- Posts: 57
× Members
Decision Maker
- Hughie
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
4 years 2 months ago #256002 by Hughie
Decision Maker was created by Hughie
Hi all
I have recently received the dreaded renewal PIP renewal pack through the door (even though just a few months ago I was told that due to Covid my award was being extended to Dec 2021 before a review). Anyway, I am filling it in using the guides on B&W, and I have noticed that it is stated that the DM does not go for medical evidence upon renewal, but he/she can recommend an assessment. However, I was hoping you could clarify something for me? Can a DM just stop an award on renewal if he/she feels it is no longer justified, or do they have to at least recommend an assessment? I just have this awful feeling that although I was awarded 20 points on the Daily Living and 12 points on mobility on my last renewal, that they are for some unknown reason just going to take it all away. I have nothing to justify these feelings as my conditions have certainly not improved and at 64 years old they are not likely to. I am just getting myself worried sick as I know how unjust they can be. The problem is that I do not have any up-to-date medical reports except a UC one from last year placing me straight in the Support Group without an assessment. The decision was made on the application pack alone. I will be adding that, as I know they can cross reference when applicable, but I do not have an up to date Physio report, and the assessor's report is actually 4 years old, so I do not think they will give it much notice. I have tried to get a more recent Physio report, but as usual through lockdown, everything is practically at a halt. I could add the original supporting Physio report and the assessor's PIP report when she came to our home, but the renewal pack states not to send in anything they already have. Any advice will be really appreciated.
I have recently received the dreaded renewal PIP renewal pack through the door (even though just a few months ago I was told that due to Covid my award was being extended to Dec 2021 before a review). Anyway, I am filling it in using the guides on B&W, and I have noticed that it is stated that the DM does not go for medical evidence upon renewal, but he/she can recommend an assessment. However, I was hoping you could clarify something for me? Can a DM just stop an award on renewal if he/she feels it is no longer justified, or do they have to at least recommend an assessment? I just have this awful feeling that although I was awarded 20 points on the Daily Living and 12 points on mobility on my last renewal, that they are for some unknown reason just going to take it all away. I have nothing to justify these feelings as my conditions have certainly not improved and at 64 years old they are not likely to. I am just getting myself worried sick as I know how unjust they can be. The problem is that I do not have any up-to-date medical reports except a UC one from last year placing me straight in the Support Group without an assessment. The decision was made on the application pack alone. I will be adding that, as I know they can cross reference when applicable, but I do not have an up to date Physio report, and the assessor's report is actually 4 years old, so I do not think they will give it much notice. I have tried to get a more recent Physio report, but as usual through lockdown, everything is practically at a halt. I could add the original supporting Physio report and the assessor's PIP report when she came to our home, but the renewal pack states not to send in anything they already have. Any advice will be really appreciated.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- LL26
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 1480
4 years 2 months ago #256003 by LL26
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by LL26 on topic Decision Maker
Hi Hugh Julie,
I am sorry to hear that you are so worried about your current PIP renewal. As you say, you have ongoing disabilities, and gained high scores last time, so there should be nothing to worry about, and let's hope that this is in fact the case.
DWP can't just remove benefit, they would need grounds. Unfortunately, as you probably know, DWP often rely on poorly written assessment reports, They will assert that the report indicates a change of circumstances and hence they are allowed to remove/reduce benefit as a result. So, it is important to ensure you provide DWP with as much detail as possible to ensure that the assessment, if required will go in your favour. And, of course, you were recently successful in your UC.
Don't worry about sending in previous reports for UC or PIP if DWP want to use these they will have access to these. Maybe you can get a report from your GP, or failing that, you could ask for a print out of your medical records which would almost certainly help. It is very unlikely that DWP would contact your doctor. A while back they used to do this routinely, but now they don't. That is why even a print out of your records would be better than nothing. Clearly you are getting worried about your PIP renewal, if you have a supportive GP, see if you can get an appointment and explain your worries, your GP might just agree to write a report anyway.
Another useful piece of knowledge: The law states that once DWP has reached 12 points, it need not go on to consider any more descriptors, this sometimes gives the impression that DWP has ignored evidence or reduced points. So this might be an explanation if you do get reduced points but stay on the same rate.
I appreciate your concern about your renewal, but you have clearly referred to the guides on here, and this will give you the best chance of succeeding in your renewal. Try not to let your pip renewal overwhelm your life. Stay positive, and hopefully all will go well.
Good luck.
LL26
I am sorry to hear that you are so worried about your current PIP renewal. As you say, you have ongoing disabilities, and gained high scores last time, so there should be nothing to worry about, and let's hope that this is in fact the case.
DWP can't just remove benefit, they would need grounds. Unfortunately, as you probably know, DWP often rely on poorly written assessment reports, They will assert that the report indicates a change of circumstances and hence they are allowed to remove/reduce benefit as a result. So, it is important to ensure you provide DWP with as much detail as possible to ensure that the assessment, if required will go in your favour. And, of course, you were recently successful in your UC.
Don't worry about sending in previous reports for UC or PIP if DWP want to use these they will have access to these. Maybe you can get a report from your GP, or failing that, you could ask for a print out of your medical records which would almost certainly help. It is very unlikely that DWP would contact your doctor. A while back they used to do this routinely, but now they don't. That is why even a print out of your records would be better than nothing. Clearly you are getting worried about your PIP renewal, if you have a supportive GP, see if you can get an appointment and explain your worries, your GP might just agree to write a report anyway.
Another useful piece of knowledge: The law states that once DWP has reached 12 points, it need not go on to consider any more descriptors, this sometimes gives the impression that DWP has ignored evidence or reduced points. So this might be an explanation if you do get reduced points but stay on the same rate.
I appreciate your concern about your renewal, but you have clearly referred to the guides on here, and this will give you the best chance of succeeding in your renewal. Try not to let your pip renewal overwhelm your life. Stay positive, and hopefully all will go well.
Good luck.
LL26
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Hughie
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 57
4 years 2 months ago #256022 by Hughie
Replied by Hughie on topic Decision Maker
Thank you for that. I will approach my GP for some print-outs. Much appreciated.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Moderators: Gordon, Gary, BIS, Catherine, Wendy, Kelly, greekqueen, peter, Katherine, Super User, Chris, David