PIP review no assessment

Neko1234

Hello and thanks in advance for any help or advice.

I sent back my pip review forms last January and this week received a text saying my review had been completed. I had no assessment.

I received a letter today saying my award for standard daily living would continue for an ongoing period. I am grateful for this.

However I was hoping to also be able to claim the mobility element this time. My mobility has worsened a lot due to lymphodema and osteoarthritis. I'm confined to home really. 

I think I need to emphasise the fact that I can walk a few steps but not continuously. Also my lack of mobility has made me quite anxious about going out. I can't do kerbs for example,although I don't think they take that into account.

Do you think I should appeal,first sending a mandatory reconsideration?

Will I still continue getting my existing award during this period?

Thank you for helping me clear my thoughts on this

I'm 63 

Spoonie_Turtle

Neko1234 said:

However I was hoping to also be able to claim the mobility element this time. My mobility has worsened a lot due to lymphodema and osteoarthritis. I'm confined to home really. 

I think I need to emphasise the fact that I can walk a few steps but not continuously. Also my lack of mobility has made me quite anxious about going out. I can't do kerbs for example,although I don't think they take that into account.

Do you think I should appeal,first sending a mandatory reconsideration?

Will I still continue getting my existing award during this period?

Thank you for helping me clear my thoughts on this

I'm 63 

Based on what you've said, it sounds worth challenging.

And yes you'll keep getting your current payments.

In case you need to brush up on how mobility is assessed, the full guidance is here
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#mobility-activities

The anxiety about going out by itself likely won't count (although worth mentioning just as an accurate picture of how your health affects you) but your physical ability sounds like you should meet the mobility threshold, probably even for the enhanced award if you can only do a few steps before you have to stop.  Emphasise the effect those few steps have on you and why you have to stop and how long for.

Do you feel the standard daily living is appropriate, or do you think you should have scored more points?  (Remember, it's about being able to do things reliably, as often as you need and without causing pain that affects your functioning afterwards.)  If the latter, no harm in challenging that as well - the worst outcome of an MR is realistically that nothing changes.

If you're not sure how to argue your case, maybe try to get some help with it.  And if you can't, we can try our best to guide you how to approach it.

As an aside, I'm really sorry your mobility keeps you mostly confined to home, I've been there and it was miserable*.  If you haven't had an Occupational Therapy assessment, it could be worth requesting one and seeing if there would be any aids that could help you.  If you got extra PIP maybe it could help towards buying a suitable aid to help you out of the house if the NHS is not forthcoming.

(*I'm still mostly housebound, but not miserable now I have a powered wheelchair for when I'm well enough to get out.)

Neko1234

Thank you Spoonie_Turtle your reply is very encouraging. Lots to think about. We just get used to a certain way of living don't we. Glad you've got wheels! 😊

Alice_Holt

How many points did you score for Daily Living, and what descriptors?

Since the Mobility element can't be awarded after SPA, it's well worth considering now.

If you feel you don't quite meet the criteria currently, and decide not to challenge the decision now - you can always ask for a review in the near future (as your condition has worsened) but before your SPA. 

As Spoonie says, your current award will continue whilst you appeal.

Some info on appeals:
https://www.advicenow.org.uk/guides/how-win-pip-appeal  (downloadable free guide)

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/mandatory-reconsideration-pip/

You may want to see if your local advice charity can help you with an appeal. 

Note that any appeal will look at your abilities at the date of the decision. 

Neko1234

Thank you Alice.

I got 8 points for care and 4 for mobility.

My points were 2 in each category preparing food,washing and bathing,toilet needs, and dressing and undressing. 

Mobility points for standing and moving more than 50 metres but less than 200 aided or unaided. 

I am grateful for the longer award though

Thanks again this is really helping me get my thoughts in order.