Pregnancy and PIP

blenny

Hello, I have recently found out I’m pregnant (6 weeks so far) and have also received the form for my PIP review. 

As far as I know, I don’t have to tell anyone I am pregnant yet. But the assessor may be able to tell when I am called for review, if it’s a face to face meeting. 

At what point do I tell them I am pregnant? 

I don’t want to jinx things too soon. We haven’t even told our families yet as it is a high risk pregnancy due to age/medical conditions. 

This is the worst possible timing as it is so stressful, and I am supposed to be keeping calm and relaxed right now!

They held things against me last time, like having pets even though my partner takes care of them, and deducted points. I am scared of having my PIP taken away as we will struggle without it. 

I am also getting ESA (support group). 

At what point do I need to tell them? Will they hold this against me?

Thanks for any input.

poppy123456

Being pregnant isn’t a change of circumstances that needs to be reported. 

Alex_Alumni

Congratulations on your pregnancy @blenny as poppy has mentioned, you don't need to report it to them, so you can relax and de stress!

Being pregnant is also a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, so it would be discriminatory to hold this against you for anything, in the same way disability is a protected characteristic. Does that make sense?

blenny

Thank you so much. Do I just need to let them know when the baby arrives then?

Alex_Alumni

No I don't think so @blenny You only need to contact them about a change in circumstances, usually this is a change in your health condition/disability, or the help you need to manage it.

poppy123456

Alex is correct, it's not a change of circumstances that needs to be reported for PIP. Changes include the following.

Change of circumstances

You must contact the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) enquiry line if:

• 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

https://www.gov.uk/pip/change-of-circumstances

blenny

Brilliant, thank you so much. The help I need may change once the baby is here so I may need to report that I guess. I am just so worried about it as they held really strange this against me, despite evidence from my doctor etc. You know what they are like with their reports.

Alex_Alumni

You're welcome

It can be difficult when you don't feel heard or understood by the assessors @blenny, I understand, I remember how pressured I felt in my own PIP assessment - things worked out okay, but it's hard to shake the feeling of being judged sometimes!

poppy123456

Remember that having a baby doesn't take away the fact that you may still need help/support/care yourself, even if you don't receive that. PIP is awarded based on the help you need, even if you don't receive that help.