Decision maker downgraded pip assessors report

tisms6

Morning all, im new hear.

Just after spme advice.

I received my pip report back which added to enhanced care and mobility 3 weeks ago.  Had a text today stating i had been awarded pip, but when i rang, i have only been awarded standard rate. 

Anyone else experienced this?
Not sure whether to just accept it or MR and then appeal if still denied. 

This is my first ever claim, it took over 6 months and so already drained and too anxious to worry about dong it all again, despite feeling i qaulify for enhanced, especially as i had lots of proof from multiple clinical specialists.

Any advice appreciated.

Many thanks in advance!

tisms6

Sorry for all the typos!

poppy123456

Are you 100% sure the report recommend at least 12 points for both parts? You can use the PIP self test to check. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/pip-test-form

Though it’s rare for them to go against it, it does happen unfortunately. The report is a recommendation only. 

If you’re not happy with the decision then you can request the Mandatory Reconsideration within 1 month of the date of the decision. You should put that request in writing. 

tisms6

Hi, thanks for your reply. 
Yes,  I scored 25 for care and 22 mobility,  I checked scores against the website!I contacted citizens advice and they too were really shocked.  They downgraded me to 11 for care and 10 for motility,  so more than halved my scores! 

tisms6

I'm just waiting for dwp to forward me all the info they had requested from different medics,  plus my original application,  assessment report (I had paper based, as suggested by assessor as I had too many problems to discuss) as well as my award letter,  and then hopefully citizens advice can help me do the mandatory reconsideration.  Its just so stressful and time consuming! I have 4 autistic children and I find it so difficult on top of my own disabilities to find the strength and time! It took me 8 weeks to do my original request,  due to illness!

tisms6

Do you think mandatory reconsideration might work due to vast drpp on points?im so confused this has happened. I cant believe the difference in scores! I really thought as i scored so high, the decison maker would have gone with assesor. Any useful links for how to do a sucesful mr and appeal?

poppy123456

The most likely outcome of the MR will be the decision remains the same because only 23% of them change at that stage.

I'd advise you to wait for the decision letter, if you haven't received it yet to see where exactly you scored those points.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/mandatory-reconsideration-pip/

Appeal (Tribunal) stage comes after MR. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/apply-to-tribunal/

tisms6

Thank you! More waiting, its so draining. Im due lumbar puncture this week, maybe that will produce a helpful piece of evidence.

tisms6

Just a quick update for those going through an MR. I received my MR decision today,  8 weeks to the day exactly! Both components changed to enhanced rate! A very stressful and drawn out process,  but worth it in the end! 

Rosie_Scope

Great news @tisms6, sorry it took such a long process but I'm glad you got the result you were hoping for in the end

bookrabbit

That is great news:)
It is good to hear that MR can work. I am waiting for one too. 

tisms6

Thank you both! 😊 I was surprised tbh as I've read mostly negative stories.  Good luck bookrabbit, i did chase mine at the end,  as it hadn't been passed to a decision maker until I called and then decision made next day. Not sure if just coincidence or if it was my call that sped it up? 🤔