PIP points

mrsdoyle

Another PIP question.Do the DWP usually/normally,go with the number of points the assessor has given ? thanks.

poppy12345

They mostly go with the report but not always, it has been known for them to go against it. Maybe it's better to put all your PIP questions in one thread rather than start another each time. This way it's easier for others to advise.

sarahlply

Mine increased my points but I did send in my mr in on receipt of the report as I knew the assessor hadn’t listened, if you already have your report then I would check for errors and download the decriptors list and be ready to do a mr if you feel your report isn’t correct.

mrsdoyle

Did you send your MR when you received the PA4 assessors report,or after you had the DWP decision ?

sarahlply

Hi I went through the assessment report as soon as I got to to make sure it was accurate and compared it to the descriptors document that you can find online. You can not send the mr into the dwp until you get their decision but I had everything ready to go as there were over 30 errors in the report

mrsdoyle

Thanks for your reply.On reading my report ,it was as if they were talking about someone else!Like you I have 30 odd "errors" so I will follow your advice and start compiling a huge MR letter,in preparation of a negative DWP decision,thanks very much.What was the outcome for you (if you have had it)

sarahlply

Oh bless you, if can help do say, it’s horrible to go through, I would also ask for your medical records, copies of diagnosis letters or professional reports from physiotherapy or occupational therapy are really helpful if you have a walking disability. Gather as much evidence as you can that shows how you struggle.
I won my appeal and I also logged a complaint as they pressured me to go ahead without my assessment being recorded and I had a support worker with me who witnessed the pressure.
I need to update them again soon as got new health issues so getting evidence together already before hand.
keep me posted and good luck!

Alice_Holt

sarahlply said:

I need to update them again soon as got new health issues so getting evidence together already before hand.

       Be careful about notifying a change of circumstances, in advance of your renewal date.

       Make sure that any new / worsening condition will materially affect your current PIP award.
Go through the points system carefully and check if it moves you from 8 (or so) points to 12 or more. If you think you will just remain at your current award - then I wouldn't update, The changes are effectively immaterial.

    I'd get advice from your local advice charity first, as there is a risk that your award could be stopped / reduced at assessment (after notifying a new health condition mid award).
I have seen this happen to many clients at my local Cit A, who then have had to go to tribunal to get their original award back (after many months wait).    

sarahlply

Alice_Holt said:

sarahlply said:

I need to update them again soon as got new health issues so getting evidence together already before hand.

       Be careful about notifying a change of circumstances, in advance of your renewal date.

       Make sure that any new / worsening condition will materially affect your current PIP award.
Go through the points system carefully and check if it moves you from 8 (or so) points to 12 or more. If you think you will just remain at your current award - then I wouldn't update, The changes are effectively immaterial.

    I'd get advice from your local advice charity first, as there is a risk that your award could be stopped / reduced at assessment (after notifying a new health condition mid award).
I have seen this happen to many clients at my local Cit A, who then have had to go to tribunal to get their original award back (after many months wait).    

Hi
thank you for your message, i appt you mean well but to explain I was only one point off award for mobility in 2021 and have since suffered a massive degenerative spinal injury at the age of 44, my award is due for review in 14 months time so I will be getting renewal forms fairly soon regardless so it’s important I start preparing as changes have been massive since December when tests ended.

It’s a requirement to notify them of any change whether positive or negative, I worked within in the benefits service at local government level for 17 years and saw awards taken away for failure to notify on both reasons for different clients I dealt with. 

I am still awaiting my treatment plan but as I am not allowed pain relief of any kind including during surgery a improvement is very unlikely pending a minor miracle and so then it’s important I tell them as I need help with travel now as now mobilise with a walking frame and am living in an extra care home where the average age is mid 80’s, this is compared to one stick when assessed in summer 2021 and am high risk of becoming paralysed if I have another bad fall, obviously this means I can’t use public transport anymore let alone be safely independent in any shape or form.

Best wishes 

poppy12345

sarahlply said:

Alice_Holt said:

sarahlply said:

I need to update them again soon as got new health issues so getting evidence together already before hand.

       Be careful about notifying a change of circumstances, in advance of your renewal date.

       Make sure that any new / worsening condition will materially affect your current PIP award.
Go through the points system carefully and check if it moves you from 8 (or so) points to 12 or more. If you think you will just remain at your current award - then I wouldn't update, The changes are effectively immaterial.

    I'd get advice from your local advice charity first, as there is a risk that your award could be stopped / reduced at assessment (after notifying a new health condition mid award).
I have seen this happen to many clients at my local Cit A, who then have had to go to tribunal to get their original award back (after many months wait).    

It’s a requirement to notify them of any change whether positive or negative, I worked within in the benefits service at local government level for 17 years and saw awards taken away for failure to notify on both reasons for different clients I dealt with. 

I disagree and will say that's very misleading advice. Changes only need to be reported if there's something to report that will affect your claim.

Some people have changes in their conditions but this may not affect the points they may already receive. For this reason reporting changes and going through another assessment is a rather pointless exercise.

sarahlply

poppy12345 said:

sarahlply said:

Alice_Holt said:

sarahlply said:

I need to update them again soon as got new health issues so getting evidence together already before hand.

       Be careful about notifying a change of circumstances, in advance of your renewal date.

       Make sure that any new / worsening condition will materially affect your current PIP award.
Go through the points system carefully and check if it moves you from 8 (or so) points to 12 or more. If you think you will just remain at your current award - then I wouldn't update, The changes are effectively immaterial.

    I'd get advice from your local advice charity first, as there is a risk that your award could be stopped / reduced at assessment (after notifying a new health condition mid award).
I have seen this happen to many clients at my local Cit A, who then have had to go to tribunal to get their original award back (after many months wait).    

It’s a requirement to notify them of any change whether positive or negative, I worked within in the benefits service at local government level for 17 years and saw awards taken away for failure to notify on both reasons for different clients I dealt with. 

I disagree and will say that's very misleading advice. Changes only need to be reported if there's something to report that will affect your claim.

Some people have changes in their conditions but this may not affect the points they may already receive. For this reason reporting changes and going through another assessment is a rather pointless exercise.

Hi unfortunately I have seen it go the other way for customers, especially if a claim goes in for a higher rate after a long period of time, have seen assessors question in reports why the delay even if the poor person is blatantly eligible, also seen it questioned for other requests for help as well. It’s really sad it comes to that but it’s happening, possibly part of the cost saving drive ? Either way it’s horrible but it’s being done.