Pip mobility for LDs

[Siskonot]

DC has learning difficulties and autism.

They have, after extensive travel training, been trained to take the bus to college and back. It is the only (familiar) journey they can undertake on their own due to extensive travel training. Journeys to other familiar destinations are completely out of questions. It would take very extensive training and just isn't realistic. DC's barrier are the learning difficulties, not distress.

Just going through a PIP renewal. Would we lose the high rate mobility in that case. I find the wording not clear. Anyone in the know?

The descriptor reads:

f. Cannot follow the route of a familiar journey without another person, an assistance dog or an orientation aid

DC has many families routes but can only follow a single one of those. Otherwise, it needs an adult with them.

Just write the truth. Can follow only 1 familiar route after extensive travel training.

Who did their travel training? Maybe they can advise.

Do they need to be met or accompanied to/from the bus stop? What would happen if the route was diverted or the bus delayed by roadworks or snow?

Just say no they can’t.

It's how they are 50% of the time. Could they make the journey in a safely, timely and reliable manner if there was a diversion for example?

We haven't had any hiccups but DC leave the house with me to go to the supermarket, has hobbies and needs me taking them. We leave the house a lot. The trips to school make during term time less than half of the familiar journeys. During school holidays, they need to be accompanied on all journeys as they are not trained for them.

It's a very active child who does a lot of activities. We have a PA through social services to take them out - often to town, cinema or local parks (all familiar places) but DC could manage any of them alone .

DC also needs me at home to ensure they leave on time for the bus. They have no concept of time and wouldn't have a clue when to set off.

This explains it.

”The descriptor refers to “a familiar journey” rather than “any familiar journey”. Accordingly, claimants can satisfy the descriptor by showing that they typically need to be accompanied by another person or an assistance dog or to use an orientation aid on the majority of days when undertaking familiar journeys (it’s not necessary to show that they need such support for every possible familiar journey on most days).”

Based on the case law AA v SSWP (PIP) [2018] UKUT 339 (AAC).

High rate PIP should still be payable in that circumstance.