Pip review

sab32

Hi all 👋🏻 I was awarded Pip enhanced care and standard mobility in 2022 for 6 years. In November 2023 I got a letter in the post saying I was getting a phone call from a standard assurance unit for a benefit review. The phone call was on December 5th. It was very overwhelming and out of the blue. Things had changed with my illnesses like medications has to be altered as my conditions has declined. The person I spoke with advised that I may need to go through the medical process again. I received a letter on January 26th telling me I had a telephone medical on 6th February. The telephone call lasted 33 minutes. Yesterday I received a text message to say the decision has been made and I will receive a letter in the post in 2 weeks. This has all been very fast and overwhelming and my stress levels are very high. Has anyone else been through this process and had a positive experience? It is very daunting and I am fearing the worst. I am also in receipt of ESA and I am wondering if I lose my PIP would this also trigger a move to UC? 

poppy123456

I hadn’t heard of the standard assurance unit before and had to google it and then realised you live in N Ireland. See link 

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/standards-assurance-unit-review-check-your-benefit-payment

They do reviews like this in England and Wales for PIP but they are rare. As the decision has now been made you can ring DFC to ask what that decision is and they maybe able to tell you. 

If you lose your PIP it will not prompt a move to UC because PIP isn’t part of it. 

sab32

poppy123456 said:

I hadn’t heard of the standard assurance unit before and had to google it and then realised you live in N Ireland. See link 

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/standards-assurance-unit-review-check-your-benefit-payment

They do reviews like this in England and Wales for PIP but they are rare. As the decision has now been made you can ring DFC to ask what that decision is and they maybe able to tell you. 

If you lose your PIP it will not prompt a move to UC because PIP isn’t part of it. 

Yes they said they choose 800 people a year at random. Even though the text said not to call do you think I could still chance it? The switch to UC worried me the most so that takes a weight off my shoulders. Thank you! 

poppy123456

If the text is anything like it is from DWP then yes they advise not to call but that doesn't mean you can't. 

sab32

I received my letter today 5 days after the text message. My award remains the same.