Personal Independence Payments (PIP)

[nemonie]

Here is a link to an easy-read simplified version (including a link to a larger print version), drawn up by the authors of the Spartacus report.

They have figured out some of the double speak a bit and tried to put it in plain english

[barkingmad]

How are you doing folks? Any where nearing me seeing a draft yet? I wonder if you could get something for the newsletter, all articles need to be submitted by the 14th Feb but I have an editorial on Saturday. You are so wonderful for taking this off my list of things to do! Thank you, I really do appreciate all your hard work

[star gazer]

Hi Barking it is a fast forwarding work in progress, I have sent my draft to nemonie and she will add what is needed. I will then forward on to you for review.

This is for the HMSA mag. folks. but we would really like your input via this thread about how the change to PIP will affect YOU. if you have a look at the links posted previousy they will give you an idea even if you just look at the points that would be awared in your case and how this would impact on your current rate of award so that we can reply to the consultation through HMSA, unless we voice our concerns along with the many others who are also affected then we won't be able to push for changes to the current status with PIP. I know it can be time consuming reading through many pages so even if you just tot up your score on the descriptors and compare it with your current award that would be really helpful. For those how have not applied for DLA but are thinking about it, your input will be very valuable too because the changes in the descriptors might impact on the award you might or might not get. I have put in one of the links below, if you look at nemonies post it will direct you to the simplified overview of the PIP draft and assessment.
Many thanks for your help with this.
star gazer

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/pip-second-d ... ations.pdf

[barkingmad]

It really is important that we get as many of you as possible to contribute so please have a read and add your thoughts x

[RainbowsButterflies]

There's a tick list thing here http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/person ... 9+Feb+2012 that will work out what would would get based on your assessment of your needs. Obviously, the assessor may think differently...

[star gazer]

Thankyou RainbowsButterflies, I have just had a look at the link and it is very easy to use, showing the current proposed descriptors and points. I did the test and it would seem that my current/equivalent level of award will remain unchanged but that of course will depend on the decision maker looking at my claim on transfer . and of course they could move the goal posts again. Remember, if you do this test online you must consider how you are for more than 50% of the time, so if for example you have 2 really good days a week then 5 days of problems then that would be more than 50% of the time.

It looks like the transfer over to PIP for claimants will be a rolling process and the latest position of the government in the recent debate on welfare reform as set out by Lord Freud in Jan 2012 is as follows
Only a few thousand new PIP claims a month will be processed in the first months after the introduction of PIP in April 2013. All other new and renewal claims will be treated as claims for DLA rather than PIP.

If the process moves smoothly without any problems, then after that, all new claims will then be for PIP rather than disability living allowance (DLA) in the months following this.

Existing DLA claimants will only be assessed for PIP six months after the benefit has been introduced - so in theory this would be sometime in October 2013 if it starts in April 2013. Initialy, this will only be DLA claimants whose fixed-term award is ending and claimants who report a change of circumstances.

Assessing all current DLA claimants is likely to take at least three years, so is unlikely to be completed before October 2016.

However this is only an outline timetable and of course can change on the next debate. It will not be until everything is finalised that we will know exactly what is going to happen with PIP. As yet thare has been no mention of people recently given HRM and HRC indefinately but from the above timetable it could be taken that those people will be amongst the last to move, that is only my thought and conclusion from the PIP timetable.
Keep us posted on how you get on and please include any comments you have on the impact the change might have on you. Also not mentioned yet is at what level of component motabilty will be activated at, ie standard rate or enhanced rate. If we hear anything about that we will let you know, but it is also something you might need to consider if for example you are entitled to HRM DLA and therefore motability if you score standard rate award under PIP and motability kicks in at enhanced level you could potentially lose your mode of transport. But as I have said, at the moment we dont know the level that motability will kick in, most people are assuming enhanced level but this is not confirmed. Also consider that if you care award goes down would you still be able to access carers, PA's etc and how will that affect you.
many thanks for your help with this, we can only fight for you if we have the info we need to arm ourselves for the reply to the consultation.
Star gazer xxx

[Superstottie]

Well I have gone through the self assessment thingy - and based on the minimum things - such as them saying I don't need help to bathe, but I use a bath seat etc, I would get standard care and mobility based on being able to 'move' up to 50m with crutches (no account of speed). If I put in what I do actually need help with and assuming that they will take speed etc into account under the moving tests - then I would get enhanced for both. I am currently on MRC and HRM DLA. It does seem to take aids into account much more than the current system, but them again I suppose they would still argue that you don't actually need that aid, like they currently do with needing assistance!

[star gazer]

Thanks ss, there seems to be more about fluctuating conditions too, but what I am seeing is that now because you use aides then you dont score as highly as previously, bath aides would negate assitance to bathe,Also walking, speed and gait dont seem to be coverd but they seem to use the phrase "reasonable time, repeated safely" etc. however in the draft it mentions washing torso and underarms, I wonder if they have considered that other bits need washing too. I can manage torso and underarms but the other stuff gets a bit tricky especially from the waist down and feet
sg xx

[Superstottie]

Maybe they think that the other bits are far enough away from your own nose and you wouldn't have to smell them so it doesn't matter?? eeewwww! For me I struggle with washing my own hair and Hubby has to help me, but there was no mention of this on my DLA award! Obviously the fact that I have a bath seat mean I don't need to wash my hair!

[Superstottie]

Just thought of something else that could effect me - what level could you claim carers allowance at? Currently you can get it if your on MRC or above, but I doubt if you could get it for standard rate PIP, which would mean that my hubby would not not be able to claim carers and Income Support and be my carer, and would instead have to look for work and leave me on my own, or have to have home care supplied by Social services.

[sheppeyescapee]

Sorry I havent contributed anything yet. Am at Stanmore at the moment so havent had the energy to do so.

[star gazer]

dont worry sheppy, we have until April to draft our reply, so when you are ready, best to concentrate on Stanmore at the moment, hope all is well.
sgx

[madmum]

Doing the points by my reckoning I should get higher rate on both,I currently get low rate care and high rate for mobility for life. Was not totally sure on distances part but can only walk a short distance without stopping and in a lot of pain. I use my mobility scooter for daily things such as shopping,school runs. I have to be driven as I cannot drive and if I am going by train I have to have assistance at stations and help to plan the route. I do worry there is no mention of pain. I use a shower with seat and it is only this that means I can hair wash but as I have long hair I need help drying and brushing it.

[trekster]

According to benefits and work you only have to count the amount of time when you arent in pain as a walking distance.
Also worked out at higher rate for both but there are 2 warnings on that site, 1 is that your assessor might come up with
a different number, the 2nd being these could change before it becomes the final version (which i think is what HMSA is
trying to get done).

[star gazer]

Thankyou all for your input and very valid points, we will collate all of these issues for the reply and hopefully many more.
sgx