Don’t often post on here but I always read. I have end stage copd. I get the high rate mobility component of dla. I’m on 24/7 oxygen and

[Grandmatojack]

Non invasive ventilator for 18 hours a day as I retain carbon dioxide. I am wondering if I should apply for the care component as I do need help with things, especially on a bad day. Thanks for any help.

[skischool]

it is certainly worth applying for the daily living component of PIP as an award would help towards financing help and assistance.i believe to make that claim you need to do this before your 65th birthday if not the alternative is attendance allowance if over 65.why not try calling the BLF help line who have benefit advisers to help with what ever course of action is best for you............regards Ski's and scruffs x

[Grandmatojack in reply to skischool]

Thank you.

[hypercat54 in reply to skischool]

Nearly right skis! You had to be 65 in April 2013 to claim AA. Otherwise it is PIP. x

[skischool in reply to hypercat54]

Lil/bev i think you will find the pip stops at 65 and after that you can only claim AA ?no doubt one of our experts or better still the benefits advisers in BLF will come up with the latest permutation. x

[hypercat54 in reply to skischool]

Yes skis that used to be the case but it changed in April 2013 and you had to be 65 by that date otherwise you claim PIP. I used to work in the benefits system!

AA benefit has stopped now and is only for those over a certain age as specified. Everyone else has to claim PIP now even pensioners. x

[corriena]

Yes you should. Try and get help to fill in the form. I think you should be entitled to all the help you can get. Good luck.

[mrsmummy]

I suggest you to have a chat with Biddy, the BLF benefits advisor. Ring her during office hours on 03000 030 555.

[greatauntali]

I get high rate mobility and low rate care on DLA. My GP has advised that I should apply for high rate care but that would mean a transition to PIP and there are so many scare stories that I am afraid that I might lose the help which I get currently.

As you are already getting DLA, you would be in the same position. It is so wrong that people who need extra help are afraid to apply because of a flawed system of assessment and I am sure that we have all heard of someone in dire need who was refused help because the assessor had a quota to fill.

On the other hand, we have seen some success stories on this forum just lately so it appears to be down to luck and in some cases, perseverance.

By all means act on the guidance of the helpline and act accordingly. If that means applying then do so and if you fail, appeal.

Good luck.

[Grandmatojack]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

[Hidden]

It’s worth applying, it sounds like you could do with some help. Good advice to speak to BLF advisor, lots of people have said how helpful they are.

[mas7656]

It is so wrong that people who really need financial help due to illness are afraid to apply. We are so afraid of rejection of help that we really do need. I wish you the best of luck. Marian x

[Spacecat1]

Hi

I would my hubby gave up work to be my carer i was having problems with my copd. now in a wheelchair. I do walk around the house just to help my lungs, hubby doews have to help me shower cooking cleaning i do help the best i can. My husband applied for carers allowance and we did apply for income support but now know as universal credit. its worth a try you may be ewntitled to uc as well. speak to someone at age concern they do come out to you if needed and they help you with the forms