PIP Assessment

Venus_Cee

Hi all, I was receiving standard PIP on both care and mobility. I got a five year award and that award should have ended December 2025. I got a letter telling me they had extended my award to February 2026 due to the backlog. But then I got review forms in July 2024 and filled them in, sent them back, wondering why they'd extended my claim then sent the forms six months before my original claim was over. Anyway, I got a text message July 22nd 2024 saying they had received my forms and would call for an assessment when one was available. So I waited, and waited. Nobody called.

Then July 1st this year I received a text saying someone would ring me on 15th to do the assessment. It all went through and I was told they would give me a decision after six weeks. This morning (just three weeks later) I got a call from my case manager who asked me a few questions, then told me she was increasing my award to enhanced on both. I was stunned. She told me she'd spoken to my GP and a few health professionals who have been involved in my care. I didn't know they did that? But the way she put it was, she'd been right through my medical record and made her decision based on that. I've always had to fight in the past for standard. Anyway, because I was already claiming standard throughout this time, will they backdate the difference from July 2024 when I first put my review forms in, to July 2025? Or will my claim start from the assessment? I already rang the PIP line today and sure enough, my next payment is the enhanced amount.

Do I need to inform Universal Credit? I did ring them today and the guy I spoke to said I didn't need to because PIP would tell them. Is there anyone else I need to tell? I don't want to get into any trouble. Thanks for any help!

PS I'm so relieved this is all over. I was convinced I would have to fight them again :(

Kimi87

If you get Council Tax Reduction it would be a good idea to inform them.

The Decision Maker has discretion on when to apply the increased award, so that's not something we'd be able to answer here with any certainty.

If you do get a lump sum in backdated PIP, it is disregarded for one year in the calculation of your UC capital.

Venus_Cee

Yes I get council tax reduction. I've already rang the PIP line and the increase has been applied today, telling me when my next payment will be and how much. I wasn't sure if they would backdate the 'extra' ie the difference between standard and enhanced, for a full year? She did say I would get a letter in the next seven days to confirm all of this. Thankyou for your response :)

Venus_Cee

Good morning, I got all my dates wrong. I was so confused yesterday and couldn't think straight. I found my award letter this morning and I was awarded until February 2025. But they sent renewal papers out in July 2024. Which is why I was confused because it wasn't up for renewal until February 2025. I'll wait for the letter of confirmation before calling the Council Tax. But am sure they get notified anyway when there's a change in income. Better safe than sorry though. Thanks very much for the help :)

Kimi87

Reviews are taking a very long time, which is why the form was sent out well in advance.

luvpink

@Venus_Cee

I am very pleased for you.

Venus_Cee

Thankyou! I'm pleased too. I usually have to fight hard but this time they put it through within three weeks. I'm completely housebound and really didn't want to go through another tribunal in my own home, with strangers judging me and staring at me. I got a text message this morning from DWP telling me a decision has been made. I already know the result but have to wait about two weeks for the letter :)

Mary_Scope

Hi @Venus_Cee

Thank you for giving us an update, that must be a relief! Hopefully won't be too long until you get the letter