I have just found out that anybody over the age of sixty four is not entitled to claim for either Disability or Mobility Allowance.

However, if one claims for such under that age, the assistance lasts for life, providing they still are entitled.

This age limit law has nothing to do with latest austerity or social security cut backs, apparently it has been the case for decades.

It seems reasonable to me to expect many people over the age of sixty four and beyond to incur some kind of major injury (at that vulnerable time of life), that may require financial help to get about and continue their ‘quality of life’ as best they can. Be it support to purchase a motorised scooter, financial assistance to run a car with road fund licence exemption etc, or costs to hire taxis for every important journey like shopping or medical appointments.

All this already available to those under sixty four – but not for anybody claiming above that so restricted age.

The only assistance available for over sixty fours is Attendance Allowance which is accessed. It only covers costs for aid with washing, dressing etc, but not for independent mobility outside the home.

It basically means that if an elderly person around eighty suddenly trips, falls and breaks a hip that in future prevents them from walking any short distance outside, they are not entitled to claim one penny in assistance. On only a low pension and without any family help, they will either have to struggle to the shops, doctors, dentists, or abandon those excruciating tasks altogether and remain a prisoner within their own homes.

Can anybody please explain to me the 'logic' behind this long-time so unjust ruling?

Christine Peters, Wellington Road, Bournemouth