PIP and starting university - Do I need to notify them of a Change in Circumstances?

StressedOutAutist

Hello,

I hope this comes off okay and sorry for posting late at night.

I am starting university soon in September and I am really stressed about PIP. I am trying to get in touch with my boroughs Citizens Advice but they are really busy I called 50 times this morning. I wish I was exaggerating but of course I understand why.

I receive PIP Enhanced Daily Living and received it around March officially. I did tell the assessor I was planning on applying and studying English and so far I am on my way to doing that.

I was wondering if I need to tell DWP about this as my review is in 2026 February but my condition will remain the same during university probably because I am still with my mental health team and suffering and still trying medication and waiting for therapy and need the support of my mother and prompting and stuff. Additionally I work but I can't cope so I'm missing work and I also said this and it is in the PIP assessors document my mother helped me ask for. If I needn't tell them about work changes then I'm not sure about university which is where all this is coming from.

I'm doing English and Drama and taking seminars for both rather than group work so if I do get reviewed I don't think my degree will contradict my circumstances although of course I can explain it to them

I don't mind telling them but I'm really stressed about the review PIP2 and all these changes are stressing me out and making me really unstable and distressed. Also I was diagnosed autistic, would I need to tell them this if I get a PIP2 and find that I have to tell them that I am going university?

If I could get signposted for some guidance that would be really appreciated. Again I am really sorry for this post. Thank you if you have replied. I might not reply because I might not feel comfortable.

SWWCHRIS

hi I am no expert but do have experience of your situation through my work as a PA for a young person who is just about to start there third year at uni.

Going to uni will not affect your pip at all so please relax and focus on enjoying the experience. If your disability changes you should notify pip but going to university does not mean the effect your disability has on your daily life has changed.

I would strongly advise that you do contact your university accessibility team, they will be able to create an ILP (Independent Learning Plan) which will hugely help you through your university years. Lastly have you applied for DSA, this could help with equipment, software etc to help you through and will also pay for mentor help while at university - https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa#:~:text=What%20DSA%20can%20pay%20for,of%20documents%20for%20proof%2Dreading

poppy123456

It's not a change of circumstances that you need to report. Are you claiming any other benefits? if so which ones exactly please?

StressedOutAutist

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/906775#Comment_906775

Morning,

I am not claiming any other benefits, only PIP at enhanced daily living. Thank you so much for your answer!

StressedOutAutist

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/906771#Comment_906771

Thank you for your answer! I have applied for DSA and gotten almost all my equipment. I will make sure to speak with a disability advisor and ask about an ILP. I've been putting off doing it so thank you!

Albus_Scope

Heya @StressedOutAutist and welcome to the community!

I can see you've already been helped out, but I just wanted to pop in and say a quick hello. Best of luck with uni too! 😊