Posted on 2015-06-29 | 01:09

People who are currently receiving Disability Living Allowance, even those who have a lifelong or degenerative condition, will need to reapply for Personal Independence Payments over the next two and a half years. During this time, the new benefit PIP will be rolled out to all existing DLA claimants, who will receive a letter telling them that their DLA will be stopped and inviting them to apply for PIP.

Commented Roger: “It is really important that all existing DLA claimants keep an eye on their post, and take all the necessary steps to apply for PIP as soon as they are notified that their DLA will be stopped. Otherwise, they may find themselves in a gap between the two benefits, and temporarily not in receipt of either.

“The Government is transferring people from DLA to PIP with the intention of cutting the bill for disability benefits, so it is likely that some DLA claimants will receive a lower rate of PIP than they did of DLA. My advice is always to challenge DWP’s decision if people feel that it is unfair or based on an inaccurate assessment, and if necessary to go through the process of mandatory reconsideration and appeal. My office will be happy to provide advice and support to DLA claimants who are having problems with the process of transferring to PIP.

“I am entirely opposed to the Conservative Government’s plan to save money by cutting the total spend on disability benefits, as this will be done not by making the service more efficient but by removing the support which vulnerable people—many of whom are too ill to work—rely on to survive, to be mobile or to be independent. However, given that the Government are going ahead with this transition, I am keen to ensure that my constituents make the transition from DLA to PIP with as little stress and financial difficulty as possible.

“Constituents who have problems with the PIP application process are welcome to get in touch with me, either by email to [email protected] or by phone to 0207 219 5191.”