PIP Renewal Result

Hi

Just to let you know my PIP was renewed for another 3 years at the same rates as before, standard care, enhanced mobility. That said I did have to chase it and eventually spoke to the DWP last week as I'd heard absolutely nothing since the end of July 2021 when I'd sent off the form. Not a letter or text. I only knew they'd had my form because I sent it special delivery.

The lady was very helpful and at first told me it was just in a queue and explained new claims were being processed over existing ones. Then she spoke to a case manager for me who confirmed my renewal had been looked at and had been approved on a paper based review, like last time in 2018. But for whatever reason it hadn't been signed off and a confirmation letter hadn't been sent. I didn't want to say anything on here until it arrived in case it was an error.

I was told a letter would be sent out in 7-10 days, which arrived today. I've got one point extra from last time. To be honest it looks pretty much the same, I'm disappointed I didn't score more highly on daily care as I feel my condition has definitely worsened since last review but I'm just grateful to be getting something. So I'm not going to appeal or anything. Don't want to lose what I have.

I would also have liked a longer review but again 3 years seems to be all they're prepared to give me. Silly really as one of my conditions is genetic and isn't going to go away. They've also backdated my review to October, so is that when it was done or is that just a date they've plucked out of thin air? In essence I've had nearly 5 months of unnecessary worry and stress if that is when the review was actually carried out.

So a grateful but somewhat muted hurrah from me, once again many thanks to B&W and all the help I've received from the forum and the guides. Best of luck to all those still waiting and if like me its been a few months then maybe try phoning for an update. It took a lot for me to phone and I was terribly anxious but I'm sure if I hadn't I would still be waiting.

Hi Gary

Can I write to the DWP and ask for the report, not sure I can face phoning them again. I'm very anxious on the phone and it was a long wait last week. Is 3 years a standard length for an award. I'm suffering from numerous issues but have EDS, which I was born with and which has caused me a not inconsiderable amount of complications as I've got older.

It's not going away and as I get older it's not going to improve either. I just find the whole "your needs might change" scenario rather stupid and frustrating.

I've also got a neurology consultation in March for an issue which wasn't apparent when I submitted my form in July. I don't know if that might have increased the length of my award. Thank you for your reply.

Just to say killbot99 I believe as you got a paper based review the report is most likely a PA3 not 4. Assuming a report was written at all, which it may not have been. But def worth asking as Gary says.
best wishes,
Denby

Hi killbot99, well fancy that! EDS is the first among our daughter's 7 diagnoses and would be mine too if I wasn't already labelled Osteogenesis Imperfecta ie brittle bones. DWP are simply in denial about all such genetic [birth] conditions. I too am getting increased issues as a result of sub-50% effective collagen throughout my body and head as I move thru 60's.
As NHS are also mostly utterly ignorant of this, may I offer 2 key tips for any reader with EDS. Take substantial consistent doses of sustained release Vitamin C [always check with your pharmacist] and join EDS UK for the info and meeting [mostly online] fellow sufferers.
Plus stay with B&W!!!
very best wishes,
Denby