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Smudge52

Member
Messages
6
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi, I am a Type 2 diabetic and have been since apparently when I had my double heart bypass 13 years ago. I am managing it somewhat by taking oral medicines, however I have been getting some tingling in the side of my lower leg and hips. I am happy enough and I have a wonderful partner who cares and loves me a lot. Without her I don't think my life would be as easy as it is. Still hope to gain a lot by being a member.

I do have one question though, why is it because of my age, 71, that I can't get any PIP or any other benefit because of it?
 
Hi @Smudge52 and welcome to the forums.
Smudge52 said:
I do have one question though, why is it because of my age, 71, that I can't get any PIP or any other benefit because of it?
Click to expand...

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit which has replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people between 16 and State Pension age.
www.nidirect.gov.uk
Looks like PIP only applies if you are less than state pension age, and you get attendance allowance after that?

But my (limited) understanding is that diabetes on its own doesn't qualify you, as though it's a chronic illness it doesn't necessarily cause a lot of issues. You have to look at what long term physical and mental disabilities you have, which may or may not be linked to the diabetes.
 
Welcome to the forum!
 
Welcome!
Good to hear your blood sugar control is fine.
I went low carb to improve mine. Not as daunting as it sounds and many of us find it very effective in lowering blood sugars and avoiding nerve damage complications.

It is only possible to get PIP prior to retirement, then it continues after if you still qualify. If applying for the first time post-retirement age we can only apply for Attendance allowance - which has no mobility component or help with cleaning, shopping, etc.
I raised this with my MP and DWP, but basically it would 'cost too much' to give us funding for the extra costs of mobility and other help.
Not fair but there doesn't seem to be much support to try to get it changed.
 
Hi @Smudge52 welcome to the forum

Here’s a link to the .gov site that explains Attendance Allowance, you may qualify for it as it’s not given on the conditions you have but the help you need, if you are awarded it it’s also a gateway to some other help such as reduction in council tax depending on the level you get. You can contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for help filling in the forms etc

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance helps pay for your personal care if you've reached State Pension age and are disabled - rates, eligibility, apply, claim form AA1.
www.gov.uk
 
Probably not entitled to pip as you are of pension age, attendance allowance is what my dad claimed. Carers allowance is what my mum claimed as she looked after dad. Age UK are good for advice regarding benefits etc worth checking out their website They can also help out with forms etc xx
 
Hello welcome. I am sure you will learn loads by being on here. I did.
 
filly said:
Hello welcome. I am sure you will learn loads by being on here. I did.
Click to expand...
PIP is only payable up to retirement age. If in receipt of it BEFORE it continues if you keep meeting the parameters. Otherwise you won't get it. You could try Attendance Allowance but the rules for that have got stricter.
 
Carers Allowance also stops for the carer claiming once you reach pensionable age because you then get your pension. Carers allowance is for working age people who cannot go out to work or can only work limited hours because they are a full time carer ( you have to be a carer for the person for at least 35 hrs a week)

Edited for spelling mistake
 
Just doesn't seem right to me, State pension is laughable and my two little company pensions are taxed by a third, so they are not worth having really, but without the little money I get from them just about keeps me afloat, just. It's a mental health thing isn't it. I know people throwing the mental health into things, but luckily at the moment it doesn't really bother me, but the worry is still there like it is for millions of other pensioners.
 
Try for the Attendance Allowance, it’s not means tested and you’ve nothing to lose, like I said in a previous post Citizens Advice are very good at helping people claim, they have trained advisors who know exactly the buzz words to use. It’s worth a try
 
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