CONFUSED

Hi, I'm 66 and disabled with rheumatoid arthritis which is every were in my body, asthma and copd. I've been getting DLA since 1998 and a few years ago I was told I would be getting it till I think I was 70. I was told I wouldn't have to reapply because it was obvious that there was never going to be an improvement. I contacted the forum about a year or so when all these changes were announced because I was terrified I'd lose my benefit and for me it would be the worst thing to happen, my pension is all that great. I was told not to worry that I was safe.

Today I got a letter from DLA telling me my benefit is going to stop on the 6th of Jan, 2016 and if I want to keep receiving it I have to apply for PIP. My birth date is 9/5/1949 . I was under the impression only those who were of working age were subjected to this dreadful nightmare. Ages ago I did a lot of checking just to be absolutely sure I wouldn't be affected. I'm sitting here in tears worried sick as to what will happen and what I will do. I'm on antidepressants as it is along with two types of painkillers. I've informed my Son but haven't heard back as yet. I don't work and haven't done for a very long time. If this is true how can we pensioners who are disabled supposed to cope? I rely heavily on my benefit for simple things . Please help me as I have no idea as to what to do. There is no way on this earth that I can attend any medical unless it's by my own GP and I'm worried sick how all this is going to affect my health both physical and mental. My mental state is fine but the stress most certainly help. Please help.
Donna

Thank you, I'll have a look at the guide but my Son will have to explain it to me, I'm just to upset. I will most certainly come back if I need help.
Donna

tigrine wrote: Hi, I'm 66 and disabled with rheumatoid arthritis which is every were in my body, asthma and copd. I've been getting DLA since 1998 and a few years ago I was told I would be getting it till I think I was 70. I was told I wouldn't have to reapply because it was obvious that there was never going to be an improvement. I contacted the forum about a year or so when all these changes were announced because I was terrified I'd lose my benefit and for me it would be the worst thing to happen, my pension is all that great. I was told not to worry that I was safe.

Today I got a letter from DLA telling me my benefit is going to stop on the 6th of Jan, 2016 and if I want to keep receiving it I have to apply for PIP. My birth date is 9/5/1949 . I was under the impression only those who were of working age were subjected to this dreadful nightmare. Ages ago I did a lot of checking just to be absolutely sure I wouldn't be affected. I'm sitting here in tears worried sick as to what will happen and what I will do. I'm on antidepressants as it is along with two types of painkillers. I've informed my Son but haven't heard back as yet. I don't work and haven't done for a very long time. If this is true how can we pensioners who are disabled supposed to cope? I rely heavily on my benefit for simple things . Please help me as I have no idea as to what to do. There is no way on this earth that I can attend any medical unless it's by my own GP and I'm worried sick how all this is going to affect my health both physical and mental. My mental state is fine but the stress most certainly help. Please help.
Donna

At 66 you should at retiring age. As a pensioner you don't claim PIP anymore but you should be able to claim Attendace Allowence which is the same sort of thing.