My son turned 16 today

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debxx01

I get DLA for my son he has autism. I’m a little confused, they sent a letter asking if my son was able to have pip paid to him once he reaches 16, I replied and told them it was best in my account as he isn’t able to deal with finances. I then received a reply saying I was his appointee. His DLA was then switched to the separate account I set aside for him and today we received just over half his normal amount and it was paid a week early. Does this mean it will roll over to pip with them approving me looking after his finances or am I supposed to make a fresh claim? 

poppy123456

HI and welcome,

He won't automatically switch over to PIP. Once you became his appointee you should have received a letter inviting you to apply before a certain date. Once you've done this you'll be sent the PIP2 for (how your disability affects you for) to fill in and return with all his evidence. Did you receive a letter asking you to apply for PIP?

During normal times most people had face to face assessments but because they are currently suspended, most people are having telephone assessments. Once that is done a report is returned to DWP which will contain information about his conditions, how they affect him and recommendations. Once a decision maker looks at that and all evidence that's sent a decision will be made on his claim.

This process could potentially take several months.

You need to ring DLA to ask why you've only received half the usual  amount and they'll be able to tell you what's going on.