PIP change of circumstances

[Deleted User]

Must admit knowing what a shambles they are a bit loathe to do this and find we're back to ZERO points. Took years to get for our son (hes got Aspergers).... Dont want to do that again.....

He really struggled over the years. Hes in college now and drives his own car (that was not easy getting his to pass his test!). Don't get me wrong he'll obviously never be cured and he gets lots of allowances in college, a personal mentor etc, gets to stay halls of residences rather than private accom. But as hes got older he manages a little - most of the time.

What do most people do? I want to be honest but I don't want to be at the mercy of the idiots again who, in my opinion, just do not treat you fairly.

born_again

Have you started the mandatory reconsideration?

Did you start the change of circumstances request? 
If so what was the basis for the change, better or worse?

[Deleted User]

No not done anything yet. Mandatory reconsideration?

Not sure to be honest, prob change for the better or at least different.

Newcad

The starting points have to be- 

What are his current award levels for both Daily Living and Mobility?
How long are they for, ie. when is he due for a review anyway?

What do you believe has changed that might alter those awards?

Although the DWP do say that you should report all changes, in reality it's only changes that might alter the award(s) that need to be reported.

Most would not report 'minor' improvements in their conditions, or even 'moderate' improvements if they have not been long term yet.
Let's face it, that is the whole idea behind having regular reviews and reassessments, to weigh up if anything has changed over time.

So unless something 'major' has improved/deteriorated, and is likely to remain so, then why stir the beast?

born_again

[Deleted User] said:

No not done anything yet. Mandatory reconsideration?

Not sure to be honest, prob change for the better or at least different.

Are you asking is it worth starting a change of circumstances?

[Deleted User]

born_again said:

[Deleted User] said:

No not done anything yet. Mandatory reconsideration?

Not sure to be honest, prob change for the better or at least different.

Are you asking is it worth starting a change of circumstances?

Basically. Or am I opening a can or worms and getting more hassle?

[Deleted User]

Newcad said:

The starting points have to be- 

What are his current award levels for both Daily Living and Mobility?
How long are they for, ie. when is he due for a review anyway?

What do you believe has changed that might alter those awards?

Although the DWP do say that you should report all changes, in reality it's only changes that might alter the award(s) that need to be reported.

Most would not report 'minor' improvements in their conditions, or even 'moderate' improvements if they have not been long term yet.
Let's face it, that is the whole idea behind having regular reviews and reassessments, to weigh up if anything has changed over time.

So unless something 'major' has improved/deteriorated, and is likely to remain so, then why stir the beast?

Yeh know what you mean. I'll have to check what was in the original award.

One thing is he used to live at home, wouldn't go anywhere, now hes away in college term time and drives a car.

Like you said though, we weren't sure how the whole college thing would work or even if it would

Muttleythefrog

Just quickly reading..... clearly we need to lock down some basic facts here or the advice is going to be difficult or potentially incorrect.

So please try to answer Newcad's questions and date of award (most recent) would also help so we can figure out if Reconsideration is still an option.

It's true PIP can be a minefield...a bit of a game... however... millions get it often after significant effort. I think important is to stick to the criteria in terms of detailing disablement, be consistent and keep on top of the claim events and facts. Realism helps.. so for example if there has been worsening or new health conditions... establish if that meaningfully should translate into a changed PIP award including by meeting the duration criteria (had problem for 3 or more months, expecting it to last more than 9 months further). 

I appreciate when you're the 3rd party it can be difficult to get facts and eyes on documents and often the claimants by their very nature can have difficulties communicating or sharing information... and frankly many people rather like their privacy especially around medical and sensitive issues.

Spoonie_Turtle

How long has he been at college?  And how long has he been managing a bit better?  (Not that managing better necessarily means an actual 'improvement', it might just be a different environment with different accommodations enables him to use less energy and mental capacity on some things that he can then use for others.)

Alice_Holt

Unless he has had a detailed discussion with an experienced welfare adviser (local advice charity / student support services), and they can identify additional points that would increase his current award (i.e from standard to enhanced), and he has supporting evidence backing this - then no.

The potential for additional stress of an assessment / DWP flawed decision / long wait for a tribunal / etc could be too great.
Also look at what he gains as a student in receipt (I assume) of PIP in relation to a gateway to other benefits, compare this to the impact of losing PIP as a student if it goes badly.


Have you told us the exact award currently, the exact points for each PIP activity, and where you think the additional points to increase the award arise?   
That is the starting point.  

Remember PIP looks at abilities over a year, don't get waylaid with temporary changes.

[Deleted User]

Spoonie_Turtle said:

How long has he been at college?  And how long has he been managing a bit better?  (Not that managing better necessarily means an actual 'improvement', it might just be a different environment with different accommodations enables him to use less energy and mental capacity on some things that he can then use for others.)

Over a year now. Well prob 6-9 months hes been better.

A lot of it I think has been the student lifestyle I think. Easy going etc no hassle.