PIP change of circumstance after getting prosthesis

davidb2010

Hi, I had a below knee amputation in January and applied for PIP. Am pleased to say I was given an enhanced award in both categories.
However, I am about to start the process of physio & rehab at my local hospital with a view to getting a prosthetic leg.
I am worried that this will affect my PIP entitlement as I have read many horror stories of the DWP treating people who use prosthetics as being able-bodied ?
Anybody have any knowledge or experience in this area ?
Thanks !

Alex_Alumni

Hello there @davidb2010 and welcome, pleased to hear you've been awarded PIP. You'll only need to report a change in circumstances if and when:

• your personal details change, for example your name, address or doctor
• the help you need or your condition changes
• your condition has worsened and you’re not expected to live more than 12 months
• you go into hospital or a care home
• you go abroad
• you’re imprisoned or held in detention
• your immigration status has changed, if you’re not a British citizen

A prothesis is an aid for you, but it will not make you 'able-bodied'. You still have to live with and manage your below the knee amputation day to day, which I'm sure has a significant impact on your ability to carry out the tasks you've been assessed for in PIP. 

If you feel after living with it for a while, that the prosthesis changes the help you need, then you could report a change of circumstances, but be mindful that if you are reassessed your award might be less, or it may stay the same. 

Let us know if we can help with anything further