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What counts as a change?

davepsnr

I know I have made many posts, and it is because I find it easier and I get better advice quicker here than ringing PIP, but I am wondering what counts as a change for them to review my points? I have a condition which changes (for the worse) often, and I dont want to keep contacting them all the time. I am on Methotraxate but this is now going to be changed from oral to direct injection (****-cut) this is due to the pain I am experiencing increasing along with a loss of mobility. Is this enough for them to review it?

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Comments

poppy123456

A worsening of condition doesn’t automatically entitle you to score more points for a higher award. Whether this is possible will depend on how your conditions affect you against the PIP descriptors.
If you report changes you will be sent more forms to fill in and return with all your supporting evidence. Another assessment is most likely because most have them.

If you don’t fully understand the PIP descriptors and what they mean I’d advise you to get some expert advice.

davepsnr

A worsening of my condition means a change for the worse in how it affects me unfortunately. So this will be in line with the descriptors and it is all medically recorded with Gp and hospital etc

poppy123456

That doesn't mean you will automatically score more points for a higher award.

davepsnr

No but if the condition changes, and deteriorates, and that affects the points, then it should change them right?

poppy123456

That's not guaranteed no. Your award could either stay the same, be decreased, increased or stopped completely.

chiarieds

Hi - have a look at the descriptors (& points that may be awarded) to see if your worsening condition may mean you might get a higher award: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/asset-library/personal-independence-payment-descriptors-and-scores-april-2022.pdf

As advised, reporting a change of circumstances means you'll be sent out a new claim form, have to go through another assessment, etc. If your condition fluctuates, which you seem to be saying, this isn't the same thing. With a new claim to go through your award might change, with the possibility it might also be lowered. What rate do you receive for either/both components, & how long is your award for?

You can search for some local advice here: https://advicelocal.uk/ choosing 'Welfare benefits' from the drop down menu.

davepsnr

poppy123456 said:

That's not guaranteed no. Your award could either stay the same, be decreased, increased or stopped completely.

I dont see how my award could be decreased for a change in condition especially if that change is not for the better? It would mean all the awards they agreed before they are now contradicting as well as medical evidence??

davepsnr

chiarieds said:

Hi - have a look at the descriptors (& points that may be awarded) to see if your worsening condition may mean you might get a higher award: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/asset-library/personal-independence-payment-descriptors-and-scores-april-2022.pdf
As advised, reporting a change of circumstances means you'll be sent out a new claim form, have to go through another assessment, etc. If your condition fluctuates, which you seem to be saying, this isn't the same thing. With a new claim to go through your award might change, with the possibility it might also be lowered. What rate do you receive for either/both components, & how long is your award for?
You can search for some local advice here: https://advicelocal.uk/ choosing 'Welfare benefits' from the drop down menu.

My condition doesnt so much fluctuate, it declines constantly and almost daily. I am well aware once I get to maximum points it wont matter as that is the limit, however at the moment it is in decline and thats the change I am looking to report.

poppy123456

davepsnr said:

poppy123456 said:

That's not guaranteed no. Your award could either stay the same, be decreased, increased or stopped completely.

I dont see how my award could be decreased for a change in condition especially if that change is not for the better? It would mean all the awards they agreed before they are now contradicting as well as medical evidence??

You are misunderstanding what i'm trying to say. No one is ever guaranteed more points simply because their health conditions have got worse.

Even for a review that's started by DWP there's no guarantee that you'll even be awarded the same. There's always a chance your award could stop completely, stay the same, be increased or decreased.

Alex_Alumni

Hello @davepsnr and thanks for reaching out. It can be difficult to know what's best to do with a condition which fluctuates. Can I ask which rates of PIP you are currently receiving?

As reviews do take a very long time to process, you'd need to be certain that your condition has worsened or deteriorated significantly enough to be a longer-term thing.

As you say you don't want to be contacting them all the time, and I believe more regular fluctuations will probably have been taken into account with your current award.

If you like you can visit Turn2Us to find an adviser, as it would be worth speaking to one if you're still feeling unsure about anything.

Equally, if we can help with anything more, please ask

jw68

poppy123456 said:

davepsnr said:

poppy123456 said:

That's not guaranteed no. Your award could either stay the same, be decreased, increased or stopped completely.

I dont see how my award could be decreased for a change in condition especially if that change is not for the better? It would mean all the awards they agreed before they are now contradicting as well as medical evidence??

You are misunderstanding what i'm trying to say. No one is ever guaranteed more points simply because their health conditions have got worse.
Even for a review that's started by DWP there's no guarantee that you'll even be awarded the same. There's always a chance your award could stop completely, stay the same, be increased or decreased.

This is good info.When my condition got worse,i notified them.I was re-assessed and i was awarded less monies.These are the type of people we are dealing with,unfortunately.It feels like an ongoing war