PIP Mobility and aged 65 or over

[Lighttouch]

Should I be awarded the higher rate of PIP for mobility after a reassessment in/after Oct 2015 what happens to it when you hit 65 (some time off yet)?
Does -
- the award runs out and isn't renewed as it's only given until you're 65
- PIP turns into Attendance Allowance

[Flymo]

PIP works in the same way as DLA.

If you have the Mobility component before State Pension age of a man with the same date of birth, you can keep or renew it indefinitely. Once you pass this age, you can only get the same or a lower Mobility rate at renewal or on change of circumstances - you cannot get a Mobility component for the first time or move to a higher Mobility rate.


Everyone on DLA who was not 65 on 8 April 2013 will be reassessed for PIP. This reassessment will allow them to qualify for either rate of the PIP Mobility component, even if they have passed the age of 65 by the time they are reassessed. This creates a one time only exception to the usual rule that you cannot acquire a new or higher rate of the Mobility component after State Pension age, but it applies only to a small group of people, as those on DLA who were 65 on 8 April 2013 will remain under the DLA system.


You only move to Attendance Allowance if you lose entitlement to PIP entirely.

[Scotty1]

Hi flymo, that's interesting, so what about the care component is it the same

Scotty1

[Flymo]

The PIP Daily Laving component (and DLA Care component) has fewer restrictions above State Pension age, because people in this age bracket can make first time claims for the similar Attendance Allowance benefit.


You cannot make a new claim for PIP or DLA above State Pension age.

New awards of DLA lowest rate Care are not possible above State Pension age, because there is no equivalent of lowest rate Care in Attendance Allowance, or, for that matter, in PIP. If you are awarded lowest rate Care DLA before State Pension age, you can renew it indefinitely. Once you leave lowest rate Care DLA above State Pension age, whether that is by being awarded middle or highest rate Care, or by losing your Care component, you cannot usually return to it.


Both the answers I have given are subject to some qualifiers, in that there are limited provisions to reclaim the benefit you had after a short break. These answers intend to give the broad principles only - anyone needing advice on whether they can reclaim DLA or PIP above State Pension age should seek advice particular to their situation.