PIP review form

Hi Vocationmatters,
I am sorry to hear that your friend is suffering from Covid, and is still unwell.
It is likely that any review will require an Assessment, so it may not matter whether Covid is included or not.
As you may be aware, PIP is based on points which are awarded on how someone is able to perform various activities. PIP is often awarded on the basis of fluctuating conditions, this can be related to ancilliary illness, or accident that any disabled person may get from time to time. The problem is, that I guess no one really knows whether the Long Covid symptoms will eventually ease or go away, or how long that will take.
I do not know how long your friend has had Covid, that may affect how you approach this review. However, I think it is important that you write something in each box. If you have access to the claim form, briefly repeat what is written in each section.This is preferable to just 'no change'. If the Covid has gone on for a long while, then this is more significant and likely to be a long/longer term complication. Your friend, should try and speak to his GP/Consultant to see what they think about the length of Covid problems. If the doctor feels that the problems will ease in a short space of time, it is unlikely your friend will achieve extra points for extra disability on this basis. If the GP feels that these are long term then mention the Covid, and it's start date and how each activity has become more difficult, as it is likely your friend will receive more points, and potentially more benefit. However, please note your friend will not receive additional points, if he is already receiving the maximum for each section. A detailed report from the GP/Consultant will also help.
Once your friend receives a new award of PIP, if his Covid symptoms reduce then he may need to report a change of circumstances. This is especially so if there was an increased award.
I hope this helps, and that your friend's health improves.
Good luck with the review.

LL26