Timeframe for Change of Circumstances

elise84

Hi guys i had to report a change of circumstances, anyone know the rough timeframe for this currently? and if a 2nd assessment is needed etc

poppy123456

There's no timescales, i do know that they've been concentrating on new claims for a considerable length of time. Most people have assessments so yes, you'll likely need another, which is mostly by telephone.

elise84

Even tho i only had an assessement in april?

poppy123456

That will make no difference because you reported a change in health condition.

elise84

Hiya i had a text today stating my review is complete and ill recieve a decision letter in 2 weeks? ive had no contact with them other than the change of circumstances form

poppy123456

You will have had a paper based assessment, not a bad thing in my opinion. 

Although the text advises you not to ring them, you can do this anytime and they will tell you what the decision is. 

elise84

It dont make sense when i have been awarded the same, when i should have been awarded points for wearing a hearing aid

poppy123456

Whether it’s possible to score extra points for a higher award will depend on how your conditions affect you against the PIP descriptors. A worsening of condition doesn’t automatically score you more points.

If advise you to wait for the decision letter to see exactly where you scored those points. Then if you’re certain more points can be scored you can challenge the decision by requesting the MR. 

elise84

no i mean ive been awarded no points for wearing a hearing aid, where its in the pip descriptors

elise84

They read it out to me ive
 scored no different to the original decision

poppy123456

What were you awarded and where exactly did you score the points? It’s difficult to advise without more information. 

elise84

just standard living
points awarding the same amount and places

i have never been awarded points for needing my partner to help me in and out of the bathtub, i cant shower without him being there, wasn't awarded them on my initial award either, same as the hearing aid 

bi786

Hi don’t mind asking how long did change of circumstance take how many  months or weeks plz 

as I’m in process of doing report of circumstance change 
but been advised wait till my review form comes as my award has 12 months left soon I should recieve review form 

elise84

my change of circumstances took 6 weeks after they received the form back

bi786

Thank you for response bck

poppy123456

elise84 said:

just standard living
points awarding the same amount and places

i have never been awarded points for needing my partner to help me in and out of the bathtub, i cant shower without him being there, wasn't awarded them on my initial award either, same as the hearing aid 

I’d advise you to get some expert advice from an agency near you and they can take a look at your award, you can tell them how your conditions affect you and they will tell you if it’s possible to score more points needed for a higher award. https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

With the limited information you’ve given it’s not possible to advise further. 

elise84

Yes i  reached out but unfortunately the local services have a large backlog of demand and wont able to offer an appointment to discuss my award until middle of Feb. at the earliest

elise84

Its limited information because i dont have my letter in front of me, and everything else has been awarded correctly, just the no points for a hearing aid or that i cant get in the shower without support

poppy123456

elise84 said:

Its limited information because i dont have my letter in front of me

Thats why I advised you to wait for the decision letter. 

elise84

yes and they read it all out to me what i have been awarded points for and how many, and its excatly the same as the points received and awarded in april 

poppy123456

You can challenge the decision by requesting the MR. You should put that in writing stating where and why you think you should have scored those points. 

When you filled out the form if you didn’t include a couple of real world incidents of exactly what happened the last time you attempted each descriptor that applies to you then you should do that now. Adding detailed information such as where you were, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were. 

I’d also advise you to have a read of this because it will help with more understanding of the descriptors and what they mean. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities