PIP REVIEW CONFUSION

scape1960

Hi, I'm hoping someone can help me. I'm trying to complete my PIP Review but I'm confused about what they mean by the question 'Tell us about any treatments, therapies or surgery you have had since we last looked at your award'. Am I right in assuming that by 'Treatments', they don't mean medication, as I have already completed a comprehensive medication list. Also, I am finding it difficult to write all of the information for Section 3 'How your Health Condition or Disability affects you', for two reasons, one because it is physically difficult and secondly I have too much information for the space that's given. Would it be ok for me to type out the sections with my answers as that means I can save and return to it later. TIA for your help.

Cartini

scape1960 said:

Hi, I'm hoping someone can help me. I'm trying to complete my PIP Review but I'm confused about what they mean by the question 'Tell us about any treatments, therapies or surgery you have had since we last looked at your award'. Am I right in assuming that by 'Treatments', they don't mean medication, as I have already completed a comprehensive medication list. Also, I am finding it difficult to write all of the information for Section 3 'How your Health Condition or Disability affects you', for two reasons, one because it is physically difficult and secondly I have too much information for the space that's given. Would it be ok for me to type out the sections with my answers as that means I can save and return to it later. TIA for your help.

Hi,

I`ll let those with more experience than I with respect to your "Treatments" query.

It is perfectly acceptable for you to type your response on a separate sheet of paper for each question, but you must include your name and National Insurance number on each page.  For the corresponding question, and in the box available, put something along the lines of "please see pagexx of attached document for my response".  I completed my application in this manner and in the form of a booklet.  I had an index where each "chapter" was the actual question; the questions were laid out in the order of the PIP form.  I also included sheets for Annex A: Evidence (prescriptions, test results etc). 

You`ve already mentioned one advantage of taking this approach, that being able to save and revisit.

The other advantage is you will have a copy for your next review.

Andy

poppy123456

The part about the treatments includes things other than medication. For example, operations, physio etc etc. There's also some information here that may help. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/pip-changes-and-reviews/help-with-your-pip-review-form/

calcotti

Although this link refers to the original PIP2 form rather than a review form it is helpful for understanding what each of the activities is getting at
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/fill-in-form-pip/

I can slo find detailed information about each of the activities here
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

scape1960

Thanks very much for all your support. My biggest problem is the complexity of my condition which causes further multiple medical problems. I feel I have been remiss in writing every aspect of my illness/treatments/appointments down for future reference and I will learn from this in the future. Another problem is actually is gathering evidence, e.g. I asked my Drs for a copy of all medical conditions/info and the information received was ridiculous. It showed conditions etc from years ago that I haven’t had for decades but failed to log recent conditions. It is so frustrating and exhausting trying to complete this form. Thanks for your help though!

poppy123456

I’ve never found anything useful in any of my medical records. Medical evidence isn’t really needed for a successful PIP award. 

Your own anecdotal evidence is just as good. A couple of real world incidents of exactly what happened the last time you attempted each descriptor that applies to you. Include detailed information such as where you were, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were. 

calcotti

poppy123456 said:

I’ve never found anything useful in any of my medical records. Medical evidence isn’t really needed for a successful PIP award. 

I think the Summary Care record can be helpful (but as OP says this will include some very old information). It doesn't provide evidence of whether or not an award is applicable but at least heads off the comment that the claimant has no medical history of a health condition.  Nonetheless completely agree that it isn't necessary.

scape1960

Sorry being late in replying, but unfortunately just got out of hospital. Thanks for all the advice. I immediately asked for an extension when I got the letter for my PIP review, and I was given a week. I am really worried as I am still recovering from an acute medical problem and am finding it difficult to get my head together and have the energy to complete my review. Is there a possibility that I could have a longer extension? My deadline I’d 7th Frebuafy and although I am looking questions and thinking off responses I know I’m not going to complete this and have it delivered by that date. Thanks for your time.

calcotti

If you haven’t got anyone to help you do the best you can and get it sent off. Include a note about your current situation with copy of hospital discharge letter (and anything else relevant). 

That will avoid DWP stopping the claim just because you haven’t returned the form.

Keep a copy of what you have written on the form.

It is quite likely that the form will not be looked at for some time and you thetefore have time to send in a fuller statement when you feel up to it.

scape1960

Thanks Calcotti, still wading through the form. Don't know if I'm just overthinking but I seem to be getting bogged down with what I should do and shouldn't do. I agree with Poppy's comment on another post where she said you should include about half a page for each activity, saying why you can't do this and what has happened when you try. However, DWP keep saying not to send anything they have already seen. My initial assessment (about 4 years ago) was unsuccessful but after a MR I was awarded standard for both daily living and mobility. The reason I think I was successful was because I sent a letter, this time explaining exactly how my condition affected me. I think I should say this again, particularly as my condition has worsened, but I'm not sure if they will dismiss it, as I've already given that info four years ago in MR. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Many Thanks!

poppy123456

You said your last claim was 4 years ago and also mentioned your conditions have got worse since then. What's happened for it to get worse, how to do manage each descriptor that applies to you now? You can still concentrate on those real world examples i mentioned but do you have any recent ones? 4 years is a long time ago so think about things that are more recent than that.

scape1960

Thanks Poppy! Sorry but I have (hopefully) just one more question. I have recently had a couple of stays in hospital and am confused about when you have to let them know. I know it's 28 days, but is that 28 consecutive days or 28 days over the year, and if so when does the 'year' start and end. Does the 'year' period always start and end on the date you were awarded PIP? Sorry for all the questions but it's really confusing me much more than when I first applied. Thanks very much! 

calcotti

The 28 days exclude the day of admission and discharge (only whole days in hospital count).

If you have several stays in hospital the stays are added together unless you have been out of hospital for at least 28 days.

Once you have been out of hospital for 28 days the hospital days count is reset to zero.

scape1960

Thanks so much for that Calcotti, simple straightforward explanation that gave all the information! Why can’t DWP write that in their information so that it is very clear! 🤷‍♀️ I’m about to phone PIP now to see if I can have an extension for returning my PIP review. 🤞

scape1960

Hi, does anyone know if you get any acknowledgement that your pip review application has been received? I sent it in about 3 weeks ago. Also does anyone have any idea of timescales for decisions at the minute? TIA.

calcotti

Receipt is not acknowledged. If you want to check you’ll have to trying ringing them.

poppy123456

scape1960 said:

 does anyone have any idea of timescales for decisions at the minute? TIA.

Up to 12 weeks.

scape1960

Thanks thanks to both of you!