Change of circumstances? Advice plz

goonies009

Hi guys I have posted before and found the advice valuable I last posted when I was pregnant and since then I have had the baby and have been struggling a lot. 

I did have a successful outcome at the tribunal which I attended while heavily pregnant and since giving birth I have really struggled with managing my existing conditions with a small baby it’s made my existing conditions worse and on top have new issues post partum that are realy making it challenging getting through my day to day activities with a small baby ( single parent) and even as baby grows I will still struggle due to my physical disabilities and decline in health which is making it much harder and not something that will get easier with time if that makes sense? 

I am really struggling with daily activities since having the baby and keeps getting worse I have been advised to make a change of circumstances however the thought of it is terrifying given how stressful it was first time round and also been hearing horror stories of how u have to start all over with the forms again. Just wondering any advice for a mum
who is absolutely exhausted physically and mentally with a baby how to navigate this without having a breakdown? 

poppy123456

Congratulations on the birth of your baby. If you report a change of circumstances then you'll be sent more forms to fill in and return with all your supporting evidence. Another assessment is most likely because most people have them. Once a decision is made your award could either stay the same, be reduced, increased or stop completely.

A worsening of condition or a new condition doesn't automatically entitle you to more points for a higher award.

Before reporting changes you need to make 100% sure that it's definitely possible to score more points for a higher award. Start by having a read of this. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

When you were advised to report changes did the person know anything about how your conditions affect you against the 12 PIP activities? Did you take some time to explain to them how you're affected?

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @goonies009

Congratulations on the birth of your baby I'm sorry to hear you have been finding it difficult. I see Poppy has advised on the change of circumstances.

I wanted to comment to let you know about Gingerbread. They are a support and advice service for first time and single parents. They are online and have in person support groups which I thought may connect you to more people in a similar situation. I hope it helps