PIP Change of Circumstances

Adora858

Hi, I have been receiving PIP for a few years now. Originally my award was given until July 2023, but they do the reviews a bit early, so I got sent a review form in Dec 2023 and sent that off straight away.

In December 2023, my condition was much the same, and I said that in my review form. I understand that they are busy though, so I actually haven't heard back from that, and have continued to get my PIP money each month as usual.

My issue is, things have actually got better for me very recently, and I want to call up PIP and tell them this, because I am pretty sure that in my current state I would not receive PIP, certainly not as much (I am currently on max for both). 

I know it's important to tell them about changes asap, so I am hoping to call as soon as possible. But I am kind of scared? I get nervous on the phone, and I don't really know what to say or what to expect of this phonecall.

I am also scared that I will tell them this, they will write it down that I don't need PIP anymore, but then it will take ages for that to go through the system, and so it might end up that they pay me for another month or two before it goes through and my PIP gets cancelled. I am scared of this happening, as I don't want to suddenly get a letter asking for me to pay them money back. If I tell them immediately about my changes, will the money stop immediately? Or at least, will it be kind of their fault if it doesnt, and I won't owe them money?

Sorry for all the questions!

poppy123456

Adora858 said:

 I got sent a review form in Dec 2023 and sent that off straight away.

That's a typo and it should be Dec 2022. It's good to hear that things have started to improve for you.

PIP is about how your are for the majority of the time over a 12 month period, so at least 50% of the time. We are only in January so it's not that long that things have improved for you.

I'm sure there are some people that have times throughout those 12 months where they feel a little better but that doesn't mean their conditions have improved in the long run.

For PIP you must have had those changes for at least 3 months so for you, it's not 3 months yet. I'd advise you to wait a few months to see how you are and then reconsider.

Adora858

@poppy123456 Thank you for your reply, that's reasurring. And yes I meant Dec 2022, sorry!

With regards to the 3 months thing. I've basically been completely housebound for 4 years, but this month I have started to be able to go out fairly regularly, to the point where I can now go out once or twice a day. Does this mean I can wait until March to call PIP people and I won't get in trouble for being able to leave the house now and not telling them?

poppy123456

I note from a previous thread that you have mental and physical health conditions, is that correct? If so then in a few months time if your health condition has improved whether that will affect your entitlement will depend on where you scored those points exactly for your current award.

calcotti

I agree with poppy taht you need to check that the improvement is sustained before reporting a change.

Are you getting PIP for reasons other than not being able to leave you home?

Adora858

Yes, I receive PIP for a combination of mental and physical health reasons. In terms of points, I do get some points for the other daily living categories (food stuff, bathing, dressing, etc) but the bulk of my points comes from not being able to go out and not being able to be around people, which has improved a lot recently. I will be sure to check the improvement is sustained though before rushing into anything!

L_Volunteer

It sounds like a good idea to be sure to check the improvement is sustained before rushing into anything @Adora858. I recognise these things can fluctuate. 

It does sound really positive though that the things you often struggle with the most have improved a lot recently