New health condition affecting PIP claim

Hi Joey123,
I am sorry to hear that your condition has become worse. Unfortunately without any details I cant say whether or not you can actually claim further points. You would need to show that you can now fit within either a descriptor that didn't apply before, or that your functioning ability now means you can fit within a higher scoring activity. Just simply having more pain or less movement may not be sufficient.
It sounds like your award was fairly recent.If your new condition was present at the original decision time even though you hadn't got an official diagnosis this could mean you could ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration which is basically the legal term for asking DWP to revise their decision. It would normally have to be done within a month, but if you have reasonable excuse this could be extended. The absolute time limit is 13 mths, but of course there will need to be a very good excuse to extend the time towards the maximum.
Remember, it is when you get the disability that is important, not the diagnosis. So I suspect given the time it takes to get hospital appointments and tests etc, it is highly likely that you have had the increased problems for somewhile. (Probably before the previous review?)

Alternatively, if this deterioration has happened quite a while after the previous review, you can phone DWP and tell them you have become worse. This is likely to instigate a full review, with a form to fill and maybe an assessment to attend. It is always tricky as to whether you shoukd do this. Of course you well be able to receive more points and hence more benefit, but it is hassle, and can be quite worrying. It is possible that DWP could reduce points. Nothing is ever guaranteed, but nothing ventured nothing gained. If you wish to ask DWP to revise their decision, just be prepared for a difficult journey.

Third possibility is to do nothing at present. There is no need to. You can ask for DWPto revise their decision at any time. So you could wait and then approach DWP if your condition continues to deteriorate.
If you want to approach DWP now, just be really sure that you should be awarded the extra points. Have another look at the members guides for more information.
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants
Good luck.
LL26

Hi Joey123

You can notify the DWP of a Change of Circumstances by phone or by letter. This will trigger a new claim for PIP, and you will be sent a PIP2, which is the big form which I am sure you are familiar with. Any awards from your new claim will be back dated to when you notified them of a Change of Circumstances.

It would be remiss of me not to point out that the new assessment could find that you are awarded a lower award than you are currently receiving. Only you can be the judge of whether or not that is a risk worth taking. Do have a look at our PIP guides to help you make this decision.

Before you report a Change you should be certain that you would reasonably qualify for a higher award, not all deterioration or even new conditions will result in your scoring the points you need for a higher award. See our PIP Claims guide for the criteria that you will need to make.

If you reported a change then you would have received a PIP2 to complete this was the form that you filled in when you originally applied for PIP. You will need to show that the deterioration of your health is likely to continue for the next 9 months.
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/pip

You asked the question, 'is it worth it'? unfortunately only you can answer that question but we can give you guidance along the way.

Gary