PIP vs Attendance Allowance

[Coppernob]

I'm confused. I have been receiving DLA for ever, indefite award! I became eligible for retirement pension at age 62, 7 months. I am now 66.

DWP are sending me a PIP application form. But should I be applying for this benefit, or Attendance Allowance?

If being over retirement age means I'm not eligible for PIP, why are they asking me to apply for it? And why didn't they contact me at retirement if I should then have changed from DLA to PIP? They're perfectly aware of my date of birth, after all!

[Jewels94]

As you are already receiving DLA, you qualify to apply for PIP. It is only new applicants over retirement age who can not apply

citizensadvice.org.uk/benef...

[Pulfs]

As was stated as you already on DLA this is correct. I was on same award as you and put on PIP last year at 67 and it changed from low care to high but my high mobility got down graded and lost my Motobility car which I ended up buying, but i still have enough points for my blue badge ( 10 out 12 ). X

[Coppernob in reply to Pulfs]

Very interested to hear you kept your blue badge on 10 points. Blue badge is all I'm worried about really in terms of mobility. And i thought we had to have higher mobility award. Is that not so then?

Is 10 points can do 20 metres but not 50?

[Pulfs in reply to Coppernob]

Seems blue badge criteria is what I stated you can find info on blue badge site. X

[nomoreheels in reply to Coppernob]

Hiya Coppernob. With the PIP Mobility component you need 8 points or more (standard award) to qualify for a Blue Badge.

[Cheylann]

Why don't you phone and ask them to explain. I reckon pip and attendance allowance are basically the same thing.

[Blodynhaul in reply to Cheylann]

I can see others know more than me, but I think you're basically right in that PIP and AA are both not means-tested & are for support/ help for care needs for basic living when suffering from a chronic condition (not by diagnosis, but by care need). AA is for after retirement age and PIP for before. But sounds like maybe other differences too from what others say!

[calamityjane1971]

PIP and attendance allowance are not the same thing. You can’t get mobility on attendance allowance only care. The others are correct, you do apply for PIP as you’re on DLA. However, I wonder if you can stop your DLA award and then apply for attendance allowance? It might be best to speak to citizens advice to get advice on this and what’s best for you