Applying for PIP cancels DLA

Q . I have been claiming Disability Living Allowance of low rate mobility for a number of years and I was thinking about asking for a higher rate and it was awarded indefinitely. I know that Personal Independence Payment is now in place and people are being migrated across from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payment, but I haven’t been contacted about this yet. I was wondering whether I could be assessed for Personal Independence Payment and if they do not think I meet the criteria, could I then go back on to Disability Living Allowance at my usual rate? I don’t want to risk my current rate as it means I get extra amounts in my other benefits.

. A Claimants who have an indefinite award for Disability Living Allowance will be contacted at some point after September 2017 to offer them the chance to apply for Personal Independence Payment. If they choose not to apply, then their Disability Living Allowance will come to an end.If you would like to be assessed for Personal Independence Payment at an earlier date then you can call 0800 917 2222 for an application form (called a PIP2 form). Following the return of the application form you are likely to be invited in for a medical assessment where you will be assessed against a set criteria and awarded points depending on the difficulties you have with mobility and daily living. If you are awarded 8 points or more then you would be transferred to Personal Independence Payment and your Disability Living Allowance claim would end. However, if you score less than 8 points then you will be not be awarded Personal Independence Payment, but you would be unable to return to your previous Disability Living Allowance claim. Once you have been assessed for Personal Independence Payment your Disability Living Allowance claim is terminated and cannot be re-opened. If you disagree with the decision on your Personal Independence Payment claim then you can appeal against this. Q . I have just been made redundant after nearly two years in a job and I am not going to be receiving any redundancy payments. I have a partner who lives with me, but she has no recourse to public funds, so isn’t able to claim any benefits. Am I able to claim anything for us as a couple?

. A If you are looking for work, then you will be able to apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance, but you will be paid the amount for a single person as any increases on your award for having a partner would be ‘public funds’ and could affect any future visa / leave applications. You would still need to name your partner on your claim, but explain that she does not have recourse to public funds. You would still be able to claim Housing Benefit if you are living in rented accommodation as generally single people receive the same amount of Housing Benefit as couples, so you should not miss out on any Housing Benefit; but again you would need to make the Local Authority aware of your partner’s status.