Latest news with #DLA
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
DWP reveals update on 4 conditions getting ‘ongoing' PIP awards
The benefit is given for a set amount of time before claimants need to have a review Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are the primary disability benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) - but successful claimants can only receive it for a fixed period. This can vary from nine months to 10 years. The latter are referred to as 'ongoing' awards, although the most common award offered for new claimants is two years or less. Once the award expires, recipients must undergo a review which will assess how their circumstances, conditions and the impact of their disability have changed. This ultimately determines whether they are still eligible for the benefit and if their rate should be increased or decreased. Reviews can also be initiated if people inform the DWP of certain changes in circumstances during their award period. Now new data from the DWP has revealed which conditions tend to be granted longer awards on the initial application and during reviews. A total of 17% of people with respiratory diseases received ongoing awards between 2020 and 2025 at their first application. This category typically includes conditions such as lung transplants, cystic fibrosis, asthma and pulmonary embolus among others. Elsewhere, a total of 13% of people with neurological diseases received ongoing awards during this period at their first application. According to Benefits and Work, this category includes conditions like multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, head injuries and hydrocephalus among others. For people undergoing reassessment whilst transitioning from Disability Living Allowance to PIP, 36% of those suffering from neurological conditions secured continuing awards. The volume of reassessment claims for general musculoskeletal disorders receiving ongoing awards passed the number for respiratory conditions, by a narrow margin. General musculoskeletal disorders include conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic pain syndromes and fracture complications. The statistics also highlighted: "DLA reassessment claimants are more likely to receive ongoing awards than new claimants, across all disabling conditions." Disability Living Allowance represents the primary benefit accessible to disabled youngsters under 16 years of age in England and Wales. Upon reaching 16, claimants require reassessment to enable their transfer to PIP. PIP applies to claimants aged 16 through to state pension age. When a person reaches state pension age, submitting a new PIP claim becomes impossible and they must instead apply for Attendance Allowance. But if they're already receiving PIP when turning 66, they may continue receiving the payment whilst they remain eligible. They will typically undergo a "light touch" review every decade after reaching state pension age, according to Independent Living. Psychiatric disorders represented the conditions with the lowest proportion of cases securing ongoing awards. This pattern applied to both fresh claims and individuals undergoing DLA reassessment. Psychiatric disorders, which include a broad range of conditions from substance abuse to anxiety and dementia, account for 40% of all successful PIP claims. In contrast, respiratory diseases constitute 4%.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Exact date 100,000s of households need to claim key benefits to qualify for £150 cost of living cash revealed
We've explained if you need to apply for the support ACT ON IT Exact date 100,000s of households need to claim key benefits to qualify for £150 cost of living cash revealed HUNDREDS of thousands of households will need to claim benefits on a specific day to qualify for this year's Warm Home Discount. The eligibility requirements for the scheme, which automatically credits £150 to a customer's energy account, are similar to last year. Advertisement 1 Between October and December, the government will issue letters to households that qualify for the scheme Credit: Getty There are two Warm Home Discount schemes - one for England and Wales, and one for Scotland. Those living in England and Wales do not need to apply for the scheme, but those living in Scotland do. Between October and December, the government will issue letters to households that qualify for the scheme. However, to be eligible for the discount, you need to be claiming one of nine means-tested benefits on a specific date this month. Advertisement The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which administers the Warm Home Discount, says households must have an active claim for any of the following benefits on Sunday, August 24: Guaranteed credit element fo pension credit Income support Income based jobseeker's allowance Income related employment and support allowance Housing benefit Universal Credit The "Savings Credit" part of pension credit If you aren't claiming any of these benefits on August 24, 2025, you won't be eligible for the payment. However, even if you aren't receiving pension credit on the qualifying date, there's a trick you can follow to ensure that you get the extra cash later. This is because your eligibility for certain benefits can be backdated. Advertisement For example, successful pension credit claims can be backdated by three months. Could you be eligible for Pension Credit? Claims for Universal Credit can be backdated by one month. Around 700,000 pensioners are eligible for pension credit but not claiming it. What is pension credit and how do you apply? PENSION credit tops up your weekly income to £227.10 if you are single or to £346.60 if you have a partner. This is known as "guarantee credit". If your income is lower than this, you're very likely to be eligible for the benefit. However, if your income is slightly higher, you might still be eligible for pension credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs. You could get an extra £82.90 a week if you have a disability or claim any of the following: Attendance allowance The middle or highest rate from the care component of disability living allowance (DLA) The daily living component of personal independence payment (PIP) Armed forces independence payment The daily living component of adult disability payment (ADP) at the standard or enhanced rate. You could get the "savings credit" part of pension credit if both of the following apply: You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016 You saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension This part of pension credit is worth £17.30 for single people or £19.36 for couples. Claims for pension credit also open doors to a number of freebies and discounts. For example, pension credit claimants over 75 qualify for a free TV licence worth up to £174.50 a year. Claims for the benefit also provide eligibility to £25 a week cold weather payments and the £150 warm home discount. Applications for pension credit can be made on the government website or by ringing the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. What if I live in Scotland? In Scotland there's a "core group" that'll receive an automatic payment and a "broader group" which has to apply for the scheme with their energy provider. Advertisement You'll need to check with your energy supplier directly to see the eligibility requirements and details on how to apply. The scheme will have more applicants than places, so make sure you apply as soon as possible.
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Motability Scheme update for people on PIP and ADP
People receiving benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS) can join the new scheme The company behind the transformative Motability Scheme has revealed that there are now 815,000 customers across the UK, utilising the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme. Both schemes, run by Motability Operations, are identical, with the name varying depending on the region. The scheme allows people receiving a disability benefit, with an award for the higher or enhanced rate of the mobility component, to allocate some or all of their payment towards leasing a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair. The new summer price list for leasing packages has recently been released on the Motability Scheme website, showcasing over 840 vehicles available for selection. People receiving benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS) and Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) are eligible to join the scheme. A comprehensive list of qualifying benefits and required award level can be found on the Motability website. In addition to a new vehicle, customers also receive insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing, maintenance, tyres and windscreen repairs as part of the package, reports the Daily Record. Lisa Thomas, chief customer officer of Motability Operations, which runs the Motability Scheme, commented on the new price list launch: "The Motability Scheme connects disabled people to lifechanging freedom and independence. Not only does it help to connect people to the world around them, but it also opens up greater opportunities, with Scheme customers able to work an additional two days a week on average. "Drivers across the whole of the UK are experiencing rising motoring costs due to rising inflation, insurance and the impact of the shift to electric vehicles. We continue to work hard with manufacturers and partners to provide our customers with value and choice." When selecting a car or wheelchair-accessible vehicle through the scheme, it's crucial to note that while some options require just part or all of the mobility award payment, many necessitate an upfront fee ranging from £100 to £2,000. What else is included in the lease? You will get a brand-new vehicle, and a full package which includes: Insurance Servicing and maintenance Full RAC breakdown assistance Yearly tax Three drivers - you can change these whenever you like Kwik Fit replacement tyres Windscreen repair or replacement 60,000 mileage allowance over three years, or 100,000 for WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles Many adaptations at no extra cost Full details on the Motability Scheme can be found on the website here. Here's a brief rundown on the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme and the process for exchanging all or part of your mobility payment for a vehicle lease. Applying to lease a vehicle for yourself You can apply to lease a vehicle yourself if you meet all of the following: You get the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment or the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment You are 16 or over You are able to manage your own payments. Applying to lease a vehicle on someone's behalf You may be able to apply to lease a vehicle on behalf of someone else. This might be an option if you're either: A parent or guardian of a child receiving the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment An appointee for someone who is receiving the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment or enhanced rate of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment How to apply To apply to lease a vehicle using the scheme, go to the Motability website where you can: Choose a vehicle Find a dealership When visiting a dealership, you need to present your certificate of entitlement.
Daily Record
17-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
More families blast East Ayrshire Council for axing of ASN transport
Despite having used ASN transport for a decade, Pamela Golightly's son is among those to have lost an appeal. Another Ayrshire family has hit out at the cruel council cut which will see their autistic child denied transportation to and from school. Willowbank parent Pamela Golightly says she's been left "concerned" regarding the treatment of her son, Lewis, by East Ayrshire chiefs. Lewis, 15, is non-verbal and has severe learning difficulties. He has no awareness of danger, is unable to walk independently, and requires constant adult supervision and physical support when outside the home. He frequently bolts without warning and must have his hand held at all times to ensure his safety. He is also highly sensitive to loud environments, and when overwhelmed he self-harms by punching his head. Lewis has been using ASN transport for the past 10 years without any issues before council bosses decided to end the service this summer. Pamela told Ayrshire Live: "Due to autism, Lewis experiences significant distress when there are changes to his routine. His school transport has been a consistent and familiar part of his day for over a decade." Pamela, along with other parents, received a refusal letter last month. She was told that because Lewis has a Motability vehicle, he is no longer eligible for council transport. Pamela said: "I strongly disagree with this decision. "The vehicle plays an essential role in enabling Lewis to access everyday life including medical appointments, community outings, and leisure activities that would otherwise be out of reach. "It is used for general care purposes and supports his broader wellbeing, not as a replacement for statutory school transport. "There is no legal rule that states having a Motability vehicle disqualifies a child from receiving council funded school transport. "We feel that the appeal process has not taken into account the individual needs or disabilities of each child. In our case, the decision appears to have been based solely on the fact that we have access to a Motability vehicle. "However, many families who were successful in their appeals also receive the high-rate DLA and have Motability vehicles. This raises concerns that the council may be granting transport assistance selectively, without fully considering the severity of each child's disability or the risks they face in public settings." She added: "Lewis cannot safely walk to school even with assistance. The suggested walking route takes at least 46 minutes, but because he walks on his tiptoes and due to his physical and sensory needs, this would take considerably longer and cause significant distress. "He has no understanding of the route or of the concept of school and would be entirely unable to navigate this journey independently. "Lewis requires specialised support during transitions, and public transport is entirely unsuitable due to his complex needs. He would need to take two buses, including a change at a busy bus station." Pamela and her husband had a carefully arranged routine in place to meet Lewis's complex needs, and the removal of council-provided transport effectively renders that entire system unworkable. Although the family has the vehicle, they are unable to drive it during school travel times as both parents have full-time jobs. Over the past decade, Pamela and her husband have established a routine involving home sitters, after-school clubs, and childcare that enables them to maintain their employment including shift work. Pamela said: "If Lewis's school transport is withdrawn, I will have no choice but to reduce my working hours significantly, if such a change is even possible within my current role. "If not, I will be forced to give up my job entirely, bringing an end to a career I have worked hard to build. "This would not only have serious financial consequences for our family, but it would also affect our wellbeing, stability, and ability to provide. "We have carefully structured our lives to maintain employment while supporting our children, and the removal of transport would make that balance impossible to sustain." Parents and carers who won an appeal are feeling "terrible" for other families. Fraser Jardine, a father of nine-year-old Gracie who received approval for her transport after an appeal, said: "I feel terrible for others and hopefully they get the right decision soon. "There are so many children that simply need transport who have still been refused and it's not good enough." Council bosses claim they are spending £4.4 million on alternative transport costs per year - which equates to £22,800 per school day. They said: "This level of overspend is unsustainable and could jeopardise the provision of this service in the future. "The implementation of the new policy ensures that consistent steps are being taken, on a case by case basis, to ensure the future sustainability of alternative school transport through actions that protect it for children for whom it is absolutely essential."
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
DWP paying people with arthritis pain up to £441 every month
Attendance Allowance is a benefit that is paid by the DWP to people over state pension age who need extra help or supervision because of a disability of illness If you struggle with arthritis then you could be entitled to £441 every month in Attendance Allowance payments. Attendance Allowance is a benefit that is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is awarded to people over state pension age who need extra help or supervision because of a disability of illness. There is no set list of medical conditions that enable you to claim Attendance Allowance - instead, your eligibility is dependent on how your illness impacts your daily life. The latest figures from the DWP show there are almost half a million people claiming Attendance Allowance due to arthritis, which is pain and inflammation in your joints. Get the best deals and tips from Mirror Money Attendance Allowance is worth £73.90 a week if you need help or supervision during the day, or supervision at night, or £110.40 a week if you need help or supervision throughout both day and night, or if you're nearing the end of your life. It is paid every four weeks, which means you could receive either £295.60 or £441.60 every month. But crucially, you do not actually have to have someone caring for you in order to claim Attendance Allowance. The money can be used to help keep you independent - for example, you could choose to pay for taxis or a cleaner. Attendance Allowance is not a means-tested benefit and it does not matter how much you have in savings. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the benefit cap, so you won't have money taken away from any other benefits. In fact, any other benefits you already get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance. You won't be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Attendance Allowance - how to claim You can claim Attendance Allowance by either printing off and sending the Attendance Allowance claim form to: Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance. You can also call the Attendance Allowance helpline to request a claim form using the following numbers: Telephone: 0800 731 0122 Textphone: 0800 731 0317 Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0122 British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service When filling out the form, you'll need to explain how your illness or disability affects your life. You'll also need to provide supporting information, such as GP letters, your care plans, or prescription lists. Some people are asked to attend an assessment before being awarded Attendance Allowance. If you're terminally ill, you can make a claim straight away and you'll be awarded the higher rate.
