DLA to PIP stick or twist

5imply_Ted

I have an indefinite DLA award of high care/low mobility for a lifetime condition (epilepsy). My concern is that if I wait until the proposed measures happen before claiming PIP (assuming they do), then I may not qualify due to the 4 point rule. If I do qualify then maybe my current LCWRA award would also be cut under the changes.

I’m wondering if I should make a voluntary claim for PIP now before the changes come in, wait until the changes are made legislation or stick with DLA until invited to claim PIP.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Tinky123

I'm in same position as you. I see no one has responded. It is a valid question. I'm thinking should I apply now before the new legislation comes in also, but I'm scared incase they do not give it to me. I get LC for work also and didn't know they want to reduce this if you get pip! Are these changes 🤔 definitely going through. Punishing the Disabled??! So cruel!

anisty

The changes aren't definitely coming in. There are a few stages to go through before these proposals can become law and there will be opposition all the way - some Labour MPs are threatening resignation.

Yes @Tinky123 - the proposal is that the LCWRA assessment is scrapped and they award the health payment for UC on the result of the PIP assessment.

So - IF these proposals do become law, you could only get LCWRA if you also were awarded pip.

@5imply_Ted . It really has to be your decision. What i would advise you to do is look at the pip descriptors as they are just now and see where you could score 4.

You are on high care indefinite just now so there should be a descriptor there that would score you 4? Better if you think there are a few 4 scorers but you need one for definite. (From nov 2026. Remember you will still be awarded on multiple 2 scorers just now)

The second part is your evidence. Unfortunately pip can be hard to get on medical evidence alone. You will need excellent examples of how your epilepsy affects you day to day. If you have a full time paid carer that needs to be with you this will strongly go in your favour. If your carer is your partner and you don't have a paid carer, you might need to get another professional to support your claim for best results.

I have no evidence to support my thinking here and others might want to chip in with their experience but I personally think pip take more notice of supporting statements from professionals, rather than friends or relations.

So - my advice would be to think of a professional that knows you very well in a professional capacity and see if they would be willing to support your application. Support workers are very good. GPs not great.

Medical reports. Medications. If there are unwanted side effects from your medications (drowsiness for eg) referred to in hospital reports - be sure to link the descriptor to the evidence.

A list of medication, brain scans, dates of surgeries - nothing like that will score you any points at all. You absolutely must look at each descriptor, understand what it is asking and be tight and clear to say exactly why you cannot manage to complete it. Link relevant evidence only.

Any medical reports that cannot back up a descriptor, leave them out.

Or - you could stay on DLA and pray the proposals aren't passed. Keep your eye on the news.

5imply_Ted

@Tinky123 @anisty

Tinky you seem to have encouraged a response 👍

After careful consideration I have decided on the following course of action.

If, after the politicians have thrashed it out, drafted a white paper, voted (it will not be statutory legislation apparently) and navigated any potential challenges, then I will voluntarily claim PIP from DLA before the legislation becomes statute.

I will push hard to meet the points criteria in consultation with CAB and all available support networks available. I strongly advise all claimants to do the same in order to make the strongest possible case.

My understanding (based solely on previous experience) is that any claim comes into effect based on the date of the claim as opposed to the date of the decision.

If all goes well I should not be significantly worse off - other than the freezing of LCWRA and any further cuts Rachel is about to make this afternoon.

This is subject to change as things develop but will be my approach as things stand.

Everyone has different circumstances and should consider hard how any changes will affect them personally.

Hope this helps.

anisty

Another great source of guidance @5imply_Ted is the Benefits and Work site. There is a fee to download their excellent guides (£19.95, well worth it in my opinion)

The guide goes through each descriptor, explaining very clearly what is included.

another tip is to give a copy of your completed application to the person you name as the contact for DWP to speak to.

Not all health professionals are familiar with the descriptors and the last thing you need is your named person saying you manage tremendously well, always cheery and living life to the full!!

Make sure the person you name is able to back up what you have written.

Sounds like you are settled on a plan there though which is great!

5imply_Ted

@anisty all great tips and sources as well as dpac and turn2us and I also suggest asking for a recording in advance as it gives you recourse and sometimes makes the assesser unsettled and less aggressive 👍