'review of your PIP has started' -- help!

my_cat_is_called_aya

Hi everyone! 

I'm new here, and I'm hoping you can help!

I got a text yesterday morning (May 2023) from DWP saying 'the review of your PIP has started. We are sending you a PIP review form.' 

I am panicking because I'm confused about this. I haven't got a letter or anything that explains this in any more detail, and I have tried calling many times yesterday and today and the line disconnects as soon as I am on hold. 
 
I applied for PIP in August 2020, and was awarded it in April 2021. My initial award letter says that the award lasts up to 14 January 2024.

The initial award letter also says that 'we will contact you while you are getting PIP to see if your needs have changed and to look at the amount you get. This will be after 14 January 2023.'

So -- is this review the same as renewing/re-applying? 
If I pass this review will the award be for the next 4 years?

Do these reviews tend to be really draconian and as bad as the first time -- are they likely to try to take my PIP away from me? 

Thank you for any illumination you can give!

poppy123456

It will be a review of your existing claim and you will receive review forms in the post to fill in and return with all your supporting evidence.

You should treat this as a new claim and provide as much detail as possible even if there's been no changes to your health condition.

There's very long delays with review decisions so you could be waiting a considerable length of time for a decision. Most people have assessments which are mostly by telephone.

Your current award will continue until a decision is made on your review. If awarded then you're PIP will be extended but it any award length up to a maximum of 10 years.

Your award could either remain the same, be decreased, increased and even stop completely. The process is the same as the last time. The only difference is it's a shorter form.