Attendance allowance entitled

[modoogan]

Hi all I'm now pension age and wondering if I should claim attendance allowance I'm on pip at present care component I didn't fight to keep my mobility component back in 2016 wish I had. I have rheumatoid arthritis, fybromyalgia, left hip replacement, osteoarthritis in knees and feet, depression, now told I have age related hearing loss. Mo

[Jackie1947]

No you can't have both.

[modoogan in reply to Jackie1947]

Hi jackie1947 thanks just reading up on things mo

[Haz58]

From what I’ve read you stay on pip once you reach state pension age. You just can’t do a brand new application for it once you are pension age, you have to claim attendance allowance.

[katieoxo60]

Hello modoogan, I would enquire, were you ever entitled to mobility before age 65 ,? if so you can reclaim it after 65. Anyone who was entitled before 65 and continues to claim still receives mobility component. Attendance Allowance does not have a mobility component. Its a very confusing system, because many people over 65 could do with help to get around when their mobility starts to decrease, know there's bus passes but if you need to use taxis the mobility money does help a little.Good luck

[Paula-C in reply to katieoxo60]

I once read that at the age of 65 the powers that be expect people to have age related mobility issues. The country can't afford to award it to people over 65.

[katieoxo60 in reply to Paula-C]

Sadly that's the consensus , however that makes it age related which the powers that be should realise that's age discrimination however there is a clause in regulations that allows discrimination in benefits for over 65s I recall when questioning this matter. Due to people being pensioners from that age and people below being of working age. However that does not apply anymore as people no longer get state pension at 65. Its one of those confusing issues that has been created by those who set rules . There will always be someone who losses out don't you think?

[Kags1068 in reply to katieoxo60]

Hi KatieUnfortunately, you are spot on in there's always some that miss out, and it always feels unfair.

I used to work for a welfare rights organisation (a charity and independent), and the line we were told from Govt departments was what Paula C mentions - people over pension age are "more likely" to have mobility issues so on that basis mobility is only applicable for those under that age as it would cost too much. With an ongoing climate of "benefit cuts" and the horrible narrative of people supposedly dishonestly claiming disability benefits in large numbers (the actual number is something like 0.7%), I'm afraid I can't see that age restriction being eased. You are quite right in that if you have PIP/DLA mobility component before pension age then it will continue unchanged. Also, if you are taken off PIP Mobility in the 12 months prior to your retirement age then you can possibly reclaim. Anything longer than that, and I'm afraid you can't. As modoogan says their award ended in 2016 then sadly, they wouldn't be able to reclaim mobility now. I wish it were all different .......... X

😊

[katieoxo60 in reply to Kags1068]

I knew there was some regulation , I get mobility because its DLA for disability granted before retirement. So was not totally sure about PIP as I did not realise the regulations were similar, about reclaiming. Its time we had a better system for older mobility issues but of cause there is also the severe disablement grants which many older persons don't know about. The problem is after 65 you loose your disabled status to some degree and just become an elderly person, but people who are disabled do not suddenly get better when they reach a certain age do they? Of course I realise the funds account is not bottomless including the NHS. Enjoy your day thank you for your reply.

[Kags1068 in reply to katieoxo60]

Yes, you were absolutely right about there being a regulation. It's all so bloomin confusing though isn't it? I had to check with an ex-colleague just to be sure!I completely agree with your thoughts on getting older and having a longstanding disability. It's a very pertinent point you raise about as you age you become "just another elderly person." As you rightly say, you don't suddenly stop having a disabling condition when you reach pension age, and not all mobility difficulties are down to getting older. It's certainly a neglected area, I think. I'm pleased you managed to get your award secured prior to retirement. Thanks for your interesting reply. Best wishes 😊

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Depending on your circumstances you may be able to apply for Pension Credit. Age UK is a good site for resources.

ageuk.org.uk/information-ad...