PIP review question - what if?

bluefox

I have two questions:

1. What do you do if inbetween the time waiting for your review to be reviewed you have a change of circumstances in the sense that your pain has now been treated for example? Will they disregard the original form, or will you have to do another form on top of the initial review form?

2. I have had issues around using alcohol to self-medicate my mental health issues but I can't help but worry this is going to go against me. I use alcohol for anxiety and depression but I'm also diagnosed with ASD/ADHD and these two can sometimes make you use alcohol or so I've been told by the psychiatrist. Am I going to be doomed to apply?

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @bluefox

If you have persistent newer changes (longer than 6 months). Then you could possibly go for Mandatory Reconsideration with the new evidence. If your decision is made and it has only for example been 2 months, you can submit a change or circumstances later on. 

With your second question. With assessments, they cannot proceed if you are under the influence for ethical and safeguarding reasons. Can I ask, have you spoken to your GP about help with going towards alcohol? Are you working with the psychiatrist to find a better outlet? 

bluefox

I won't be under the influence of alcohol as I haven't drank for two months but I'm worried about how they will view it.

Hannah_Alumni

@bluefox I can only guess that they'll view you as someone who is battling an addiction. I think maybe going through the process with a Citizen's Advice advisor would be beneficial They can be a great support! 

bluefox

Hannah_Scope said:

@bluefox I can only guess that they'll view you as someone who is battling an addiction. I think maybe going through the process with a Citizen's Advice advisor would be beneficial They can be a great support! 

I think it’s more to do with eligibility for benefits. I wasn’t drinking initially but yes I have turned to alcohol to self-medicate. I feel somehow this will go against me even though I have stopped. 

Hannah_Alumni

@bluefox There are those who claim because of addiction and other issues. They are unable to work and need that help and support. So, I don't think it would go against you. If anything, I think it would help tailor more support for you  

chiarieds

1. if you have had a change that has lasted at least 3 months, in your case your condition has improved, is that sufficient to reduce or remove either component you have been awarded? If it's not sufficient to do this, then do nothing. If it is, you should report a 'Change of circumstances' & you'll be sent another claim form such as when you first applied. You wouldn't complete this & a review form at the same time.

Sorry I'm disagreeing with Hannah here, as I'm unsure why you would consider a Mandatory Reconsideration to potentially reduce/remove an award.

2. when another review happens, just please be honest about the problems you're facing. For now, great that you haven't had a drink for 2 months.

Edit: perhaps I haven't been clear. If you're currently waiting for a decision of a PIP review, then it's how you were at the time of an assessment that matters, so your review form would not be disregarded. You'd then have to wait for your decision. A 'Change of circumstances' could then be done if a claimant's needs or conditions get worse/better, but only of they would change the award they receive. (A Mandatory Reconsideration can not be done until you get your decision letter & is in the hopes that an award can be made, or increased).

Hannah_Alumni

Feel free to disagree @chiarieds! sorry if I wasn't clear. I was talking from a support point of view. It may be that the pain is being treated and although I took that as a positive way for bluefox, it could be negative Say for example it then creates additional cost for aids and adaptations, I thought a MR would be the process if those changes occurred whilst waiting for their result. 

bluefox

No my condition hasn’t improved. They didn’t know I was using alcohol to self medicate. I mean will it go against me that during the time I’ve struggled with my mental health that I have used alcohol. 

Remember alcoholism isn’t a disability. However, depression leading to alcohol misuse is. But my alcohol use is okay now but my depression isn’t. I hope this makes sense. 

But that’s why I’m worried. You know exactly what they’re going to say. You shouldn’t be drinking on benefits etc. I’m talking stigma here.