PIP review form: what is the purpose?

ChrisJJ · 12 August 2016 at 3:33PM

Hi All,

My PIP was awarded until August 2017, next year. Today I received a form headed 'Personal Independence Payment - making sure your award is right'. It's not the full application form, just a review, asking if my condition has changed.

Is this usual? I'm particularly concerned as it states that if I don't return the form by 3rd September, my PIP could stop. Obviously I will be returning it post-haste, but it seems rather unfair (not that this surprises me...) as my award lasts until next year. I could understand it if it was the actual application form and it was time for me to re-apply, but this is just a 'checking up' thing.

I guess my question is: What is the purpose of these review forms? As I presume that next year I will still have to go through the whole re-application process again?

Thanks in advance!

pmlindyloo · 12 August 2016 at 3:44PM

ChrisJJ wrote: »

Hi All,

My PIP was awarded until August 2017, next year. Today I received a form headed 'Personal Independence Payment - making sure your award is right'. It's not the full application form, just a review, asking if my condition has changed.

Is this usual? I'm particularly concerned as it states that if I don't return the form by 3rd September, my PIP could stop. Obviously I will be returning it post-haste, but it seems rather unfair (not that this surprises me...) as my award lasts until next year. I could understand it if it was the actual application form and it was time for me to re-apply, but this is just a 'checking up' thing.

I guess my question is: What is the purpose of these review forms? As I presume that next year I will still have to go through the whole re-application process again?

Thanks in advance!

Is this what you are talking about? About 12 pages long? An AR1 form?

If it is then this is the new way of having a review or when you have a change of circumstances. Renewal forms are sent about a year before the renewal date (so about right in your case) If it is the new form then they will make a decision based on what you say on the form, any extra medical evidence and looking at your last PIP application.

The idea behind it is to cut down on the number of face to face assessments.

Have a read of this:

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/3539-new-pip-review-form

ChrisJJ · 12 August 2016 at 3:46PM

Oooh, and also: How likely is it that they would stop my award on the basis of the information I give in this form? There has been no change in my condition, therefore that's the box I will be ticking for all the sections (options; easier, harder, no change). I just don't trust them at all...

ChrisJJ · 12 August 2016 at 3:50PM

Thanks *pmlindyloo* - yes, that's the one. So, when you say they will make a decision based on information provided in this form, does that mean that in theory my award could stop? Before the stated end date? I knew I couldn't trust the !!!!!!s - any good news is usually not to be trusted :rotfl:

pmlindyloo · 12 August 2016 at 4:02PM

If you read the link you will see that a decision maker will look at the review form, any new evidence and your old assessment. Then they can make a decision or refer the review back to Maximus/Capita if they require more information.

There is little feedback about this new review form as it was only launched in June this year.

I would be inclined to get a letter from my doctor/medical professional to write a short letter saying that your condition is unchanged (if that is the case)

My own feeling is that they will not end a claim without your being referred for a new assessment. I cannot see many people putting that things have got easier as they should have reported it as a change of circumstances.

I'm not sure how this will work at cutting down the number of face to face assessments unless you provide medical evidence that your condition(s) are unchanged. Otherwise I can see it turning into a DLA situation where people were not subject to a review for years.

Tintoeve · 16 August 2016 at 12:49PM

I had the same review letter, went for assessment, had the same 'sorry for delay' letter and a week later had the decision that my claim was cancelled. My issue is with long term mental illness. Been waiting for over 2 years for therapy, having had 2 terrible and unsuitable therapies over the past 10 years, with years of waiting in between. My illness has certainly not improved and their decision has been made on physical grounds not mental health. I am going to have to appeal and that process sounds horrific BECAUSE of my mental illness. Can anyone give me any thread of experienced advice, or hope. I have been searching websites but cannot seem to find anything other than contacting the CAB. Has anyone been here and come out the other side with a successful appeal? Thank you.

TELLIT01 · 16 August 2016 at 1:17PM

I'm shocked, but not surprised, that reviews are now being done based on information provided in paper form. One of the great differences between DLA and PIP was supposedly that the vast majority of PIP claimants would have face-to-face interviews due to the perceived high level of fraud on DLA. That commitment seems to have been dropped very quickly, and equally quietly!