PIP Reporting Change of Circumstances

Hi charchar12,
I'm sorry to hear that your health has deteriorated and this has not been reflected in your PIP award. Of course it is possible that asking for a review might involve your benefit being reduced, but unless seek a review there is no possibility of your benefit increasing!
It seems from what you say that mental health issues were ignored by DWP last time, so that should provide greater points score. However, even though your health has become worse you may not necessarily achieve more points. An obvious scenario is where previously you were unable to walk more than 150m, but now your walking ability has reduced to 75m. Yes, on paper that would appear to be a 50% reduction in ability , but sadly this still comprises only 4 points because you still would fall within 2b -which is being able to walk 50-200m. Similarly, if you already achieve the maximum possible score, so you have always needed help to dress top half (4 points - Daily living 6e) - your arm has now become less mobile, but you have no difficulties with lower clothing, then it is unlikely you can gain more points, which would have to be 6f - 'can't dress or undress at all.'
Now, you may be thinking that what I am saying doesn't sound very positive. However, the point I am trying to make is that not all deteriorations of illness will result in further PIP points, and the correct points' values you can now get may not be quite enough to ensure an upgrade. Therefore, before you write to DWP consider very carefully which PIP points now apply and why. make sure it will be sufficient. (because there is no point in risking your award if you can not possibly achieve enhanced rate, and it will only cause hassle, more anxiety and considerable disappointment, when the review is refused!) Also by doing a careful analysis you will be equipped with the correct information to write the best possible form, and can seek medical evidence that hopefully totally addresses the issues and how/why your health has deteriorated.
Gather all the evidence now, including a statement from friend/s or relative/s who can also comment on what has happened and the loss of ability towards PIP activities. Writing a 'disability diary' about your day to day problems can also be a very good source of evidence that will also help pinpoint what you need to write on a review form.
You can write in with all your evidence and that may be sufficient to avoid having to complete a form. Or alternatively phone up, but that will almost certainly mean that you are sent a form.
Unfortunately it is highly likely that you may require another assessment. (Hence why I wanted you to be absolutely sure that you can genuinely achieve sufficient points - forms and assessments are hassle - and if you can't achieve more points then you don't need to have to do these!)
But, I actually suspect that taking everything into consideration, you probably can achieve enough points to obtain enhanced rate on one or indeed both elements of PIP, so go for it!
Explain as much as you can about your health issues and disabilities and see what happens. You can also refer to our members guides if you need more information about anything.
If DWP don't agree with you, and despite your evidence, decide to reduce your benefit, then you can always ask for a reconsideration or continue to an appeal.
However, nothing ventured nothing gained.
Finally, it is entirely likely, given the stories from other B&W members that you will be sent a review form much earlier than the end of your award. This means that you may be sent a review sometime this year. Therefore just ask for the review now anyway.
I hope this helps.
Good luck. Please let us know how you get on.
LL26

Hi charchar12

Sorry to hear of your poor experiences. I would ask your Macmillan Nurse if she would write you a supporting letter about your condition and how your condition affects you. Have they discussed with you your prognosis?

The answer is that they could do a paper assessment but that would depend on what supporting documents you are able to send in, if you talk to the Macmillan nurse they may be able to get consultant supporting documents for you as they will know what to ask for.

Always ask for a copy of the assessors report 2 days after any assessment, that way you can see what the assessor has written before you ask for a MR to put the record straight.

Gary

Hi charchar12

By the sounds of it, your Macmillan nurse had produced a very good supporting letter and it is a benefit to your review. Try and tie in the support letter with questions on the review form, you may not be able to tie in all the question but some you may be able to.

When you complete your review form treat it as if it is a new claim, if you need more space to answer a question use additional paper but make sure you put your name on each page plus your national insurance number and number the pages.

Cross reference any question with the extra page number that you use.

If you have any questions come back to the forum.

Gary