Neuro café 6th April 2022 by Linda S
Paula from Citizens' Advice Hammersmith joined us to explain different benefits available to people with a disabilty.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
This is for people between the age of 16 to state pension age. If you reach it you can claim beyond state pension age.
The benefit lasts 2, 5 or 10 years depending on whether the authorities think you will get better.
PIP is not taxed and may trigger other benefits.
Eligibility & assessment is complex, so get advice about applying.
PIP is to assist daily living for working age people. You have to have been a resident in the UK for 2 out of 3 last years.
You have to have had difficulties with activities of daily living for 3 months and believe those difficulties will last for at least another 9 months.
If your condition is terminal and you are not expected to live more than 6 months you will receive the enhanced rate rather than the standard rate.
What to consider when applying for PIP
What assistance do you need with your daily routine? What activities do you find difficult?
Consider your ability to carry out:
Food preparation and eating/drinking.
Personal care - washing and dressing. Toileting.
Mobility indoors and outdoor. Accessing the community.
Communicating verbal or written information.
Managing your finances and making decisions about money.
Filling in the PIP form
Keep a diary before filling in form on how things are affecting you both day and night. This can be used as evidence.
Include examples such as accidents and anxieties such as ‘slipped in bath and now scared’.
Say what is hard for you.
Do not play down your condition.
Get advice to increase likelihood of being awarded the right benefit. Do not be afraid to ask. You may be invited to a face-to-face consultation. If you need someone to come with you for support, bring a letter from your GP.
Tell the assessor everything you can and take your time.
You can request an assessor who is the same gender as you.
Do not lie or exaggerate your condition or assume they are on your side.
The assessors are not there to judge you, just to tick the boxes
Attendance Allowance
Attendance allowance is different to PIP.
It’s paid at 2 different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability.
To receive an Attendance allowance you need to be both:
- Physically or mentally disabled
- State Pension age or older
Carer's Allowance
Paid to individuals caring for someone on disabled benefit.
You could get £69.70 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.
Carer’s Allowance can affect the other benefits that you and the person you care for get. You have to pay tax on it if your income is over the Personal Allowance.
If you would like more information please go the the Members' area or contact your local citizens advice.