Changes to PIP law re: Planning a Journey

Hi Alan,
DWP have sent many of these letters out! Basically DWP failed to apply the law stipulated by the Judges in respect of Planning Journeys, and naturally as a result many claimants were underscored and didn't get Mobility PIP awards.
Firstly it will only apply if your client actually has difficulties with this set of activities.
Secondly, if your client has scored other points for physical mobility under Descriptor 2 -there may not be a difference, even if new points can be scored - especially if enhanced rate has been awarded.
However, if no mobility award was made due to no/insufficient points because DWP failed to apply the correct law, then it is possible to ask DWP to look at this again, with a view to gaining the mobility award.
If successful the claim should be backdated to 28.11.2016 or date of claim whichever is later.
I am aware that some of the letters refer to the possibility of claims being reduced. This is incorrect. This whole process is a special review, on the basis of DWP having identified that it misapplied the law. It only relates to the Planning Journeys etc descriptor - the terms of the review is to allow late appeals (if going back to 2016, this would be well outside then normal appeal time) no face to face /phone assessment should be done. The terms of the review also stipulate there would be no reduction in benefit.
If you feel that this would apply to your client, and you need more information, I suggest that you contact a specialist benefits advice centre such as CAB to go through your client's own circumstances.
I hope this helps.
LL26