LPUK recognises that many of its members are going through the transition of DLA to PIPs.
The committee have currently sourced professional help in this matter and have published a DLA/PIPs Transition - Guidebook.
Below are some of the FAQ's regarding DLA/PIP Transition that maybe helpful to you:
- What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
- What is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)s?
- What is the transition from DLA to PIPs?
- When will this transition be complete?
- What is the process?
- What do I need to do?
What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
DLA is a tax-free benefit for disabled people who need help with mobility or care costs.
DLA (Disability Living Allowance) is gradually being replaced by PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
What is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)s?
PIPs helps with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability if you’re aged 16 to 64.
The rate depends on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself.
You’ll need an assessment to work out the level of help you get. Your rate will be regularly reassessed to make sure you’re getting the right support.
What is the transition from DLA to PIPs?
If you’re on DLA and were 65 or older on 8 April 2013, these changes won’t affect you (you’ll stay on DLA and you don’t need to worry about PIP).
If you’re getting DLA at the moment, your claim will stop and you’ll need to claim PIP instead. This will happen even if you have a ‘lifetime’ or ‘indefinite’ award for DLA.
When will this transition be complete?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) haven’t published the details of when people will have to claim PIP, so unfortunately we can’t be more specific than it happening at some point in the next few years.
You can find some more information on Citizens Advice.
What do I need to do?
You don’t automatically swap from one benefit to the other. You’ll get a letter in the post from the DWP to tell you that your claim for DLA will end and that you’ll need to make a new claim for PIP.
What is the process?
1. The first step of the process is to wait and receive a letter from DWP.
It’s best not to apply for PIP until you’re told to by the DWP - you’re not guaranteed to get it, so you’d risk losing your DLA.
2. Once you have received a letter, start your claim by calling the DWP
3. Fill in the PIP1 claim form they send on to you (a sample of the form can be found online)
4. Go to a face-to-face assessment
Most people have to do this.
5. Receive a decision regarding your claim
a. If you agree with the decision regarding your PIP no further action from yourself is needed.
b. If you disagree with the outcome you can appeal. (See point 6 below).
6. You have 1 month to challenge the decision, stating the reasons why and supplying additional supporting medical evidence; this is called a Mandatory Reconsideration. This goes to a Decision Maker who reviews the information to determine if it can be revised and supplies a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice informing the client of their decision.
7. If a person does not agree with the decision of the Mandatory Reconsideration Notice, they have 1 month to appeal to a First Tier Tribunal resulting in a hearing.