1. Skip to Menu
  2. Skip to Content
  3. Skip to Footer

Collection of documents to help people with Benefits

DWP Consultation on proposed changes to PIP

The DWP has today launched a consultation aimed at slashing the number of people eligible for the daily living component of personal independence payment (PIP) by up to 35%. The cuts will be aimed at claimants who qualify for PIP because of their use of aids and appliances and may include replacing awards with discretionary voucher payments.

The press release and consultation document published today claim that 35% of all daily living allowance awards are based solely on the claimant’s need to use aids and appliances.

In addition, the DWP points out that recent upper tribunal decisions have found that a bed, for example, can count as an aid or appliance if a claimant needs to sit on it in order to get dressed.

The DWP argues that the use of readily available or low cost items as aids or appliances isn’t a reliable guide as to whether a person has to meet additional costs because of their disability. As a result the department has launched a brief consultation, ending on 29 January 2016, to decide whether and how to change the system.

Read more...

Carers allowance

'Carers Allowance can be claimed by the Carer of someone who is in receipt of DLA middle/high rate care or PIP standard/enhanced daily living component or AA either rate. There are limitations in how much the  Carer can earn and still get the Allowance and the Carer usually has to be under 65 - for details please look on line or contact Janet Horton on the Benefits Helpline between 10am and 12 noon on Monday and Friday on 0844 887 2450'

Claiming Carer’s Allowance or reporting a change is Simpler, Clearer and Faster at https://www.gov.uk/apply-carers-allowance

Courts carry out review after study reveals GP evidence was factor in only 2.9% of disability benefi

The Government has carried out an assessment of the key factors in deciding appeals against decisions to remove disability benefits from claimants, after a pilot study revealed GP evidence was the deciding factor in only 2.9% of cases, Pulse has learnt.

The Department of Work and Pensions asked judges to provide a written summary explaining their decisions in individuals’ appeals against the removal of the Employment Support Allowance, including the importance of the GP report.

It followed a study last November that showed judges cited GPs’ supporting evidence as the principal factor in only 2.9% of successful appeals when provided with a list of potential reasons from a drop-down menu.

Read the full article HERE

Benefits and Works message about ESA claims on physical grounds

This has been forwarded to us from someone who received it from Benefits and Work. If you have any questions or comments please contact Benefits and Work. www.benefitsandwork.co.uk

New reclaim rules
In just 18 days’ time the rule which allows you to reclaim ESA at the assessment phase rate 6 months after a refusal will be abolished for most claimants, though there are some important exceptions. For example, if your condition has got worse or you have developed a new condition, then you may be able to get the assessment rate again - provided the DWP accept that this is the case.

The change is particularly likely to hit people who are too ill or unsupported when they first make a claim to make a proper job of it and who try to claim again later.

We’ve included details of the new rules in our claiming ESA guides, updated yesterday.

Read more...

Work Capability Assessment (WCA) 3rd Review

It is imperative that you respond to this if you have gone through the system.  Consultation into reforms taking into account fluctuating conditions do not seem to be going well and it is only by ensuring that the facts reach the right people, there is any hope of the improvements needed for people with fibromyalgia.

Moaning on forums and Facebook is all very well but will not make the difference needed.  When you respond it would be helpful if you could copy us in so that we can collate information when we are involved in these consultations.

Read more...

We use cookies to improve our website and your experience when using it. Cookies used for the essential operation of the site have already been set. To find out more about the cookies we use and how to delete them, see our Cookie Use Page.

I accept cookies from this site.