PIP AFTER PENSIONABLE AGE

Hi Neil,
PIP can continue after you get to state pension age. However, you need to be aware that you will not be able to increase any mobility award after that age. Thus, if you currently get no mobility award, even if your walking etc deteriorates in say 4 years time, you can't ask DWP to review your award with a view to gaining the mobility component. Similarly you can't upgrade from standard to enhanced rate. If you already get enhanced rate mobility then you can continue to get this, together with whatever daily living award you get, assuming that you still have sufficient disability. The daily living award can always be increased.
If you feel that you need a mobility award or to upgrade what you have to enhanced rate you could consider asking DWP for a review now. Provided the review is started before pension age, then even if it takes a long while and you have to appeal to the tribunal, the appropriate mobility award can then be made.
However, if you have the correct award now, which reflects daily living and mobility needs then you could simply await the review whenever DWP decide to do this. When you get to pension age, DWP are supposed to do a 'light touch' review - which shouldn't involve assessments etc, but I am not sure this necessarily occurs all the time.
I assume that you have already applied for your state pension - if not you should do this urgently. Also ask for a forecast of what you will get.
As a pensioner, if you (together with any pension age partner) have low income (ie state pension, occupational pension, other income eg from investments) and not much in the way of savings then you might qualify for Pension Credits. There is a guarantee amount - if you have at least standard rate daily living for PIP then the guarantee amount is likely to be increased. If you would like any more information on Pension Credits please let us know or alternatively check here www.gov.uk/pension-credit
Whether or not you decide to instigate a review now, or want to wait for DWP, you can start to gather evidence- eg GP or Hospital reports. This about the various PIP descriptors and what you can/can't do. You might want to start making a disability diary for a week or two. (Note what you struggle with, what makes things better, how long you need to rest, can you do the task for the whole day, what affects doing the task, if you do something one day, does that tire you out for the next day/s? Also consider what help you get, what help would be of benefit if you could get it.) Having a contemporaneous record of what you can/can't do is really good to have, and will no doubt help you to pinpoint the descriptor activities you need to focus on. Remember as always, activities have to be done safely, in a reasonable time, repeatedly as required across the day, and to an acceptable standard. (All 4 criteria must apply.) - For more information check out the members guides.
Good luck, and best wishes in your retirement.
LL26

Hi Neil,
Hang on in there! Please refer to the members guides or forum if you need any more help.
Good luck.
LL26