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DLA to PIP - should I apply before retirement age?

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5 years 6 months ago #217846 by Mm1
Hello, and apologies if this has been asked before - can’t work out how to search the questions!

I’m on DLA indefinite low rate care due to a rare degenerative neurological condition which is incurable. I’m not able to work (although I am still registered as self-employed) and am living off my savings, so not receiving any benefits.
I reach retirement age March 2019 (aged 65, 3 months).

My condition has got worse since the DLA award, but I’ve been putting off applying for PIP because of the stress it will cause me.

Assuming I'm awarded PIP points if I apply, could you advise whether there’s any advantage in going through this before retirement/age 65 or just continue to receive DLA until they contact me, which might be after retirement age.

Also, I may be moving house to another part of the country - will this automatically trigger them to reassess me?

Many thanks!

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5 years 6 months ago #217878 by Gordon
Mn

The advantage of notifying the DWP of a Change of Circumstances now is that if the PIP claim is refused you have the option of making a new claim, you cannot do this once you reach 65. Attendance Allowance would be your only option.

However, the first thing you need to do is to see whether you would reasonably score the points for a PIP award in the first place. PIP has been deliberately engineered to be a harder benefit to award than DLA, for example; there is no PIP equivalent to your current DLA award.

Start by having a look at our PIP Claim guide

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

If you want to start a PIP claim then write to the DWP office dealing with your DLA claim telling them that your conditions have deteriorated, I would recommend sending it using a tracked post so that you have proof of delivery.

Be aware, once you start this process you cannot cancel it and whatever the outcome your DLA award will be stopped when a Decision on your PIP claim is made.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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