Hi, my name is bumble!

bumble

Hi my sister age 56 has recently been diagnosed with early onset frontal lobe dementia (severe) and has been given 6-12 months to live. Meetings I'm told 6 months, but letter states 6-12. I am leaving work to be her carer as she has no family. But PIPS takes so long. Big delay of 8 weeks even getting first stage of application as she can not speak, so cannot use the phone! Any advice? 

zakblood

welcome to the forum

poppy123456

HI and welcome,

I'm one of the community champions here on scope. I'm so sorry to hear this.

That's a long time to have to wait for a PIP claim. Please look into claiming with the DS1500 form, this will allow your sister's PIP claim to be fast tracked and is only for those with a terminal illness with 6 months or less but that time is just a guide. Your sister will need a doctor to fill out the DS1500 form and then it can be sent with the claim form. First payment will then be about 2 weeks later. Please see link for details. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/how-to-claim-if-terminally-ill/

You could also become her appointee and this will allow you to have full control of the benefits she's claiming, you will be able to start the PIP claim off on her behalf and when you start the claim you will be able to ask about becoming her appointee at the same time. See link. https://www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits

When her PIP award is in place and she has the daily living part then you will be able to claim carers allowance for looking after her. See link. https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

It's a lot of information to take in but if you have anymore questions i'll be very happy to give you any advise you need, please just ask.