Latest news with #DisabilityLivingAllowance
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
'Spend a day in our life, PM' says mum whose disabled daughter may lose PIP
Holly Wright is a mum of four - three of whom have various levels of disability who could lose hundreds of pounds of support a month under the new rules Holly Wright, 39, is a mum of four - three of whom have various levels of disability who could lose hundreds of pounds of support a month under the new rules. Her eldest son Kye, 18, has a learning disability and is eligible for PIP, which is unlikely to be affected. But Holly's middle daughter, Freya, is nearly 15 and due to transition from family support onto PIP in a year. Holly fears Freya, who needs speech and language therapy and occupational therapy, won't qualify for PIP once it's reformed. Freya has autism, sensory processing disorder, and hypermobility. She said despite a legal assessment confirming Freya's needs, she's struggled to get her local council, Southampton, to pay out for therapies they're required to support. "You can't get them to fund anything without hammering them in a tribunal," Holly told the Mirror. "Freya doesn't need as much support [as her brother], but she does need constant reminding about things." Freya attends a special needs secondary school, and as well as occupational and speech therapy, currently does horse riding as a therapy - something quite common among children with disabilities. "It helps with her co-ordination, and she has quite serious hypermobility, so it helps her build core muscle strength," Holly said. But she fears she wouldn't be able to afford the therapy if Freya's money were to change significantly. Holly estimates that the cash difference if Freya is refused PIP once she outgrows Disability Living Allowance could be as much as £400 a month. And Holly would almost certainly lose her status as Holly's carer, and the Carer's Allowance top-up of £83.30 a week that comes with it. "They'd expect me to go back to work," she said. "These children aren't capable of being left at home on their own." Asked what message she'd like to send to the Prime Minister, Holly said: "Come and spend a day in our life, so you can see how broken everything is."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Nearly half a million people claiming Adult Disability Payment worth up to £749 every month
New figures from Social Security Scotland show that there are now 476,295 people in receipt of Adult Disability Payment (ADP). Of the total number of claimants, 157,700 (33%) are new applicants and 318,600 (67%) had their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) award transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions. The data also shows that the average time to process a new claim for ADP is now 37 working days, just under eight weeks. This means people making a new claim this month could have an award decision before the end of August, although it's important to be aware that some applications can take shorter or longer to process. Many people thinking about making a new claim may not be aware that there are two parts to the ADP application process and that if you complete part two (the condition questionnaire) within eight weeks of the date you submitted part one (personal details, GP details, etc) and your claim is successful, payments will be backdated to that date. It's important to be aware that ADP is paid four weeks in arrears and that failing to submit the claim within the eight-week period may result in a different start date of entitlement. Guidance from Social Security Scotland explains: 'An individual can begin an application either by phone or online. This is Part 1 of the application process. 'Once they have started, the individual has eight weeks to return the completed Part 2 of the application in order to ensure their entitlement to Adult Disability Payment begins on the date they completed Part 1. 'If an application is submitted after the 8 week period, the date of their entitlement may be later, depending on whether they have good reason for having submitted it late e.g. they have been in hospital.' A successful new claim for the devolved payment is worth the same amount as its DWP counterpart, Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This means people over the age of 16 with a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition could receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week - paid every four weeks. ADP and PIP weekly payment rates 2025/26 Daily Living Component Standard rate: £73.90 Enhanced rate: £110.40 Mobility Component Standard rate: £29.20 Enhanced rate: £77.05 Scotland's welfare system is encouraging people to check for supporting information to include with their claim, which can help speed up the decision-making process. Social Security Scotland said: 'We need supporting information to help make the right decisions as quickly as we can on disability benefit applications. While we can source this information for clients, our research has found some people may have supporting information to hand but do not realise it. 'This might be because they don't know what is useful to us or that supporting information can come from a range of professionals.' It added, as an example, that if someone regularly sees a counsellor, physical therapist or support worker, they could be a better source of supporting information than a GP they may not have contacted for some time. Examples of supporting information include: care plans prescription lists a child's additional support needs plan letters from a local authority outlining housing adaptations letters or a report from HR explaining workplace adjustments letters from teachers explaining what support the child needs at school referral letters to specialists (e.g. CAMHS) Part two of the ADP application form asks about: your condition and how it affects your ability to look after yourself, understand information, and communicate with other people what help and support you need and why how you move around outdoors any medication, treatment or equipment you need Official guidance on explains other information which could help support your answers in part two includes: information about your condition or your symptoms, if you're still waiting for a diagnosis information about any medical tests you have had, and the results if you have them contact details for your GP contact details for anyone else who could give more information about your condition, such as a family member or someone who looks after you More help about completing an application for Adult Disability Payment can be found on the Disability Rights UK website - a guide covering the whole application process can be downloaded for free here. How to upload supporting documents online For help submitting supporting documents online you can contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222. There is also an upload page on here with all the details and document formats you need to know. The Scottish Government also announced earlier this year that third sector organisations are to be paid a fee for helping provide supporting information for people applying for Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment. The £33.50 fee will be paid when they are asked by Social Security Scotland to complete a supporting information request form. People who are applying for disability benefits who find it difficult or face barriers gathering supporting information themselves will be able to name organisations to provide this for them. These can include third sector organisations that are helping them in their day-to-day lives, such as those offering social care or support during an illness. Collecting supporting information on behalf of people is one of the key differences in how people are encouraged and supported to apply for Scottish Government disability benefits. Supporting information request forms are completed to help understand how a person's health condition or disability affects their lives and what support they need. As well as information from health and social care professions, information could also come from charities and third sector organisations who support disabled people. The process of requesting and giving equal consideration to supporting information from third sector organisations is not offered by the DWP in England and Wales to people applying for disability benefits including PIP, Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance. Social Security Scotland said this is another example of how it is doing things differently to better support people applying for benefits. To get help completing an application form, you may also be able to use a free advocacy service - find out more here.
North Wales Live
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
Full list of people who automatically qualify for a Blue Badge
Blue Badges can be incredibly beneficial for individuals with disabilities or health conditions, allowing them to park nearer to their destination. However, many drivers might not realise that certain people automatically qualify for a badge. You have the option to apply for one for yourself, on behalf of someone else, or an organisation that transports individuals who require a Blue Badge. The cost is up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland, while it's free in Wales. Typically, the badges are valid for up to three years. But what are the guidelines for applying for a Blue Badge and what is the eligibility criteria? Here's a rundown of all the individuals who can automatically receive a Blue Badge, those who may get one if they meet the criteria, and what documents you need to apply. The list includes individuals who receive DWP disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The specific rules regarding PIP and Blue Badges are detailed below. More information can be found here. And you can apply for a Blue Badge here, reports Chronicle Live. Who can automatically get a Blue Badge You automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you are aged three or over and at least one of the following applies: you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) you receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) because you can't walk more than 50 metres (a score of 8 points or more under the 'moving around' activity of the mobility component) you are registered blind (severely sight impaired) you receive a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement you have received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking you receive the mobility component of PIP and have obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E under the 'planning and following journeys' activity, on the grounds that you are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress The Department for Transport says: "If you have any score other than 10 points under descriptor E, in the 'planning and following journeys' activity of PIP you may still be eligible for a Blue Badge, but you do not automatically qualify. This includes if you have a higher score of 12. You will have to provide evidence to demonstrate your eligibility which will be assessed as part of your application." Who may get a Blue Badge You may be eligible for a badge if one or more of the following applies: you cannot walk at all you cannot walk without help from someone else or using mobility aids you find walking very difficult due to pain, breathlessness or the time it takes walking is dangerous to your health and safety you have a life limiting illness, which means you cannot walk or find walking very difficult and have a SR1 form you have a severe disability in both arms and drive regularly, but cannot operate pay-and-display parking machines you have a child under the age of three with a medical condition that means the child always needs to be accompanied by bulky medical equipment you have a child under the age of three with a medical condition that means the child must always be kept near a vehicle in case they need emergency medical treatment you are constantly a significant risk to yourself or others near vehicles, in traffic or car parks you struggle severely to plan or follow a journey you find it difficult or impossible to control your actions and lack awareness of the impact you could have on others you regularly have intense and overwhelming responses to situations causing temporary loss of behavioural control you frequently become extremely anxious or fearful of public/open spaces The Department for Transport states: "Your local council will decide if you are eligible for a badge. They cannot start the assessment process until they have all the necessary evidence. It may take 12 weeks or longer to assess your application. If they decide that you are not eligible and you think that they did not take account of all the facts, you can ask them to consider your application again." What you need to apply for a Blue Badge You will need to provide: proof of identity proof of address a recent head and shoulders digital photo your national insurance number (if you have one) contact details (phone number, email and postal address) To prove your identity, you can provide a copy of either: birth or adoption certificate passport driving licence marriage or civil partnership certificate divorce or dissolution certificate To prove your address, you can provide a copy of either: a recent council tax bill a recent letter from a Government department such as Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) driving licence a recent letter from a school (if you are under 16) If you are eligible because you receive one of the benefits mentioned above, you will need to provide proof of benefits. For PIP, you'll need to know the scores from the mobility assessment and the award end date (if applicable). You'll also be asked to provide proof of the PIP award. This would be the three pages from the letter from DWP, which clearly shows - entitlement to PIP (front page), assessment scores (second to last page) and mobility scores (last page). For DLA, you'll need to know which rate of the mobility component you receive and the award end date (if applicable). You'll also be asked to provide proof of the DLA award. This should be the most recent letter from DWP, which clearly shows - mobility rating, certificate of entitlement to DLA and the date of the letter. Proof of eligibility The Department for Transport explains that if you are applying without one of the benefits, the application will need to be assessed by the issuing local council. To help assess the application, you'll be asked to provide extra information depending on the answers you give when you are checking eligibility. If you cannot walk or find walking difficult or you have a non-visible (hidden) condition, you will be asked to provide details of any relevant medication that is taken, relevant treatments that you receive or are due to receive, and healthcare or associated professionals that have been involved with the treatment of your condition. You will be asked if you want to upload supporting documents. This could be prescriptions, diagnosis letters or correspondence between professionals that treat your condition. If you cannot walk or find walking difficult, you will also be asked questions around how your condition affects your walking. If you have a non-visible (hidden) condition, you will also be asked questions around how journeys between your vehicle and destination are affected by your condition. More details are available here.
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Older people on Attendance Allowance may be due an extra £331 each month
Low-income pensioners on disability benefits, or those providing unpaid care, may be entitled to extra financial support. Online guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on explains that if someone of State Pension age on a low income receives Attendance Allowance or the middle or highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), they may be entitled to extra Pension Credit. This will also include older people in Scotland claiming the new Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). The disability element of Pension Credit is now worth £82.90 per week, which amounts to £331.60 every four-week pay period. Similarly, a couple claiming Pension Credit where one person is claiming a disability benefit, will also receive an extra £82.90 each week and if someone is paid Carer's Allowance they may be entitled to extra weekly Pension Credit of £46.40. Older people may also get this extra Pension Credit if they are entitled to Carer's Allowance but are not being paid it, or being paid it at a lower amount than normal, because they are being paid a higher amount by another, income-related benefit such as the State Pension - more commonly referred to as an 'underlying entitlement'. Nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including more than 125,000 living in Scotland, are currently receiving Pension Credit, which the DWP recently confirmed could provide an average of £4,300 in support during the year ahead. However, the latest figures from the DWP suggest there are still 760,000 eligible pensioners not claiming the benefit they are entitled to. Some older people think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, which can also provide access to help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax. Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £227.10 a week for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples. It is a tax-free payment for those who: have reached Pension Credit qualifying age, which is State Pension age, and live in Great Britain Quickest way to check eligibility for Pension Credit Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are currently open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert help and advice is also available from: Independent Age Income Max Citizen's Advice Age UK Below is an overview of the benefit including who should check eligibility, how to go about it and how much you could get. Pension Credit in a nutshell Pension Credit gives people extra money to help with their living costs if they are over State Pension age and on a low income. It can also provide access to a range of other benefits. The benefit tops up income to a minimum of £227.10 per week for single pensioners and £346.60 for couples - more if a person has a disability or caring responsibilities. Other help if you get Pension Credit If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in Council Tax discount Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme and Winter Fuel Payment A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit In May 2019, the law changed so a 'mixed age couple' - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a 'working age' couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits. This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until they are both State Pension age. Before this DWP change, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age. How to use the Pension Credit calculator To use the calculator on you will need details of: earnings, benefits and pensions savings and investments You'll need the same details for your partner if you have one. You will be presented by a series of questions with multiple choice answer options. This includes: Your date of birth Your residential status Where in the UK you live Whether you are registered blind Which benefits you currently receive How much you receive each week for any benefits you get Whether someone is paid Carer's Allowance to look after you How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions Any employment earnings Any savings, investments or bonds you have Once you have answered these questions, a summary screen shows your responses, allowing you to go back and change any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then displays how much benefit you could receive each week. All you have to do then is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support. There's also an option to print off the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form quicker without having to look out the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or your family member to make sure you're receiving all the financial support you are entitled to claim. Who cannot use the Pension Credit calculator? You cannot use the calculator if you or your partner: are deferring your State Pension own more than one property are self employed have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit How to make a claim You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. You will need: your National Insurance number information about your income, savings and investments your bank account details, if you're applying by phone or by post If you're backdating your claim, you'll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. Apply online You can use the online service if: you have already claimed your State Pension there are no children or young people included in your claim To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
Leader Live
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Rose Ayling-Ellis thanks Claudia Winkleman for getting her a job on Doctor Who
The 30-year-old said her guest appearance in The Well episode of the BBC sci-fi series earlier this year, which was rewritten for her, was a dream come true in an interview with Big Issue. She said: 'Doctor Who was on my bucket list. 'I really wanted to be on it, I saw Russell T Davies at an awards ceremony and Claudia Winkleman forced me to speak to him. 'So it's thanks to Claudia that I got the job. 'It was already written, so they changed it to make her a deaf character, but that's great. 'I don't want every character to be defined by their deafness.' in the interview, Ayling-Ellis also shared her concerns over government welfare cuts to disability benefits announced earlier this year. She explained: 'My big issue at the moment is the cuts to disability benefit, that's such an important issue for so many people. 'There's a lot of fear around. 'Rather than making cuts, they need to support disabled people better. 'People making (benefit) assessments need to have better disability awareness. 'I remember mine years ago, they wanted a telephone call to assess my need for Disability Living Allowance. 'I'm deaf, I can't hear you on the phone, and if I'd talked through an interpreter, they would say I can live independently and I'd have got nothing.' The ex-EastEnders star is now preparing to take on the lead role in ITV detective thriller Code Of Silence, which she is also an executive producer on. Speaking about her new role, she said: 'I'm not doing the producer job because I'm famous or whatever, I'm doing it because I'm deaf and I do all this extra work anyway. 'Every single project I do, I have to be the one saying, 'can we make sure we do this?', I always get that responsibility. 'So I wanted to be involved from the beginning of the process and not leave it all until the first day on set.' The full interview with Ayling-Ellis can be found in this week's Big Issue, available from local vendors, and online at
