PIP - Mandatory Reconsideration?

MrsBrooks13

I have been awarded Standard Rate PIP on a first time application. Whilst I am very pleased and relieved to have received an award and generally agree with the DWP decision maker’s report, I am considering an MR. This is because I scored 11 points. An additional point would entitle me to ‘Enhanced’ rate so monetarily there is a difference of £30 a week. 

Having considered the report and compared it to the descriptors, I feel I have been awarded insufficient points for one of them as in the decision notes there is no mention of the difficulties I reported. I don’t know if they have been overlooked or simply disregarded. I requested a copy of the assessor’s report 3 weeks ago but have not received it. DWP have confirmed it was sent to me and I have requested it is re-sent but a week later I still haven’t received it. My time limit to apply for an MR is only a few days away.

All other descriptors are accurately reported so I have no issue with those.

My question is:- do I risk having the whole award reassessed if I apply for an MR and potentially lose my award if reassessed at <8 points?

Or can I avert this by stating I am satisfied with all other descriptors as reported and only seek a revision of the descriptor I feel has not been appropriately scored?

 

poppy12345

You don't need the assessment report to request the MR. What you simply do is write where you think you should have scored those points and your reasons why. Then add a couple of recent real world examples of what happened the last time you attempted that activity.

They usually look at the whole award again but you can mention that you are happy with the other points you were awarded.

The most likely outcome of the MR is the decision will remain the same but there has been people that have been given more points at this stage, resulting in a higher award.

There's a form here for you to use or you can write your own letter. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/challenge-a-decision-made-by-the-department-for-work-and-pensions-dwp

Although they tell you, you have 1 month to request this, you actucally have 13 months. If DWP refuse at this stage because you were outside the 1 month then simply take it to Tribunal.

It will also be helpful to have a read of this to give yourself a better understanding of the descriptors and what they mean.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

TELLIT01

If you are only 1 point away from the higher award there is a better chance that it will be upgraded at MR stage, but certainly no guarantee.

MrsBrooks13

Quick update - I applied for the MR. I rang DWP yesterday to check if they received my paperwork. No they hadn’t but as I also telephoned to say I wanted an MR 3 weeks ago, my case has been logged. They suggested I re-send the paperwork and also explained they are facing such a backlog that as of today they are dealing with MR’s received up to 9th June …..

peteuk

Although no expert, I have to assume from your post you have been informed of the descriptors and narrative of the report.  However you don't state which aspect of PIP you've been awarded (Mobility or daily living) nor do you mention which activity you believe you've been under scored in. (obviously I don't want to pry into your health)

As you've mentioned the activity you're question has not taken into account your difficulties, it might be that they have discounted  your difficulties and hopefully youll see this when you receive the report.  It also might be the difficulties you've claimed don't apply to that activity. 

There is a big back log with PIP claims and as you mention MR's, but hopefully once you receive your report and the MR is reviewed then youll get a clearer picture and hopefully a higher award.