First time PIP Review

iklepig

Hello All,

I am the appointee for a relative. They receive PIP (enhanced both rates). We have now received a set of PIP review forms. We have never had to complete these before so are a little daunted by a different set of forms & could do with a little advice please. We can’t get any advice from local charities and the recipients conditions are long-term (some life long) & relatively unchanging.

The forms talk about changes since the original award was made. The thing is, nothing has changed! They are still having the same difficulties as before. So do we just put “no change” or do we tell them everything again?

E.g. Question 1 is Preparing food and cooking. “Tell us if something has changed and approximately when”
”Tell us how you manage this activity now, including the use of aids that you need”
”Tell us about any changes to the help you need or the help you get from a other person”

I am just worried that if we put “no change” they’ll think everything is ok. 

Should be describe what we told them before (although they only give you the space of 3 lines to write anything!)

Do they actually have access to your original PIP form and all the evidence? The form says only send new evidence but should we believe them? Should we send previous evidence too which showed my relative was diagnosed with a life-long condition?

Any advice on how to approach these forms would be gratefully received. 

Thanks in advance. 

poppy12345

I don't advise you to just put "no change" you need to treat it as a new claim and put as much information as possible. Use extra sheets of paper because there's limited room to put everything. Make sure you add name and NI number to everything you send and keep copies for yourself.

Adding a couple of real world examples of what happened the last time they attempted that activitiy for each descriptor that applies will also help.Include information such as where they were, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were.

Evidence you send should state exactly how their conditions affect them. Letters of a diagnosis, isn't the best evidence to send because PIP isn't about a diagnosis.

iklepig

Thank you for your response Poppy.

we were always told with DLA reviews to treat it like a new claim each time but the form was identical. This PIP review form is different to the new claim form and with less space 😡 
it’s difficult to answer the question”tell us if something has changed and approximately when” when really I will be restating how my relative has been for years! 

Thanks again for the advice. 

poppy12345

PIP review forms are always shorter than the PIP2 forms. This may help. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/pip-changes-and-reviews/help-with-your-pip-review-form/

Even with the PIP2 forms, there's never enough of room to put all the information.

Alice_Holt

Very sensible to treat it as a new application and give full details.

Also enclose any relevant medical evidence, and a statement from carers / family member confirming the help needed.

You can always type the details up and then attach those sheets securely to the form. Reference the sheets with name / NI no / and question number.

Those typed sheets will be useful for the assessment, and for future reviews.

calcotti

I would suggest that if the health conditions are long term and ongoing you also specifically request an ongoing award.

iklepig

Thank you everyone for your replies.

Calcotti -  how do you request an ongoing award? And is an ongoing award indefinite or time limited (say. 10 years?)

poppy12345

You need to state the reasons why you're asking for the ongoing award. (10 years) Make sure you state that their condition is not going to get any better and why.

calcotti

iklepig said:

Thank you everyone for your replies.

Calcotti -  how do you request an ongoing award? And is an ongoing award indefinite or time limited (say. 10 years?)

As poppy says, a simple request in the other information section that given the impact of the health conditions is not expected to improve consideration be given to granting an ongoing award.

An ongoing award means review after 10 years.

Obviously only do this if appropriate.

grannybiker

When I was due to renew my claim, they sent me that 40 page form, (Despite me having a current DS1500.)
Spent an hour on hold to be told to complete the new form with "No change" on each page, with extra detail only if it had got worse. Asked if the call was recorded so they could check back on this advice and got a non-answer