Can You Get Disability Living Allowance For Asthma?
No, you cannot directly get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for asthma. DLA has been replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for most people. However, if your asthma severely impacts your ability to carry out daily living activities or your mobility, you may be eligible for PIP.
Understanding Asthma and its Impact
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that inflames and narrows the airways in the lungs. This can cause recurring episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. While many people manage their asthma effectively with medication and lifestyle adjustments, some individuals experience severe asthma that significantly limits their daily activities and mobility.
The Transition from DLA to PIP
It’s crucial to understand that Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is being phased out and replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those aged 16 and over. DLA remains for children under 16 with disabilities. When considering “Can You Get Disability Living Allowance For Asthma?” the focus should be on the impact of your asthma, and how that impact might make you eligible for PIP.
PIP is not awarded based solely on a diagnosis but on how a health condition affects your daily life. Therefore, the critical question is how significantly your asthma impacts your ability to perform daily living activities and your mobility.
PIP: A Benefit Based on Needs, Not Diagnoses
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with extra living costs if you have an illness, disability or mental health condition. It’s made up of two components:
- Daily Living Component: This is for people who need help with everyday tasks such as:
- Preparing food
- Washing and bathing
- Dressing and undressing
- Communicating
- Reading
- Managing medication
- Making decisions about money
- Socialising
- Mobility Component: This is for people who have difficulty with getting around. It covers difficulties with:
- Planning and following a journey
- Moving around.
Can You Get Disability Living Allowance For Asthma? – no, but the impact your asthma has on these activities could mean you are eligible for PIP.
Assessing Your Eligibility for PIP with Asthma
To determine if you might be eligible for PIP because of asthma, consider the following:
- Severity of Asthma: Is your asthma well-controlled with medication, or do you experience frequent and severe attacks?
- Impact on Daily Activities: Does your asthma make it difficult to breathe, walk, or perform simple tasks? Are you constantly fatigued?
- Need for Assistance: Do you require help from others to manage your asthma symptoms or perform daily activities?
- Impact on Mobility: Can you walk a reasonable distance without becoming breathless or fatigued? Can you plan and follow a journey independently?
The PIP Application Process
The PIP application process typically involves the following steps:
- Contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP): Call the PIP claim line to start the application process.
- Complete the PIP Claim Form: This form asks detailed questions about how your asthma affects your daily living and mobility. Be as specific as possible, providing examples of the challenges you face.
- Provide Supporting Evidence: Include medical reports, letters from your doctor or specialist, and any other documents that support your claim.
- Attend a PIP Assessment: You may be asked to attend a face-to-face assessment with a healthcare professional. This assessment will evaluate your ability to perform daily living and mobility activities.
- Receive a Decision: The DWP will review your application, supporting evidence, and assessment report to make a decision about your eligibility for PIP.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for PIP with Asthma
- Vague Descriptions: Provide specific examples of how your asthma affects your daily life.
- Underestimating Your Needs: Don’t downplay the severity of your symptoms or the level of assistance you require.
- Failing to Provide Supporting Evidence: Medical reports and letters from healthcare professionals can significantly strengthen your claim.
- Inconsistent Information: Ensure the information you provide on the PIP claim form is consistent with the information you provide during the assessment.
The Importance of Supporting Evidence
Providing comprehensive supporting evidence is crucial for a successful PIP application. This evidence can include:
- Medical Reports: Reports from your doctor, specialist, or respiratory nurse.
- Hospital Discharge Summaries: Documents detailing any hospital admissions related to your asthma.
- Medication List: A list of all medications you are currently taking for your asthma.
- Care Plans: If you have a care plan in place, include a copy of it.
- Letters from Carers: Letters from family members or friends who provide assistance with your care.
| Type of Evidence | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical Reports | Detailed reports from your doctor or specialist outlining your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. |
| Hospital Discharge Summaries | Summaries detailing your hospital admissions, including the reason for admission, treatment received, and discharge plan. |
| Medication List | A comprehensive list of all medications you are taking, including dosage and frequency. |
| Care Plans | A written plan outlining the support and care you receive from healthcare professionals or carers. |
| Letters from Carers | Letters from family members or friends who provide assistance, detailing the type and frequency of support. |
Appealing a PIP Decision
If your PIP application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process typically involves the following steps:
- Mandatory Reconsideration: Request a mandatory reconsideration of the decision. The DWP will review your application and supporting evidence again.
- Appeal to the Tribunal: If the mandatory reconsideration is unsuccessful, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. The tribunal will hear your case and make a decision about your eligibility for PIP.
Can You Get Disability Living Allowance For Asthma? and Children
Children under 16 can still claim DLA. If your child’s asthma is severe enough to require significantly more care than a child of the same age without asthma, you may be eligible. The same principle applies: the level of care and attention needed dictates eligibility, not the diagnosis alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What specific asthma symptoms are considered when assessing PIP eligibility?
The focus is on how symptoms affect your daily living and mobility. This includes frequency and severity of attacks, breathlessness, fatigue, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and the impact on your ability to perform tasks like walking, preparing food, or washing.
If I only have mild asthma, can I still apply for PIP?
It’s unlikely you’ll be eligible for PIP if your asthma is mild and well-controlled. PIP is intended for individuals whose conditions significantly limit their daily activities or mobility.
What if my asthma is only triggered by specific environmental factors?
Even if your asthma is triggered by specific factors, consider how it limits your daily life. If these triggers severely restrict your ability to participate in activities or require significant adaptations to your lifestyle, then mention this on your application.
How do I prove my asthma severity to the DWP?
Provide comprehensive medical evidence, including detailed reports from your doctor, specialist, and any other healthcare professionals involved in your care. Log your symptoms and how they affect your daily living.
Can I get PIP if I have other health conditions besides asthma?
Yes. Your eligibility for PIP is based on the combined impact of all your health conditions. Make sure to include information about all of your health conditions on your application.
What is the difference between the daily living and mobility components of PIP?
The daily living component is for help with everyday tasks, like preparing food or washing. The mobility component is for help with getting around. You can receive one or both components of PIP, depending on your needs.
How often are PIP assessments conducted?
The frequency of PIP assessments varies depending on the individual’s circumstances. Some people may have a review every few years, while others may have a longer award period.
What happens if I am unable to attend my PIP assessment?
Contact the DWP as soon as possible to explain why you are unable to attend your assessment. You may be able to reschedule the assessment. Failure to attend without a valid reason could result in your claim being denied.
Can a healthcare professional help me with my PIP application?
Yes. A healthcare professional, such as a respiratory nurse or occupational therapist, can provide valuable support and guidance with your PIP application. They can help you gather medical evidence and explain how your asthma affects your daily life.
What if my asthma gets worse after I have been awarded PIP?
You can report a change in your circumstances to the DWP. They may review your claim and reassess your eligibility for PIP.
What other benefits can I claim if I have asthma?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for other benefits, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit.
Is it worth applying for PIP if I’m not sure I’ll be eligible?
It’s always worth applying for PIP if you believe your asthma significantly limits your daily activities or mobility. The DWP will assess your eligibility based on the information you provide. Can You Get Disability Living Allowance For Asthma? – no, but by applying for PIP you may get the financial support you require.