A Benefits Question.

[Theland]

I don't know where to ask this question. Body & Soul or Finance?
Anyway, my disabled son gets highest rate DLA, and works, using his benefit to get to and from work.

His condition has deteriorated so much, that he now needs help from the care component too, for his laundry, help cleaning his home and shopping.

If he applies for more, he will automatically be enrolled on PIP.

My question is, will he continue to get his DLA until his PIP application is decided?

He lives alone.

[Mamyalynne]

He should definitely contact them about his change in circumstances and what he currently gets should still be paid whilst they sort things out.

I wish him well.

[jim360]

No idea if it'll be helpful, but I asked someone who tends to know a lot about benefits and maybe they'll get back to me in the morning -- I'll pass it on, unless you've had another answer by then.

[bednobs]

Yes it will. Dla does not usually take into account things like cleaning and laundry when looking at the care component it's more to do with help to wash and dress oneself and get on and off the toilet etc pip also does not take it into account. Pip is significantly harder to get than dla so he might be better off not applying till they write to him about transferring

[Theland]

Thank you. Will wait for more info.

[jim360]

// Once he's [been] asked to claim PIP, he has 4 weeks to do that. Provided he claims, he stays on DLA until the PIP claim is decided. //

I'd suggest that this means that your son should ask for more DLA (and therefore get enrolled on PIP) only when he's ready to sort out the PIP claim -- but he also shouldn't worry about losing out on DLA.

[Theland]

Thank you. Most definitely helpful.

[bodeker]

One thing to remember about PIP is that unlike DLA which looks at what illnesses you have, PIP only looks at how these illnesses affect your daily life .

[Peter Pedant]

yes it will be continuous

(well it was for me on a conversion from DLA to PIP - having been told that I would never convert a year before)

[Peter Pedant]

oh you / he needs advice on filling out the er fifty page form from someone who ahs done it