Ive recently had a face to face pip assessment after requesting a re assessment due to worsening of condition. The decision id now with the powers that decide. Today they called me to clarify exactly how long my condition has been significantly worse for. I sent extensive medical evidence that I thought explained this. Ftr it has been the case for the last 12 months but I didnt ask for the reassessment until 6 months ago. I feel like I've said something negative towards my claim...
Hi Jodie
You are very brave. My condition has got worse but I cannot cope with the stress of it all so I didn't bother saying anything. Now I'm due to have my review assessment. I wish i didn't have to. They have said they are coming to my house and I've no idea what to expect. I know I will probably and up worse off after this as i have been advised that most people are getting reductions lately
called you ask of condition to make decision for how long or change awards.
I have only been getting low rate care for the last two years, and don't expect that to increase, but I would hope to score on the mobility side this time and thinking about it I can't understand how I didn't last time. Possibly might not get high rate but I'll challenge it if not.
I get higher mobility but from advise that I have received then i think they are lowering nearly everyone. So I may loose my car
Hi Jodie,
I believe that the ruling says that you must have had difficulties for 3 months and expect them to last for at least 9 months, so saying you've had them for past 6 months should be absolutely fine. Good luck x
As it became significantly worse 12 months ago and I'm still suffering the symptoms of the same relapse, I wondered if they'd think I might improve and not be eligible for High rate. Realistically, my condition won't improve but they could suggest symptoms might. I don't know, I'm sure they're not going to be particularly giving... I'm just trying to disect the purpose of their call.maybe I'm over thinking!
That's because of the DLA rule of walking no more than 50 metres would have got you the Higher rate of Mobility..
Under PIP the distance has been reduced down to 20 metres to get the Enhanced rate Mobility.
Those that can walk between 21 metres and 50 metres will be down graded to Standard Mobility
What I find rather amusing is when I hear people wanting to tell the DWP for the DLA to PIP conversion that when they claimed DLA they said that they could only walk 49 metres then by a miracle the distance drops to 19 metres - oh yeah! Those attempting that will have to prove that the reduced distance is down to a medical issue and not just down to wanting to make sure that they keep their car.
Ive just dug out my supporting evidence that suggests that on a bad day I can walk 20metres or less but possibly on a good day I could manage 50-100 but with the full support of someone and in constant pain on both occasions. Ive no idea whether the criteria needs me to be able to do this independently or whether my getting full support counts me out of the ruling? I'm not overly confident, actually.
That's interesting - I mean the ability to measure exactly the distance.
This subject has been discussed before on here. How anyone can measure how far they walk is a complete mystery that is unless they actually measure it.
My own opinion on the distance that I could walk was way out. I thought it was under 20 metres but when I measured it it became over 22 metres.
As for having evidence that it is no more than 20 metres I do wonder how that came about.
I was assessed at the spinal unit at hospital many years ago on a walking machine which came up with under 40 metres. A report was made to the GP stating that figure. Once again when I measured out the distance as I knew it must be more than 40 metres I found that it was well over 50 metres.
I sent the report to the DWP (DLA re-assessment) and to be on the safe side I also told them on the claim form what the true measured distance was they sided with the Consultant and eventually re-awarded High rate Mobility based on the 40 metre assessment.
They must have disbelieved what my surveyors tape said.
Hi jodie, as sukes says, but when you reported your"e change did they send you a questionair to fill out? The date on this would be the start date for the change and any back payments.
Yes, I filled it in around June time...
just appeal
Depending on how long you've been claiming PIP there could be a number of reasons for the call, but if you're worried the best thing to do is ring the DWP and ask to speak to someone regarding your claim, to clarify why they rang. It could possibly besomething as simple as they have decided to make an enhanced award of one or more of the components and are checking to see how far it should be backdated. I think your question demonstrates perfectly Howe terrified people are about contacting the DWP about PIP, once an award has been made, and I do have a note of caution for anyone considering it.
All benefit recipients have to report any change of circumstance which may affect benefit entitlement - this is nothing new, it applied to DLA and applies to PIP. If your condition gets better before your review date, you MUST tell th DWP so they can determine if you still qualify.
However, if your condition worsens you really have to be sure that you have a good chance of achieving a higher award, because when you inform the DWP of the deterioration, the benefit rules (specifically PIP regulation 4) state that the whole award has to be looked at again, and there is no guarantee that you will benefit. For example, if you have enhanced rate mobility and standard rate care, and you ask for a review because you believe you may qualify for enhanced care, the DWP will also reconsider your mobility award as well and they may consider a lower award to be more appropriate, so you would be no better off, and if you have a motability car it would make things worse, as you would lose it. This DOES happen, so you need to be absolutely sure of yourself before you disturb a current award. I have dealt with the DWP on a number of occasions recently and have always found them to be helpful - although it can be difficult to get through on the phone lines. Contrary to popular belief, neither the DWP or any of the assessment providers have any 'targets' for getting people off benefits - this is an urban myth. Unfortunately the new benefit (PIP) was designed to save money by tightening eligibility so the perception is that there are targets. It's easy to see why people are worried. Please consider contacting the DWP and ask to speak to someone about your claim, because it might just put your mind at rest.
I thought that was just for the initial claim - eligibility to claim at all depends on this criteria. If a condition worsens a higher award can be made and backdated to the date you made them aware of it (assuming of course that they agree!!).
PIP assessors don't generally specify how far they think a claimant can actually walk. They tend to stick to the overall descriptor.
Thankyou, this is helpful. I called today and they told me that it has been decided that I continue to be eligible for the standard rate of care and also now I am eligible for enhanced mobility of which I had none before. I'm happy with this decision and now need to investigate what this allows me to do with it.
I've apparently been awarded this for 5 years...does this mean I am reassessed at that time?
I have seen claimants who can walk 100m end up with enhanced mobility under PIP. This is because they cannot do it reliably or repeatedly. To be judged capable of doing something you have to be capable of doing it throughout the day, as often as needed - not just once. Also if your bad days add up to more than 51% of the time, your decision should be based on what you can do on bad days as this is the majority of the time.
Hi Jodie. Really pleased for you. Yes, a five year award means that around 12 months before the award expires, the DWP will send you a review form to complete. This will ask about your condition and whether it is better, worse or the same as when you were awarded PIP. Depending on how you complete it, and any supporting evidence you send, there may also be a repeat face to face assessment. For now, just relax, knowing that you have a fair award. Well done. I also think this kind of explodes the myth that the DWP are out to reduce every award. Fair decisions CAN be had - I think the DWP need to focus on making sure all decision makers are properly trained and reducing any room for misinterpretation in PIP rules and regulations.