component even tho you're over State Pension age when first assessed for PIP.

I'm so sorry to read about all you're going through, & hope you have a positive outcome with your PIP claim.

The govt. hasn't as yet said anything about PIP, &, if awarded, this simply won't be taken away from any of us, but I'm sorry all the speculation by the media has caused you such stress.

Nikkita

Chiarieds, Poppy and Rosie,

thank you so very much. My mind is eased by your kind words and advice. I'm actually in tears of relief, also for being able to express my feelings. I have a husband, a sister and 1 friend. My husband tries to be supportive but I feel like I'm just a burden to him. My sister has an extremely busy life so I don't tell her much. My friend has moved away to live with her daughter.

To know that I can come here and take part in a group of people and their discussions has given me hope.

I have been taking prescription diazepam for 51 years. I'm an expert in panic attacks. I know all of the ways to help anyone having panic attacks to be calm. I'm very happy to help anyone who needs some hope in that department. I'm also a retired Samaritan. You must have many people here who will help others. Eventually, maybe I could be of help too.

My name is Nikki but that name was already taken.

So love to you all,

Nikki

poppy123456

You're very welcome, always happy to help anyway I can. Please also remember that if you're not happy with any decision that's made you can challenge it by requesting the Mandatory Reconsideration. I would urge you to do that especially if you don't receive Enhanced mobility.

chiarieds

Thank you for your kind words too. I think you'll find this a very friendly & supportive community, Nikki.

It's lovely to know you were a Samaritan, what a marvellous thing to have done. I'm sure you'll be an asset here too, for, as you know, even just listening can help another.

I'll second what poppy says, to let us know if you don't receive the Enhanced rate for the mobility component, as our members would be pleased to help if you need to challenge the decision with a Mandatory Reconsideration (where another DWP decision maker will look at all of your claim again).

Keep in touch, & enjoy the forum. Please join in with any discussions of interest in the meanwhile. 😊

Nikkita

Thank you Chiarieds,

I will. I'd love to be useful again.

Nikki.

chiarieds

I'm sure you will help others again Nikki, & I look forward to seeing you around the community; we need people like you that care & have empathy with what others are going through. We truly do have some lovely members here.

Nikkita

Would all the lovely people please put their hand up.