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People with epilepsy losing benefit on transfer to PIP
Written answer in parliament yesterday shows that large numbers of people with epilepsy are either not being awarded PIP (6550) or have reduced levels of benefit (2340) as they are reassessed from DLA. Probably not a surprise due to the lack of scope for scoring points under supervision but shocking nonetheless!
I seem to recall much pre PIP discussion around the fact that epilepsy cases looked likely to be big losers so I guess it sadly confirms what we already knew. There have been some exceptions but few and far between and, if ever you wanted an example of how the so-called “inconsistency” of DLA has been replaced by something wholly illogical then this is it.
Yes indeed, this exact issue came up many times on training courses, and now we’re seeing the sadly predictable results.
Our experience also. DM trots out the usual - ‘seizures do not happen on more than 50% of days so I cannot award points’.
But also some bizzare tribunal decisions -currently awaiting a SOR in a case where they awarded ERMC but 0 points DL!
Also seeing similar issues with conditions like autistic specrum disorders and pre-lingual deafness (contrast with, for example, significant learning disability where abolition of the day/night test can result in increased awards from mrCC to erDL).
Actually Peter I suspect your bizarre decision is as close as we’re getting to the norm. I’ve seen a fair few ERMCs for epilepsy.
I agree Mike
The new panel of judges decision on “safely” and “supervision” may well assist -
http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/forums/viewthread/11025/
but even with that in mind, it could be difficult to score sufficient points under daily living activities.