Length of award.

I have several extremely severe conditions that I have received DLA for from 1995 and then in 2002 I was awarded HR of both indefinitely.

I have recently had my PIP assessment and was when leaving told by the HCP that he would be recommending a 3 year award. I said 'okay' and left.

I did originally think it must be due to my age, for 6 months after I will have been re-assessed for end by date. I will be 64.

Aware that 64 is the age when you are no longer assessed for PIP. I wrongly assumed it was in some way due to this. Possibly to keep figures lower on those reaching 64 by the end date.

I had talked to two people I know and one had got the same rates as me for 5 years and one for 7 years, both will be under 64 when they reach their end by date.

I have now seen others of almost the same age as me being awarded for 7/10 years or definitely over 64 before their end by dates.

I realise fully each person is unique and I cannot possibly know how they are affected by their disabilities. I have no doubt though that my conditions will not improve and will deteriorate.

I did not wish to appeal against the length of award for I am too ill to fight right now.

I just wondered can anyone give me some insight into why the differences in lengths of awards and also why the HCP said he would not put me through a physical assessment on the day because he could see the pain I was in. Yet when I got the PA4 it stated I had declined the physical assessment?

I did have a NHS health professional with me and she is also bemused why it said I had declined?

Hope I have made this clear enough, any clarification needed, please do ask.

Ria

Hi and Welcome to the forum.

I'm afraid it is not uncommon for the assessor to report that the claimant refused an examination, when it was the assessor who decided to forego it. I suppose it is possible that the 'drop down box' the assessors have to chose from does not have the option to say otherwise.

As to the varying duration of the awards, this seems to come down entirely to the different assessors/Decision Makers.

Claimants who are already on PIP at state pension age will continue to be reassessed for as long as they remain on the benefit.

Be aware of the retirement age mobility issue when having reassessment.