advice please on dla

jar

I am afraid it is impossible for us to recommend a course of action, PIP is generally considered to be a more difficult benefit to be awarded, it is the stated aim of the Government to reduce the bill for PIP/DLA by at least 20%, whilst this will have an impact across all awards it is most likely to be felt at the bottom end of the scale, so there is a real possibility that you could lose your Care award under PIP.

The mobility award is both easier and more difficult depending on you circumstances. Those with both walking problems and difficulties going out are more likely to get an award as they can score from both the PIP Mobility Descriptors, those who only score points in one of the two will probably find it harder.

The first thing you need to check is whether you are in an active PIP area, because if you are not and the fact the your Change of Circumstances resulted in your receiving DLA forms, suggests that you are not, then you cannot make an application for PIP.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/pip-postcode-map-uk

You also need to be aware that once you make a claim for PIP (assuming that you can), then you cannot retain your DLA award in the long term, once a PIP Decision is made (award, no award, failure to comply), your DLA will be terminated, so you should only go down this route if you are very sure that you will receive an award.

Have a look at our PIP Claim guides for details of the Descriptors and how they score, you should score yourself very severely, to see whether an award is possible.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/pip

Gordon