Pip and private schooling

[KathySeldon]

Just starting to think about PIP application coming up next year for Dd - ASD.
As with many many other children, schooling has been a nightmare. BUT, by using our DLA payments, and getting a bursary, and a few other bits and pieces, she now attends a weekly private boarding school. This school has worked like a dream for her, and us. She is a changed child!

Now I'm starting to worry that without the DLA payment we won't be able to afford it, just when she is about to take her GCSE's. School have stated that they are not in a financial position to offer more. We can probably borrow to see her through the GCSE's, but I'd love her to be able to stay there for 6th form too.
Do people think that using PIP payment for schooling would be looked upon as ok, or not? Would they just laugh and say no way? Would it be allowed? And what if we don't get Pip payments when she turns 16?
Any help / advice / experience would be most grateful.
Thank you.

How would anybody know what you're using the PIP payment for?

These are the PIP descriptors which would give you an idea of how many points she'd get which would determine whether she got the standard or higher rate of payment:

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

are you able to say that you need the pip money in order for the child to access education?

thats what I don't know.

It's not about what you spend it on, you don't have to account for that, you need to apply based on the way here conditions affect the activities listed in the link above. If she needs to go to a special school because of difficulties with language, communication etc then you can list these under the communication and reading sections for example. When she turns 16 the DWP will invite her to apply for PIP, if she does so her DLA will continue until a decision is made on the PIP.

And when you apply remember what she is like when she doesn’t have the school support. It’s easy to forget and focus on the positive aspects presenting her needs as they are with full support. Unfortunately, an assessor who doesn’t know her may then assume she doesn’t need the support.

You can spend pip on schooling. On pip application concentrate on the descriptors. Keep a diary of the things that your DD struggles with. Write a description in each box. School may provide some examples but more likely to be at home (unless it is residential) as it relates to washing, dressing, cooking, managing money.

www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Personal-Independence-Payment-Test/What-is-the-PIP-test

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/fill-in-form/

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/your-supporting-evidence/