DLA to PIP - help please?

Hi there,

I’m hoping that someone can please advise me?

I have been ‘invited’ to claim PIP and in the process of completing the ‘how your disability affects you’ form. I’m using your excellent guides as I work through it, but I’m struggling with Q14 ‘moving around’.

I have a rare neurological disease that affects mainly my legs (weakness and spasticity) I also have major balance problems and suffer fatigue/pain due to my disability. I have fallen many times whilst walking, when standing and when rising from sitting. Once on my feet I can walk unsteadily about 50 yards before I have to stop and rest, however I suffer severe discomfort/pain after only walking a few steps. I have explained in detail my problems with walking on the form but still unsure which box to tick, or whether I can tick more than one box?

My other issues are that my excellent GP of 10 years left our surgery last year and since that time, the practice is being staffed with ever changing locum GP’s. I am concerned that if the DWP contacts the surgery there isn’t anyone who knows how my disability affects my daily life – should i explain this on the form? I have given the name of my neurologist, but I was discharged from his care as there was nothing more that could be done for me. Obviously I’m concerned about the lack of available current medical evidence to support my claim.

I was placed in the ESA support group under the unable to mobilise 50 metres criteria. Would it be beneficial to include a copy of my ESA 85A as medical evidence for PIP, or would this conflict or confuse matters?

Many thanks in advance of any advice.

J

Hello John,
My Wife has very similar walking problems to you. She has a form of Muscular dystrophy. The DWP have just taken away her DLA Motability award because they say she does not suffer from any mental problems, only physical.
Regards Jim.

Hi Gordon,

thank you for you help

J

Jimmy wrote: Hello John,
My Wife has very similar walking problems to you. She has a form of Muscular dystrophy. The DWP have just taken away her DLA Motability award because they say she does not suffer from any mental problems, only physical.
Regards Jim.

Yes, it is very difficult indeed to get the Enhanced Mobility award on physical grounds only

Just to update you on my transfer from DLA (HRM & MRC) to PIP.

After waiting what seems to be an eternity I have phoned the DWP this morning and have been told that I've been awarded Standard Daily Living and Enhanced Mobility for 5 years! I am so relieved that I have been awarded these rates, as it means our financial position stays exactly the same.

The time line for my transfer is as follows:

'Invited' to claim PIP in March, PIP form completed and returned by 6th May, face to face assessment (Capita at home 2 hours and 20 minutes long!) 29th June, Assessors report received 10th July and decision was made yesterday. The decision reflects that suggested by the assessors’ report (which was pretty accurate all in all).

Thanks to all at Benefits and Work and the brilliant guides that have successfully helped me previously through two ESA assessments and now PIP

All the best, John