PIP enhanced version on DLA but standard on PIP. Not eligible for Motability

JH1

Hello, I was wondering if anyone else had had similar experiences with the PIP assessments and could offer advice.

My partner has no arms (they have short stumps at the shoulder) and only one leg and has been like this since birth.On the DLA scheme, my partner was eligible for enhanced motability & living support indefinitely.

The DLA awarded them with the enhanced support which allowed them to have a motability car. This is a lifesaver as without it my partner couldn't work, socialise or get around at all.

In their PIP assessment they were only awarded 8 points - as they can walk 20 metres but no more than 50 metres. They need 12 to quality for the enhanced support and the motability car and so now they're looking like they wont have this (although we will appeal!)

In the paper and face to face assessment, we told them that without the car they would not be able to work. Public transport is not an option as they can not but tickets or operate the machines that you put them through, and when on a train/bus the seats are so narrow that they often can't fit their prosthetic leg in the small area. Standing is not an option as they have no hands to hold on to a rail and can't put weight evenly over their 'good' and prosthetic leg - meaning it's unsafe. Walking is also highly problematic as because of the lack of surface area they are often sweaty and over heat from the effort of moving. All the effort is done by their one 'good' leg and they often get sores underneath the artificial leg they wear.

For the living support they qualified for the enhanced support (although in the section where it asks if you can cook and prepare a meal for yourself my partner only scored 4 out of 8 - despite not being able to cook anything, or even get a glass of water from the tap! I don't see how that score has been calculated).

I'm actually staggered that someone who only has only limb and can't do much for themselves wouldn't be eligible for the enhanced support. It's really upsetting to hear that their only lifeline, their car, could be taken away from them. They have extensive adaptions on it in order to drive and the DWP are effectively taking away their ability to work and making him housebound.

My two questions are
-  has anyone been in this situation (around their car and also the level of disability) and had it overturned?

- My partner did qualify for the enhanced living support but didn't score highly in some areas that he can't do (the cooking a meal section as above.) Has anyone experienced this and do you think we should challenge it so his score is higher (i'm thinking for future assessments its best to show the areas he can't do so it's on his record) or leave it as he has qualified for the higher level of support.

Thanks in advance.

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @JH1 and very welcome to the community! It may be worth looking at the appeal process. You can find information on this on the Scope website. It may also be looking at the PIP self- help test as well. This could give you an idea of the award that you may be aiming for. Unfortunately, PIP and DLA are completely different benefits and assess different things. Many community members will be able to relate to your situation. 

JH1

Thanks @Chloe_Scope I did the self-help test and my partner came out as scoring 24 and 20 points respectively for the living and mobility scores (instead of 19 and 8 which he got.) It's all very upsetting and stressful. I@m just hopeful that the appeal will help to reverse the decision. I feel for anyone in the same situation.

Chloe_Alumni

Based on this information I would say it is worth the appeal. Lots of community members have been through the appeal so you are not alone in that respect. Please do let me know if there is anything that I can do to help

wilko

So so sorry to read your post, it makes me mad when people like your husband have an acessment and his disability is clearly visible and yet the accessor has virtually dismissed is disability and down graded your award. Go to appeal and keep posting .