From the 13th of January 2014, anyone currently receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) can no longer make a reclaim to have their award reassessed under DLA guidelines as could be done previously, if they live in certain areas of Scotland. This includes those with the postcode beginning EH, which is most people with an address in Edinburgh and the Lothian area.
Those who want to have their DLA award looked at again will be subject to the replacement benefit guidelines, Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This also includes DLA claimants who:
- inform the DWP about a change in care or mobility needs;
- have an award which is due to expire or
- are about to turn 16 years old
PIP has a new assessment process, which is slightly different from DLA. From June 2013, Grapevine have been assisting new claimants with making applications. Most will have to attend a face to face assessments with independent medical professionals before a decision is made on what their entitlement rate is.
The UK Government in their press statement have assured people that, most people currently claiming DLA will not be subject to the new PIP assessments until October 2015, when individuals will be randomly selected to claim the new PIP benefit and asked to submit an initial claim form.
If you, or anyone you know is in doubt or concerned about these changes or you need further information and advice. then please contact Grapevine on 0131 475 2370 (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm) or email us at: grapevine@lothiancil.org.uk for free and confidential advice.
As the only specialist disability information and advice service in Edinburgh and the Lothians we are keeping on top of changes with the welfare system and how it affects disabled people as and when announcements are made.
More details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/personal-independence-payment-rolls-out-to-existing-claimants-in-scotland