Benefits,

[Harrywogan]

A very simple question,if anyone can verify this, my neighbour who has G C A has in formed me I should be getting some kind of benefits, she is, IAM confused lol xx

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Don't think there are any benefits that are linked to GCA - maybe she has other problems that entitle her? Attendance allowance (or whatever it is called these days) is only if you require assistance with personal care and most people with GCA I know don't. DL got nothing despite being blind in one eye.

Did you ask her what she gets?

[Harrywogan in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, £200 a month lol xx

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Harrywogan]

Didn't mean how much but what benefit. Nice job if you can get it! Obviously non-means tested. Or they stretched the truth ...

[piglette]

There are disability benefits some of which are based on how poor you are, your age etc. As PMRPro says it would be interesting to know what benefit your neighbour gets. This lays out the benefits available. gov.uk/browse/benefits/disa...

[Harrywogan in reply to piglette]

Well piglette, thy have just sold a bungalow and not short of money,my husband says some people know the way round benefit system, but not us lol .

[piglette in reply to Harrywogan]

You mean they lie?? !! Do find out what benefit they are getting. The only one I can think off with no checks is attendance allowance.

[Pixix in reply to Harrywogan]

In other words, they probably should not be getting the benefit!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As PMRpro has said I did apply for Attendance Allowance -answer No! But it did seem to be geared more towards my mental health…which is probably why I wasn’t awarded it!

[Harrywogan in reply to DorsetLady]

Strange lol xx

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Harrywogan]

Always been too cheerful for my own good 😳..🤣😂

just seen your reply to piglette -too honest as well apparently!

[Harrywogan in reply to DorsetLady]

Me too DL xx

[Maryis80 in reply to Harrywogan]

My husband gets attendance allowance as he had Alzheimer's. Age UK filled in the form for us but it did the five months to be dealt with by the DWP but it was back dated when it was events approved. Also some Councils give redu ction on council tax to people with Alzheimer's and similar mental health problems

[Toolie2]

Attendance Allowance is based on how much help you need with personal care, which includes things like keeping clean, eating and communication. So for instance, if someone can't see to cut their nails and can't see well enough to deal with emails, they might be eligible for the lower rate. I think the lower rate is about £270 for 4 weeks. They don't have to be getting the help, but if they need it they could be eligible. Also, if they are unable to pursue a hobby or go to social events, which they could do with help, it could come into it. You need to be quite creative when filling in the form, which is why it's best to have it done by AgeUK or Citizens Advice.

Disability Living Allowance is not available for people over retirement age, but if you qualify before that you keep on receiving it. After retirement you don't need to be mobile, or that seems to be the thinking.

If your neighbours have sold their own home, the money would be ring-fenced for a period of time to buy another property. If they didn't live in the property they sold, that money would be counted for means tested benefits.

AA and DLA are not means tested, it is paid regardless of other income.

I used to work for Citizens Advice, as a debt adviser, which often involves benefits, but I'm rusty. Sadly, I would trust AgeUK with my data rather than Citizens Advice, as they now have a nationwide recording system, rather than being specific to each bureau, which compromises confidentiality, in my opinion.

[Hulotsholiday in reply to Toolie2]

Just to clarify; it’s now called Personal Independence Payment (PIP), not DLA. There are two elements, personal care and mobility. Points are awarded dependent upon how your ability to do certain things is affected. Things like washing, dressing, preparing food, planning journeys, walking… I’ll find a link to a benefits website which I know is reliable and helpful and explains all in full.

[Toolie2 in reply to Hulotsholiday]

Yeah, I haven't kept up to date with the benefit system, but benefits are phased in and out, which makes it so fiendishly complicated. So anyone who was awarded DLA pre PIP, will still be receiving it until a change of circumstances or a review triggers a transfer. I think.

[Pixix in reply to Toolie2]

Reply for HarryWogan really…but can’t copy & paste & need to go & let the dog out! Actually, all those on D LA were subjected to a rigorous personal interrogation which lasted 2 hours, & a very very multi page form to fill. So many people were receiving DLA without being truly disabled (perhaps like Harrywogan’s neighbours) & there was a clamp down,which, sadly, was needed. With PIPif you can dress yourself, feed yourself & walk (doesn’t matter how much pain it causes) a short distance, you are not disabled. The benefit is for those who need home care, help with mobility, wheelchair users, & the like, & is followed up yearly by a phone call, and/or another interview. I can’t see, personally, how anybody with just PMR/GCA which is being steroid treated & is not permanent for rest of life. But there may be other benefits depending on age. Those would be temporary. Contacting the Citizens Advice Bureau is a good way to start.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pixix]

And actually - if they really are suffering from plumbous pendulatum, it should be reported. If you don't really qualify or need it, it is fraud. And taking from others who DO need it. There is an anonymous hotline amongst other options.

[Pixix in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, it should, it’s taking away from those who really need it, imho.

[Stills in reply to PMRpro]

Love that phrase 🤣

[Hulotsholiday in reply to Toolie2]

That’s my understanding too. And the PIP ‘tests’ to meet qualification criteria are challenging!

[Pixix in reply to Hulotsholiday]

They are challenging because they are aimed at disabled people, not people with a short term illness, or longer term illness. There are other things that cover those areas.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pixix]

And things that can be well managed with medication.

[Pixix in reply to PMRpro]

Absolutely! Thanks for adding that! We see many posts here when people are troubled, but still leading normal lives, seeing their family, looking after grandkids, shopping, walking, albeit less or slowly, going on holiday. Plus the basics of getting dressed, preparing food & eating it. Then they are not disabled I think, & should look elsewhere for benefits perhaps.

[Hulotsholiday in reply to Pixix]

And it’s right that they’re challenging. DWP anticipated a few thousand claimants when they introduced DLA to help people living with disabilities. They received something approaching a million and rising pig because the criteria were easy to meet. The questions are designed to identify those with a real need and weed out false claims but I suspect the shysters are still getting through…because they’re system aware whilst those who desperately need some extra support are losing out. Many honest people are put off by the length of the form and the follow up interview. There’s no easy solution. And a false claim is a criminal act.

[Pixix in reply to Hulotsholiday]

I agree. But those that really need it will fill in the forms, then have the interview etc. it’s not designed to stop those in need!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hulotsholiday]

All I'd like is a parking badge - but here you have to be half dead to qualify!!!!

[random901 in reply to Toolie2]

Totally agree re form-filling. Age UK were marvellous and I got the lower rate of Attendance Allowance. This was after I had major aorta surgery (probably caused by undiagnosed GCA), and I have other conditions which made me eligible for the benefit.

[Pixix in reply to random901]

There you go! A case where you had major aorta surgery & needed help & got attendance Allowance…great! Plus, as you say, you have other conditions.

[Bramble2000]

Why not apply and see. Completely pointless comparing with someone else.

[Hulotsholiday]

This organisation below is spot on for help and advice. The detailed guides are only available to subscribers. Annual membership is around £15 with a discount code. If you were thinking of applying for a benefit, I believe their step by step guide which walks an appIicant through every question on the form is essential. They explain the reasoning behind every question and how to answer to maximise your chance of getting points

I have no connection with the organisation but I joined a few years ago when my OH was working and had to retire early on ill health grounds. Trying to understand the benefits system is a minefield and DWP are unhelpful and local CA gave wrong info.

The link here is a starting point for PIP and a wander round the site will give you a feel for what they can offer. I have to say that a claim based on PMR/GCA alone would, I believe, fail to qualify.

benefitsandwork.co.uk/perso...

[Pixix in reply to Hulotsholiday]

I think if it’s just one benefit & you know which one it’s easy to apply & shouldn’t need to join something & pay an annual membership (especially if you only have PMR/GCA as health issues). But I agree that people need help in the complex situations of whether it’s attendance allowance or care needed etc etc. i hadn’t heard of this organisation & have disabled friends who would benefit from help, thanks!

[Toolie2]

I am very uncomfortable with speculation about whether anyone should or shouldn't be eligible for a benefit and anonymous helplines are anathema and totally shocking.

[Hulotsholiday in reply to Toolie2]

Are you suggesting the benefits and work organisation link above is an anonymous helpline? If so, that’s incorrect. They’re a registered charity which has been going for years and they specialise in benefits advice.

[Toolie2 in reply to Hulotsholiday]

No of course not. I probably put that in the wrong place. I was replying to the suggestion that people should report suspected fraud.

[Pixix in reply to Toolie2]

I agree…but a friend if mine’s neighbour was in a wheelchair, obviously able to claim…imagine her surprise when she saw photos & video of him dancing while away on a cruis ship!!

[Toolie2 in reply to Pixix]

Disability charities say that over 120,000 people have died, from malnutrition, starvation, suicide,etc, following cuts or sanctions being applied to their benefits. The level of benefit fraud is far lower than the popular press would have us believe. For my part, I would prefer a few undeserving claimants to slip through the net and those 120,000 people still be alive.

[Pixix in reply to Toolie2]

But on the other side of the coin I would rather those 120,000 people were alive & receiving the benefits than people who are applying without much wrong with them!! If they didn’t get so many applications then they could look into helping those people better! If the charities know, factually, that those have died, it sounds like the charities were unable to help them, too…back to Govt problems??!

[Hulotsholiday in reply to Toolie2]

The level and financial cost of benefit fraud is staggering. In a former life I worked on Government policy advice with the details. It’s an absolute minefield trying to achieve a balance which doesn’t exclude rightful claimants.

[Hulotsholiday in reply to Pixix]

It’s very difficult to make judgements about others. Wheelchair use doesn’t automatically give entitlement to benefits. Equally, wheelchair use doesn’t mean an individual is incapable of activity without the aid. However, such footage may well be used to prosecute fraudulent claims. Rightly.

[Pixix in reply to Hulotsholiday]

I agree. I’ve spent quite a lot of time in a wheelchair, but right now I can walk! And I’m grateful for it!! I wasn’t making any judgement.

[Sharitone]

I know the benefits system. It must be AA she is getting, it's £68.10 per week, more if you need care at night. There should be checks, but they are not so rigorous as with PIP. After all, they are not expecting to pay if for nearly so long as PIP! There is no mobility element in AA

With GCA, you would obviously qualify if you lost sight in both eyes. Otherwise you might get it if you suffer from really bad deathly fatigue to the extent that you need personal care or cannot cook simple meals.

The underlying principle in both AA and PIP is, do you need help from another person to manage a basic existence?

For people on a very low income, there may be some help with eg travel costs to appointments, and if you are under 60, with prescriptions.

[S4ndy]

I am familiar with the benefits system. It's designed to make it very difficult to claim fraudulently which also means that us folks who have to rely on it genuinely have to be put through the very stressful and long process to get your entitlement.PIP is awarded irrespective of income as is Attendance Allowance. Careful with making assumptions about people who are claiming and ,"don't look disabled"! There are many hidden disabilities that warrant an award of PIP. Both benefits are based on the assistance you require not an actual condition. This extends to mental as well as physical disabilities.

PIP can only be claimed if you are under retirement age. However, if you are receiving PIP prior to retirement age you can continue to receive it after whilst you still qualify.

The website Benefits and Work has great guides for claiming PIP And is an invaluable resource.

My advice is talk to AgeUK who can do a check to see if you are receiving all you are entitled too.

Don't expect it to be easy, it's very hard to get what you need/ are entitled to and can be degrading and downright stressful.

[Hulotsholiday]

‘Don't expect it to be easy, it's very hard to get what you need/ are entitled to and can be degrading and downright stressful.’

Spot on and that’s entirely due to the level of fraudulent claims. They make it difficult for those in genuine need and often least prepared or able to take on the ‘system’. It’s wrong, but an alternative is problematic.

[Whippetygirl]

Yes, I get a carers allowance of £279.00 a month, it was arranged by my daughters via a company called I’m worried about my mum a lovely lady came round to help us fill out the paperwork ( ex social worker who realised that a lot of people found the forms very confusing and hard to fill in) . It cost £150 pounds for her to come to the house and as soon as we said Polymyalgia she said we would definitely get it. I can’t give any more details as I am in hospital at the moment trying to get my pain under control until my spinal operation in the new year. Good luck and best wishes.x

[Harrywogan in reply to Whippetygirl]

Good luck to you as well ,and thanks xx