PIP appeal advice please

Hi,

I am new to PIP and the process and it’s been a steep learning curve. This website has really helped and has been so helpful. I submitted a new first time application in July ‘24. I had a telephone assessment and was awarded 4 points for daily living. I submitted an MR and I don’t believe they even read my additional evidence, the response came back with no change and no justification as to how they had scored me.

I appealed the decision. DWP were meant to provide their evidence by January the 18th. I’d read on this forum that they often missed the deadline so I was expecting a long wait before they actually responded.

DWP called me today and the lady said that she’d reassessed my evidence, and was happy to award me 8 points. I was quite taken aback and she asked if I’d be happy to accept and I said I was. Having now had sometime to think about it, I strongly believe I should be entitled to enhanced daily living. I had a stroke a few years ago, and also have MS and my disabilities affect me everyday and I meet the criteria for the descriptors.

I think I have read on here, that you can accept an award during the tribunal period, and also appeal, but could someone please tell me if that’s correct? I’m not sure if I should just suck it up and be happy that I’ve been awarded something. I also don’t want to lose the award I’ve been offered. Thanks for your time reading my question!