Baffled by yet another PIP assessment

Hi

I was wondering if anyone had experienced anything similar to myself. I will start by giving a brief history.

In 2013 I was awarded DLA higher mobility and and as a result qualified for Motability. In June 2015 I was reassessed for PIP and lost all benefits and Motability car, so went to tribunal and in January 2016 was awarded the standard care rate and not enough points for mobility. The letter states it is awarded till 26th July 2017. (I was surprised at this because my mobility has always been the issue and I had never been awarded anything for care)

The strange thing is that, I received another form that I had to return by 26th July 2016. I queried this a couple of times (as to me, it seems to go against the tribunal) the first explanation was; they are assessing me now due to the delays they have, this way if my circumstances haven't changed I won't go without the benefit. I then wondered if I would fill in the form this year and be assessed next year but that doesn't make sense. So called them again and this time I was told the assessment will be shortly after I send back my form and that I was being assessed because that was when my assessment was due on the system. I was baffled because had I not gone to the tribunal I would not have a reassessment date because I wasn't entitled to anything according to DWP.

I attended my ftf assessment yesterday, it seemed to go ok, however the previous one did and I wasn't awarded enough points to get anything. So I'm already gearing myself up to go back to tribunal.

Another question is if the care rate is taken away, where do I stand with taking it back to tribunal as they awarded it till 2017.

If anyone can has gone through this themselves or can offer some advice it would be really appreciated.

Hi NB and Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explain where everything is

Welcome to Benefits and Work

I'm afraid it is DWP policy to start the review process a full year before the award is due to end. The decision will be implemented immediately, making a mockery of the Tribunal award. I'm afraid I don't think there is anything you can do about this as it is a procedural issue.

I wonder if this is something it might be possible to bring up as an issue through the PIP consultation review from Government I recently posted about with a link.

Maybe if enough people mentioned it they might do something about it, as you say it is unfair.

I found this info if anyone wants to email or write, the deadline is 16 September.

Email to:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Write to:
PIP Independent Review Team
Department for Work and Pensions
Floor 4
Caxton House
Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9NA