- Posts: 30
× Members
PIP award
- Tenja
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
4 years 3 weeks ago #257941 by Tenja
PIP award was created by Tenja
Hello - I wonder if you could help me - I feel quite torn. I had my PIP award and I have been given enhanced rate for mobility [this is a big jump as I only had standard awarded in 2017] and standard rate for care needs - which I didn't have last time. However I am only one point off enhanced and it seems to be around dressing the top half. I did explain I had to change my wardrobe to open front clothes etc as I struggled with putting things over my head and my husband has to help me if say I wear a jumper. I do Zoom meetings so it is important the top half is presentable but I am confused that the top half of care was not taken into account as since lockdown I have not been able to visit a hair dresser and my husband has had to wash my hair - I believe I got two points last time for this.
It seems trivial to argue over one point which would have resulted in enhanced payment and I don't want to seem greedy but I do think they have missed the point in that I cannot do it myself, as in I can't wear clothes that are "fitted" and what I would like to wear and have to opt for blouses etc but even some days I am too exhausted to manage that and need help with that.
I would like an opinion as to whether to ask for a reconsideration or just leave it. My award is for 10 years as I am about to retire in October
It seems trivial to argue over one point which would have resulted in enhanced payment and I don't want to seem greedy but I do think they have missed the point in that I cannot do it myself, as in I can't wear clothes that are "fitted" and what I would like to wear and have to opt for blouses etc but even some days I am too exhausted to manage that and need help with that.
I would like an opinion as to whether to ask for a reconsideration or just leave it. My award is for 10 years as I am about to retire in October
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- LL26
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 1480
4 years 3 weeks ago - 4 years 3 weeks ago #257950 by LL26
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by LL26 on topic PIP award
Hi JP,
Firstly well done on your award. Getting enhanced mobility now is really important as you can not increase your mobility award post retirement.
I can see why you are torn! You have achieved a great award, but the daily living award isn't quite what you expected. You certainly have the right to do an Mandatory Reconsideration. There is a small risk attached to sending a Reconsideration letter, but I think it is most unlikely that DWP would revise an award so quickly!
From what you say, there could be extra points available for dressing (top half) and washing hair/Upper body.
What I suggest you do is to look very carefully at what is said in the members guides about these activities. Are you absolutely sure that you fall within either or both activities? Without telling your husband your answer, ask your husband to read this too and then ask him to assess your points. Both of you need to be brutally honest! If both of you feel that you would genuinely get points, it is likely you can succeed at MR. However, you may wish to produce supporting evidence; can your husband make a statement, can you get (another) report from your GP or physio etc specifically addressing these issues?
Are you also absolutely certain that DWP have awarded the correct points on the other descriptors? DWP are often quite stingy! Remember that if 2 or more points' values apply, then the higher points must be awarded, if both apply equally. (Regulation 7) There may be additional points here too?
If you do decide to write an MR make sure it us absolutely clear that you agree with most of the points, but just dispute some,(assuming this is correct,) and you accept the mobility points.
Have a good think about everything, but you can take this to MR if you wish.
I hope this helps.
LL26
Ps I noticed another post from you It appeared completely identical, so I deleted this to avoid confusion.
Firstly well done on your award. Getting enhanced mobility now is really important as you can not increase your mobility award post retirement.
I can see why you are torn! You have achieved a great award, but the daily living award isn't quite what you expected. You certainly have the right to do an Mandatory Reconsideration. There is a small risk attached to sending a Reconsideration letter, but I think it is most unlikely that DWP would revise an award so quickly!
From what you say, there could be extra points available for dressing (top half) and washing hair/Upper body.
What I suggest you do is to look very carefully at what is said in the members guides about these activities. Are you absolutely sure that you fall within either or both activities? Without telling your husband your answer, ask your husband to read this too and then ask him to assess your points. Both of you need to be brutally honest! If both of you feel that you would genuinely get points, it is likely you can succeed at MR. However, you may wish to produce supporting evidence; can your husband make a statement, can you get (another) report from your GP or physio etc specifically addressing these issues?
Are you also absolutely certain that DWP have awarded the correct points on the other descriptors? DWP are often quite stingy! Remember that if 2 or more points' values apply, then the higher points must be awarded, if both apply equally. (Regulation 7) There may be additional points here too?
If you do decide to write an MR make sure it us absolutely clear that you agree with most of the points, but just dispute some,(assuming this is correct,) and you accept the mobility points.
Have a good think about everything, but you can take this to MR if you wish.
I hope this helps.
LL26
Ps I noticed another post from you It appeared completely identical, so I deleted this to avoid confusion.
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 4 years 3 weeks ago by LL26. Reason: Missed out something
The following user(s) said Thank You: paul.1959, Tenja
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- denby
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 1305
4 years 3 weeks ago #257951 by denby
Replied by denby on topic PIP award
Hi, I' m not a mod, and no-one could take public responsibility for telling you what to do when they don't know you etc. Reading what you have written, it seems you have your own answer really: if you know truly you tick a descriptor box and they have not given it to you, it is not greed to want the truth to be applied. If you take the decision to go ahead, the only things you must be aware of [as far as I know] are a tiny risk of DWP turning even nastier and reducing your award when you challenge it, and the cost to yourself/husband/family of going through the stress and effort of MR and possible appeal.
Did you request and get your PA4 Assessor's report? If not, why not call DWP for it ASAP? This will be invaluable in deciding/preparing any challenge. If he/she left things out that you told them, twisted things, made false assumptions etc, these could be challenged as after all, that's what the Decision maker went on. Don't miss the one-month deadline if you do challenge, if you can help it. You can always submit an MR with the rider that you will send more once it is available to you. [Eg your take-apart of a PA4].
Happy thinking as it were, Denby
Did you request and get your PA4 Assessor's report? If not, why not call DWP for it ASAP? This will be invaluable in deciding/preparing any challenge. If he/she left things out that you told them, twisted things, made false assumptions etc, these could be challenged as after all, that's what the Decision maker went on. Don't miss the one-month deadline if you do challenge, if you can help it. You can always submit an MR with the rider that you will send more once it is available to you. [Eg your take-apart of a PA4].
Happy thinking as it were, Denby
The following user(s) said Thank You: Tenja
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