source of dwp quote 'if condition has not changed in 2 years it is unlikely to change'

michael_m

Hi everyone, I dont expect anyone will be able to help with this but I can always ask, what is there to lose by asking!!!!

I read a dwp quote somewhere that regarding health conditions/disbilities the following quote 'if a condition hasn't changed in 2 years it is unlikely to change"

I am trying to find the source of this quote (it was stated in some official dwp pip documentation but I cant recall where, nor am i unable to find it)

I am trying to find this quote so I can refer to it in my pip appeal, I have a lifelong disability which has effected my mobility, there has been no improvements to my condition for literally 4.5years but having just had a pip review, they have extended my award for a further 3 years on the basis 'there is a chance your condition could improve'.

They havent explained on what evidential basis they believe my condition will improve within 3 years.

As my condition hasnt improved for 4.5 years I believe it has now stabalized and there is now evidence to indicate it will improve.

Thus I am trying to establish the source of the afforementioned quote such that I can refer to it in appeal (for the duration of the award)

Unless anybody is already familiar with this quote and its source, I dont expect I will get an answer to this question as I dont expect anyone to waste there valuable time 'searching' for it

thanks

FredFlintstone

My award stated, "as your needs may change" rather than may improve. This is normal if you are not awarded higher rate for daily living and mobility.

FredFlintstone

What you are looking for may be in the PIP handbook:

PIP handbook - GOV.UK

fanno1uk

DWP Guidance Says:

They use what they call the "two-year rule" as a practical marker:

• If there’s been no change in your condition or ability to manage over the last two years…
• And there’s no realistic expectation of improvement…
• They often recommend a longer award (sometimes up to 10 years), with a light-touch review closer to the end.

luvpink

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1002374#Comment_1002374

I've had my conditions for 14 years and they have got worse over time yet I only ever get 3 year pip awards

Doglover2

Good lord.never heard of it.

Most of my conditions are decades and lifelong. I'd indefinite on dla.. two yrs on pip then three yr,now four, ending next yr. Two tribunals won and third i got my pip reinstated after I did my own mr.

keira

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1002374#Comment_1002374

Can you provide a link to this guidance please.

tifo

I don't know about this 2 year rule but my conditions have lasted over 2 years and will not improve, in fact they'll get worse as evidenced by hospital clinicians. It doesn't seem to matter …..

tifo

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1002374#Comment_1002374

where can i find more info on this rule?

greatdanemia

My telephone assessment (after which I have lost everything). The "healthcare professional " said due to a change in conditions (so osteoporosis improves with age ?) She had changed the descriptors and consequently I wasn't getting anything.

Stuartcarol68

to be honest I think you’re better off sticking with your three year award.

You could end up with nothing the way things are right now.

At least you know you’ve got three worry free years

michael_m

Hello everyone,

I would like to reply to each person who commented personally, but I don't know how to do that.

I want to say a big thank you to everyone who replied to my queery, sadly I didn't find the information I was looking for and my pip appeal has know been sent off.

noonebelieves

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1002374#Comment_1002374

@fanno1uk
To be honest, I don’t think there’s an official “two-year rule” in DWP regulations. It seems like a misunderstanding or speculation that has been repeated until it’s taken as fact.🤷🏻‍♂️

The PIP Assessment Guide 1, Section 1.9 on prognosis explains in detail how award lengths are determined—whether it’s two years, five years, ‘no review required,’ or other durations. It’s worth reading, especially when preparing to challenge decisions and fight for our rights! (A bit of bedtime reading, perhaps!)

Best Wishes

Yadnad

People may not realise that if you only get a short - 2/3/4 year award, you can appeal against it requesting the DWP to state what evidence have they got that a short award is suitable.

More often than not there is no credible evidence held by them

noonebelieves

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1012128#Comment_1012128

@Yadnad, as I mentioned in my post above, I believe the guidance in the link is what the DWP uses to determine the length of awards. This means you and I can also use it to legally challenge their decision.