PIP mandatory reconsideration request time limit and reason

KindaSurviving
KindaSurviving Community member Posts: 3 Listener

I could do with some advice on the acceptable reasons for submitting a mandatory PIP reconsideration well outside of the 1 month period. I had my PIP assessment letter almost a year ago (dated 18th Oct 2023). I was very demoralized by the decision and couldn't face looking at it again at the time as I was already struggling mentally. Since then their has been huge upheaval in my life - I have moved house as I wasn't coping with part of my living arrangements and I am now living alone. One of my biggest support structures collapsed that badly affected work and the few social activities I managed to engage with. Things have just kind of drifted and now I'm panicking a bit about how to reengage with the process as I'm concerned about the state it left me in last time.

Comments

  • Rosie_Scope
    Rosie_Scope Posts: 3,717 Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @KindaSurviving, welcome to the community 😊

    Unfortunately, I don't think there is much official guidance around for what makes an acceptable reason for getting things back late, but hopefully some of our members can share what happened with their claims.

    From what I understand, it's all done on a case-by-case basis and if you can explain your situation in detail about why you didn't manage to get it back within the time, that's the best chance you can give yourself. All the things you mentioned about what you've been through lately are worth popping down as it'll all hopefully help towards your case.

    Hope you can manage to get it all sorted, it's a tough process to go through sometimes! Lots of our members have managed it though, so I hope you'll get some support here 😊

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing

    No guidance is needed here, you simply explain why you didn't request the MR within 1 month of the date of the decision. The maximum time you have is 13 months. If they refuse the late request you proceed to Tribunal.

    Please be aware that they will not take into consideration any worsening of condition since your assessment took place. They will only take into consideration what your conditions were like at that time. This also applies to the Tribunal.