PIP application,change in circumstances.Who do I report to?

leanne1910

Hi there,

Looking for some help from anyone who happens to know anything about PIP applications.
I sent my application away last month with help from CAB,since then one my medications Trazodone has increased by 150mg to 450mg,is this worth reporting?If so who do I inform,ATOS or the DWP?

Also,my therapy has been changed too,I used to just see my psychiatric consultant and my community psychological nurse every fortnight but I have now been referred for psychotherapy with a psychological team and counselling along with the above which will be starting soon.Same question as above,who do I inform of this and do I need too as I know PIP is about care and help you need not so much the condition.
Should I make an appointment with CAB again and ask them to pass this information along?

I have been very ill lately but luckily this is one of my better days,on a bad day I can't even get out of bed let alone write on a forum to ask so thought I'm best doing it while I can so any info anyone can give me will be most appreciated.This PIP has me baffled,I've never bothered to apply for DLA in the past as I never thought my condition qualified so all this is so very new to me like all the others who have applied.

Thank you very much.

Leanne xx

Sparkletoes35

You need to phone the PIP number that is included in the first tear off slip of the application (which youre meant to keep safely) and let them know asap. Its best to inform of any changes however small as there is much stricter criteria for PIP.

bloolagoon

None of the above matter, it's whether your care needs have changed. So if the new medication makes an improvement in your condition with less care needs then inform them, likewise any additional care needs. If your care needs are the same as when you applied then there's no need to inform them.

Sparkletoes35

Any change of circumstances matter! Whether your condition is getting better or worse, each way, it has an impact on your needs both in care and mobility. Could mean the difference between Standard of Enhanced PIP! Not telling them could lead to suspicion when you go for assessment as they obviously use your application and it clearly states ANY change in condition should be updated no matter which stagfe your application is at. Exact same with Attendance Allowance and was exact same with DLA. I complete these forms everyday in my work.

bloolagoon

Sparkletoes35 wrote: »

Any change of circumstances matter! Whether your condition is getting better or worse, each way, it has an impact on your needs both in care and mobility. Could mean the difference between Standard of Enhanced PIP! Not telling them could lead to suspicion when you go for assessment as they obviously use your application and it clearly states ANY change in condition should be updated no matter which stagfe your application is at. Exact same with Attendance Allowance and was exact same with DLA. I complete these forms everyday in my work.

If the care needs haven't changed it doesn't! A change in medication can have zero effect on day to day care. Having 2 sessions a week can not impact anything. You only need to inform when your condition changes not medication. This is very important as often short term medication can cause short term effects and often it takes a long time to find a combination that works for an individual.

You seem to be confusing a change in medication with a change in condition and the two are not the same.

Sparkletoes35

If your therapy has changed and therefore you may need more help to get there and a current list of medication is required within an application and therefore dependant on conditions/illness, you may not even require to be called for assessment hence why they must know every change in your claim. Plus taking medication, how did you complete the form? This could have an impact on doseage/times taken and did you state you need help with taking medication, if so, again, hence the updated information.

bloolagoon

Sparkletoes35 wrote: »

If your therapy has changed and therefore you may need more help to get there and a current list of medication is required within an application and therefore dependant on conditions/illness, you may not even require to be called for assessment hence why they must know every change in your claim. Plus taking medication, how did you complete the form? This could have an impact on doseage/times taken and did you state you need help with taking medication, if so, again, hence the updated information.

Can you imagine how often people update in this situation? It's irrelevant how much help you need to get there, your needs have not changed. Medication can change daily and it can be dangerous. If the medication was altered to IMPROVE their conditions then it can be taken as an improvement in condition, which may not be the case. PIP/DLA is based on needs over months, they are to be expected over the next 9 months. A temporary change in medication doesn't mean anything has altered.

My patients would spend their life on the phone as so many small things happen but reality is nothing on their form has really changed.

As I said the danger is - ok medication changed equals improvement. It doesn't especially with the medication OP is referring to.

IF her needs have changed report, a change in dosage isn't relevant as could only last a few weeks.

Sparkletoes35

So basically are you saying that if you have an increase in medication and your therapy has been increased suggesting that your condition has worsened hence the need for more medication and more treatment that it doesnt impact your care needs either way?! If this impacts on the care needs i.e help to take medication or with mobility help, then don;t bother telling them?!...

bloolagoon

Sparkletoes35 wrote: »

So basically are you saying that if you have an increase in medication and your therapy has been increased suggesting that your condition has worsened hence the need for more medication and more treatment that it doesnt impact your care needs either way?! If this impacts on the care needs i.e help to take medication or with mobility help, then don;t bother telling them?!...

No I am saying if your condition changed inform them, if your medication and therapy changed but your condition is the same you don't. Refer you to my first post saying just that. It's the change in condition not medication/therapy.

There is nothing that says ops condition has changed only the management of it. The management doesn't need reported just the condition change.

bloolagoon

To add how dangerous advice can be. OP is having a good day probably based on a very temporary change in medication. The long term change is not yet known. OP reporting a change to the false positive damages.

You cannot report every management change only if your care needs change.

Sparkletoes35

Exactly! We are guessing as to the needs that are potentially changed due to the nature of illness and why the sudden increase of medication and therapy within a month since submitting the application however, in my experience, people claiming PIP/DLA do have difficulty in remembering to take prescribed medication so if theres an increase, then this may be given in an extra doseage therefore more help required to take/remembering to take through help of another person and also, not sure whether theres a disability in which case then care needs are higher than before.

Changes to daily living or mobility needs, for example more or less help or support is needed or the condition will last for a longer or shorter time then the claimant has previously told the DWP about needs to be updated as it may affect entitlement to PIP amount and period of award.