A legal challenge is being launched against proposed rules for qualifying for “PIP”, the benefit that replaces Disability Living Allowance. The new rules will deny the enhanced rate of payment to anyone who is able to walk more than 20 metres.
Hundreds of thousands of disabled people are set to lose DLA under the draft rules for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). A key change is the test for people with physical walking difficulties: they will only qualify for the enhanced mobility component of PIP if they are unable to walk more than 20 meters. This will mean that many current claimants will lose their Motability vehicle.
If the legal challenge is successful the DWP would be obliged to consult all over again on the changes, and could even result in a fairer set of rules for the mobility component.
But the legal campaign desperately need claimants who fit the tight criteria to be the ones who actually challenge the government. They need claimants who
# are eligible for legal aid – check your eligibility here (external site)
# currently have a DLA award including Higher Rate Mobility component
# are at risk of losing out on the enhanced mobility component of PIP because they can walk over 20 metres or so but cannot walk up to 50 metres.
If you think you fit the criteria and are willing to take part, you can find out more here (janeyoung.me.uk/2013/02/06/call-to-arms-...ing-pip-regulations/
Source; Arthritis Care
