Cable Forum

Cable Forum (https://www.cableforum.uk/board/index.php)
-   Current Affairs (https://www.cableforum.uk/board/forumdisplay.php?f=20)
-   -   Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP. (https://www.cableforum.uk/board/showthread.php?t=33703747)

RichardCoulter 09-10-2016 16:29

Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP.
 
The new PM has said that no further benefit cuts beyond those already planned are to be made during the life of the current Parliament.

Just as I was thinking that this is was very small crumb of comfort for those who rely on this support to survive, I am now informed that those who score low points during the DLA to PIP conversion are now losing entitlement to ESA:

Latest PIP worry.

Worryingly it appears from the latest evidence that the DWP are stopping some ESA awards when people fail to get many points when applying or renewing PIP after previously being on higher rate DLA or PIP. As far as we are aware this is a new trend in refusals.

This hadn't happened so far with PIP although it did with the old DLA system a few years ago.

This is mainly because most of the descriptors are different in each benefit, however where the descriptors cross ie mobility and if someone gained an award of ESA on mental health descriptors alone and the PIP assessor has reported that there are no mental health issues noted, then sadly people are finding that ESA is now sometimes being stopped or reassessed.

I've seen 9 clients this month and studied the reasoning behind each one and they all but one have one common denominator, they all failed to get at least 8 points in the mobility descriptors going from higher rate to nothing DLA or PIP within the last 8 weeks.

I have also noted a dozen calls on our adviceline stating the same.

This is very worrying as the Government forge ahead with new plans to streamline the Tribunal system and make it harder to overturn decisions. (65% win on appeal our figure is around 95% when one of 2 lawyers attend.)

It is vitally important therefore that people are ready for renewal or changeover.

People should read as much as they can from groups on the pulse of whats happening and if they can get an organisation to help them fill the PIP form in thoroughly then advise them to do so, as doing it themselves may go against them.

The PIP assessment is just as important as the form and evidence. Know what to expect, how to get there and try and get an advocate or someone to take and help you on the day, particularly if you need one under The Care Act for other things, ie if you are a vulnerable adult.

Losing not just one benefit but two has a devastating knock on effect to other benefits, carers and mobility cars and the Appeal process can take up to 7 months in total, so it's vitally important you get it right first time!

Also, it used to be more Work Capability Assessments that put magazines and flimsy paper cups with their water machines in a bid to watch you whilst you waited, now it appears to be PIP too.

This assessment was at Hillview at Blackburn Royal Hospital:

It's important to note the receptionist sits behind a window in the hall and it's only a small waiting room and we have not seen this kind of comment before in our appeals, however it's very important to note that the assessment starts when people leave the house in many respects, how they get there, where they parked, and now it seems to include what they do in the waiting area.

Remember that PIP descriptors are very tight in some respects and it's what you cant do for the majority of the time that matters. Holding a magazine then claiming you cannot get food into your mouth most times will be seen to be a direct contradiction of this and assumptions will often be made.

PiP is nothing like DLA in many respects and people need to read the rules and what the descriptors mean before filling in the forms.

Michelle Cardno (Llb hons).

Taf 09-10-2016 16:39

Re: Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP.
 
Our son received a letter a few days ago "Your Disability Allowance is ending" in big black letters.

This made him flip... then underneath it says "You must decide if you want to claim Personal Independence Payments".

We have tried many times to call them on the number given with no luck!

RichardCoulter 09-10-2016 16:44

Re: Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Taf (Post 35862641)
Our son received a letter a few days ago "Your Disability Allowance is ending" in big black letters.

This made him flip... then underneath it says "You must decide if you want to claim Personal Independence Payments".

We have tried many times to call them on the number given with no luck!

I'm sorry to hear that Taf, these forms are causing problems for disabled people all over the UK.

Do you have any disability or benefit advice centres where you live that would be able to help?

If you live in the North West, I can refer you to an organisation that I help to support :)

Taf 09-10-2016 18:24

Re: Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP.
 
Nothing available here. The one organisation that did help had it's funding ceased due to "austerity".

I've just done the self-assessment on http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/pip/indexxx.php and it would seem he would qualify IF they would allow a couiple of grey areas where his sitaution changes often. But I have a feeling it will be black and white only judging by how the response choices are written.

Kursk 09-10-2016 18:28

Re: Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter (Post 35862643)
If you live in the North West

I may be wrong but my guess is that Taf is from Cardiff. My further guess is that his username is taken from the River Taff which runs through the City. I reckon Taf is Welsh.

I could be wrong :rolleyes:

Taf 09-10-2016 19:59

Re: Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP.
 
Kairdiff-by-the-sea born and bred... and still living here. :)

RichardCoulter 09-10-2016 20:57

Re: Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Taf (Post 35862687)
Kairdiff-by-the-sea born and bred... and still living here. :)

Sadly, just as those who need help the most require it, the services to help them are being closed down due to funding cuts.

There are some organisations that can help remotely by either visiting or helping to fill in forms over the phone.

Due to their own funding cuts, they often ask for a donation and/or travel expenses to be paid.

Let me know if this might be something that you're interested in :)

denphone 10-10-2016 06:41

Re: Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kursk (Post 35862671)
I may be wrong but my guess is that Taf is from Cardiff. My further guess is that his username is taken from the River Taff which runs through the City. I reckon Taf is Welsh.

I could be wrong :rolleyes:

You Sir have been awarded The Sherlock Holmes award of the week for your great deducement.;)

heero_yuy 10-10-2016 09:58

Re: Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35862740)
You Sir have been awarded The Sherlock Holmes award of the week for your great deducement.;)

Do I get an associate award for knowing Taff's Surname. :D

denphone 10-10-2016 10:23

Re: Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by heero_yuy (Post 35862752)
Do I get an associate award for knowing Taff's Surname. :D

No we only have one award per week old bean so you will have to have one of these as the booby prize.:beer:

Kursk 10-10-2016 12:59

Re: Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35862740)
You Sir have been awarded The Sherlock Holmes award of the week for your great deducement.;)

Such honour you bestow upon the unworthy. I further deduce that you are still alive and smiling Den. :)

denphone 10-10-2016 13:13

Re: Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kursk (Post 35862783)
Such honour you bestow upon the unworthy. I further deduce that you are still alive and smiling Den. :)

l will always smile no mater how good or bad things are old boy.:)

Taf 10-10-2016 20:15

Re: Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP.
 
I just noticed the lad's DLA was not paid on 4th October. I called and was told "It has ceased prior to moving to PIP".

"I asked when the first PIP would be paid and was told "We have no idea, it depends on the interview he attends"..

But no interview has been scheduled!!!!!!!!! And he hasn't claimed PIP yet!

And the PIP letter says that DLA will be paid until a decision is made. Maybe they have already made their minds up without even seeing him?

denphone 10-10-2016 20:24

Re: Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP.
 
l think your best bet Taf is to ask the CAB or something similar for advice on this.

Hugh 10-10-2016 20:41

Re: Worrying news for ESA claimants converting from DLA to PIP.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Taf (Post 35862852)
I just noticed the lad's DLA was not paid on 4th October. I called and was told "It has ceased prior to moving to PIP".

"I asked when the first PIP would be paid and was told "We have no idea, it depends on the interview he attends"..

But no interview has been scheduled!!!!!!!!! And he hasn't claimed PIP yet!

And the PIP letter says that DLA will be paid until a decision is made. Maybe they have already made their minds up without even seeing him?

Ring the Customer Services number, whose job is to sort out/escalate this sort of issue.

https://www.gov.uk/disability-benefits-helpline

0345 605 6055

Or

https://www.gov.uk/government/organi...ints-procedure

0345 712 3456


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:47.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.