Benefits change could catch some out says Charity

Age Scotland is calling on older 'working age' people in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to be alert to changes to their benefits this month.  Some people who currently claim DLA for their care and (or) mobility needs will be affected by phasing in of the Personal Independent Payment (PIP) benefit  sooner than expected. 

As of 13th January, anyone who reports a change of circumstances to the Department for Work and Pensions and lives in what has been designated a Scottish 're-assessment' area will be told to claim the new Personal Independence Payment benefit instead of DLA.  The 're-assessment area' covers the following post code areas - EH, TD, DG and ML.  Existent claimants of DLA who live in this area also have the option to claim PIP instead if they wish.  Claimants who were age 65 or older before the 8th of April 2013 will not be affected by this change.

Age Scotland spokesperson Amber Scott says: "We are urging older DLA claimants to think carefully about their options if this applies to them.  They can call Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90 for advice on welfare reform and with regard to their individual situation."