PIP suspended whilst under review

robbo2000

Hello all,

I reported some improvements in my health.

I was sent an AR1 form which I filled out and returned.

On the 24th October I got a text to say my form has been recieved and I might need to answer more questions or have a review. I don’t need to do anything g for now, just waiting on.

My enhanced daily living element has been suspended. My improvements mean I will likely be given standard daily living.

I have a mobility car. They have said I can keep it for the time being whilst my case is reviewed. My improvements mean I will likely be given standard mobility which means the car will go back. I accept that, as I am more mobile now and don’t meet the criteria for enhanced but do meet the criteria for standard.

I’m lucky because I have the car for now, but my daily living payments are suspended. This risks me going in to financial hardship.

QUESTION, does anyone know how long it is currently taking for AR1 forms to be assessed with a revised decision?

(I understand I will get a back payment for any suspended payments and if the car goes back, I will get a partial pro-rata refund of the deposit laid down for the rental agreement)

FredFlintstone

Into my 13th week since submitting a change of circumstances. North East - Maximus.

robbo2000

are your payments suspended?

Trevor_PIP

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/139754/pip-suspended-whilst-under-review

Surprised your Daily Living has been suspended? I thought you would still receive your enhanced PIP payments while your Change in Circumstances is reviewed by the DWP/PIP. Only after the DWP review decision is made would the PIP payments change. Very strange, I would be giving them a call....

Trevor_PIP

In addition, Change in Circumstances can be reviewed and completed fairly quickly. This has been the case with some members of this forum, but you'll be waiting at least 12 weeks. I can't say anymore.

Your honesty with this situation needs a mention too. Well done!

robbo2000

I did call them and they said it had been suspended to prevent any over payments. Back payments will be made accordingly once they have a decision. They recommended I call Motability to inform them. I did just that, and a very nice lady at Motability confirmed with the DWP that we could continue using the car until a review is completed.
I am fortunate that we will be ok financially for about 3 months, but then things will get a bit tricky. I just hope they can get the review done sooner rather than later, especially as we head into Winter, Christmas etc… which are always more financially challenging.

Trevor_PIP

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1082253#Comment_1082253

Thanks for the reply. I still think it is wrong personally, it is not as though it is a lot of money, the difference between Standard and Enhanced Daily Living is £20 to £30 a week. The big difference is with Mobility and you can keep the car which is correct. The DWP are doing things now that never happened previously, including not paying back pay when claimants were entitled. This has happened recently to members of this forum. In addition, one member was expecting a five figure sum, it was halved to a four figure sum! Hope it is sorted out quickly and usually Change in Circumstances are.

robbo2000

UPDATE

After 20 weeks since submitting my change in circumstances, I have been informed that my PIP will continue, but at the standard rate.
That was the outcome I expected.

My Daily Living payments had been suspended for the while 20 weeks.

I was told this is standard practice when there’s a report of improvements in order to avoid overpayments.

However, we were permitted to continue using the car.

I have been informed that I will receive a back payment in 2 weeks time for the suspended payments, the car will be returned after a transitional period (we need time to buy something to replace it) and we will be given a pro-rata refund of our initial down payment.

This is really just to help others who might be in a similar situation. The system works but you have to be patient.

MW123

@robbo2000

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, it’s really helpful when members come back with an outcome on something like this as it gives others a clearer idea of what to expect if they ever need to report an improvement in their health for PIP.

Rachel_Scope

Thanks so much for the update @robbo2000. It's definitely helpful for others to know how things went for you.