DLA to PIP - phone call from assessor: any tips/advice?

[Toomanyminifigs]

I've just had a call from the DWP Health Care Assessment Team with regards to my DS's PIP application. He's transferring (hopefully!) from DLA to PIP as he's recently turned 16. I am my DS's appointee. The man I spoke to asked if I was free to talk to an assessor one day next week and we booked in a day and a time. He said that the assessor will read my DS's paperwork before the call and then clarify some points and the call could take 'anything from 15 minutes to an hour'.

I was a bit thrown by the call as I only sent his claim off five weeks ago so I wasn't expecting to hear anything so soon.

Has anyone had this? If so can anyone share any tips? 'Traps' to be aware of?

Also, does my DS have to speak to them? Normally he would be at school but he's actually on Christmas holiday next week so he will be here. If they will want to speak to him, I should probably prepare him.

Thanks.

If you made a copy of the paperwork, it can be helpful to a) reread it beforehand and b) have a copy to hand.

Claimants can only be considered to do something if they can do it reliably; that is safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in a reasonable time. If they can’t do that the answer isn’t ’Yes, but’. Some assessors will only hear ‘yes’. The answer is ‘No…’

One mistake those transferring from DLA to PIP sometimes make is focusing on what DC don’t do because of their age and living with parents and what they can’t do because of their disability. For example, some parents as appointees say their DC don’t cook because they live at home and they (the parent) cooks a family meal. When the focus needs to be on the disability be what DC can’t do because of their disability.

As appointee, you can speak on the phone for DS. Some assessors will be quite pushy and tells you they need to speak to DS but you can stand your ground.

Be prepared for them to ask about education.

I would also allow more than 1 hour. Some phones calls are literally a question or two. However, I have known some to last longer than 1 hour.

Many thanks @2x4greenbrick I was hoping you would see this post! I know how knowledgeable and experienced you are in this field (and many others!).

It does seem quite odd that DC are moved from DLA to PIP at 16 (I believe it's 18 in Scotland). Many of the questions don't seem to be aimed at those who are effectively still children, many of whom are still in school.

Do you think I should read anything into how quickly DS's claim seems to be progressing? Or is it simply down to luck of the draw?

I will update this thread once I've had the call in case it's of use to anyone else.

In Scotland, existing Child Disability Payment (the Scottish version of DLA) claimants can remain on CDP until 18 if they want to. Or they can choose to transfer to ADP at 16.

More rising 16s have their award increased on transfer to PIP than decreased, so it works out better for many.

At one point a change was mooted to move the age to 18, but I haven’t heard anything further about that.

I wouldn’t read too much into the speed. Although I suspect you have more than enough evidence to support your claim.

Thank you again for taking the time to reply @2x4greenbrick .

I think I'm panicking a bit because I read that the success rate of a DLA to PIP claim is something like 78% so although very high, it does mean that 12% 'fail'.

It's interesting that in Scotland people can choose to switch or not at 16. It's also encouraging to hear that many YP get a higher award on PIP than DLA. As you say, the criteria is very different and how you score points is quite complicated.

All this is new to me so I'm quite anxious about 'doing right' by DS. At least it's out of the way before Christmas, I guess.

Thank you so much for all you do for the people on this forum.

The most recent statistics show over the last 5 years 57% of rising 16s switching to PIP got enhanced of both components when only 7% got HRC/HRM DLA. Over the same time period, 17% were disallowed. Try not to worry, though. The statistics include cases where it is much harder to qualify for PIP compared to DLA. For example, needs arising from Type 1 diabetes.

I know you have completed the form already, but this is the best free guide I have come across. Not my LA, but good for a free guide, I think. You might find it helpful to read when preparing for the phone call. In case you want to mention anything you missed on the form.

You are welcome. Many years ago, I received support from MN’ers I could never repay. It wasn’t SEN related, but it was an incredibly difficult time. Now that we are in a better place, I like to give back.

As an aside, have you also made a credits only New Style ESA claim?

That PIP guide is so helpful, thank you. Hopefully others will see this thread and benefit too.

I had NO idea he could be eligible for credits only New Style ESA. Thank you so much. Building up his NI contributions is something I have been worried about as I know that PIP isn't a qualifying benefit. I will definitely look into that.

Making a credits only NS ESA is also important in preparation for claiming UC (unless DS has capital above £16k). Some disabled young people can claim UC when they are still in full-time education, but LCWRA has to be established prior to the beginning of the course. A credits only NS ESA claim enables you to do that. Contact has helpful information on this. See their page here and this leaflet here.