Pip

alishaBTierney

I’ve recently found out that there’s a claim for me for a personal independence payment as I have a diagnosis of autism but I don’t receive this payment I tried to claim universal credit but I can’t attend any appointments as apparently I have an appointee who makes the claim for me I think this is my mum but I thought that stopped when I turned 16 and it’s stopping me from Receiving any claims as all the money would go to her I’m also currently pregnant

poppy123456

I'm so sorry this happening to you. As your mum is your appointee she should be using the money in your best interests, this clearly isn't the case.

It isn't easy to stop an appointee once they are In place unless the appointee does it their self.

Before you reached 16 it was DLA. Once you reached 16 your mum would have been contacted to ask her to apply for PIP and it would have been at this point she would have become your appointee at her request.

The only option you have is to contact PIP and report that your mum isn't using the money in your best interests and that she keeps the money for herself.

Do you live with her?

alishaBTierney

no I don’t live with her she sends me money now and then when she has it but but I don’t know the full amount she claims or anything I told her about taking her off before and she said she’d call them to keep it going

durhamjaide2001

I would have thought at the age of 16 you would have your own bank account at the age of 16. Therefore PIP should go in to your ow bank account. However I was told that this isn't to be all spent on the luxuries. Some of the money has to be spent on things to make you more independent.

chiarieds

Hi @alishaBTierney - & welcome to the community. The number to ring, as poppy suggested, is the PIP Enquiry line, which is 0800 121 4433. You could also ask them how much your current award is for. Try ringing them 9 am any weekday.

poppy123456

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/934095#Comment_934095

Some people have appointees because they are unable to manage their own claim. When you have an appointee the benefits money goes into their bank account and the appointee is supposed to spend the money in the best interests of the claimant. Even if that includes giving the claimant their money.

Who told you that you couldn't spend your money on what you want to? There's no rules what you can and can't spend your money on and this includes disability benefits. It doesn't have to be spent to make you more independent.