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PIP Review Urgent Help Please

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3 years 8 months ago #262138 by Jane Steward
PIP Review Urgent Help Please was created by Jane Steward
Hi I have a PIP review to fill out. My last PIP assessment was 5 years ago.
Since then I had a heart attack and bladder problems in 2020 but did not contat PIP because to be honest did not think about doing it as I was already on high rate care.
Howver going on the GOV.Uk site this morning it says that you could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you have not reported any changes. I feel sick with worry about this.
Should I ask my sister who is my carer to call the PIP enquiry line and see what they say?
Any advice would be gratefully received.
Thank you

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3 years 8 months ago - 3 years 8 months ago #262143 by LL26
Replied by LL26 on topic PIP Review Urgent Help Please
Hi Jane,
Your full name appears to be showing, you may wish to use this link.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/contact-and-help/registering#r11

Firstly, please do not worry. You will not be penalised for failing to report changes that mean your condition has become worse, especially when you are already in the highest level of PIP. DWP state that you should report changes either to ensure that you get a higher level of benefit when you do become worse, or more crucially you do not get paid the same amount when your condition has improved. If a claimant knowingly claims PIP or indeed any benefit when they no longer meet the entitlement requirements then this is an overpayment and may well be fraud too, hence the need to report changes.
I have often been asked whether you have to report worsening changes, and I have always advised that if you are already on the highest benefit level then no you don't. None of my clients have ever come back to me that this has been a problem.
Also, for example, if you already get full points under one section, perhaps because you can't prepare a meal. Even if your hands are now more arthritic and weaker and you drop more things there are no more points available so these changes will not increase your award either so don't need to be reported. I think DWP state all changes should be reported because claimants may not actually realise the significance of the change so its easier to have a blanket statement to report everything.
Of course if you could achieve a higher benefit payment, you may wish to report changes. Perhaps in your case you may be eligible to receive a mobility award, or enhanced award if you don't have this already?
When you fill out the review form, make it clear that you have heart attacks and bladder issues. Explain how these have affected you. Always fill out the box saying eg 'I still need help to dress my lower body because of my [ health condition].' Or alternatively say 'I now need increased help because...' Remember that things like fatigue, breathlessness, poor concentration may all be things that will affect your ability to perform PIP activities. All activities have to be done safely, to a reasonable standard, repeatedly across the day and taking no more than twice the time it should take. Think about all your disabilities, and the effect of the heart attacks and bladder problems on performing the descriptor activities. Think also about the effect on mobility. You may wish to consider the psychological effects of your health problems too.
The guides on the members pages give many examples.
I hope that this lessens your concerns and puts you more at ease.
Good luck with the review.
LL26

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 3 years 8 months ago by LL26. Reason: Spelling
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