PIP mobility change

coldwatermermaid

I am due for review for PIP next year but over this winter my mobility has taken a hit with arthritis flares. I was one point off full mobility allowance last time. Do I report the change now or wait? Will I still be reassessed next year if they reassess me now? Part of me doesn't want to rock the boat but I am struggling so any advice welcomed!

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/143762/pip-mobility-change

Hi,

If you make a Change of Circumstances now then that over-rides your previous PIP end date. You will be given a new end date as part of that assessment result.

Please be aware that any change in circumstances must have been going on for at least 3 months, and expected to continue for another 9 months. If you believe your abilities will improve again in the warmer weather then that doesn't fit the PIP criteria.

coldwatermermaid

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1100105#Comment_1100105

Thank you!

My mobility has been declining rapidly for more than a year. Lymphoedema in one leg led to other leg doing more of the work which then wore down the knee cartilage. And now the lymphedema leg can't take the extra work from the arthritic knee. Pain levels really high since October but am never pain free. On the list for surgery so five years minimum. Have letter from consultant and am having physio so think I'll just go ahead and tell them. My fear was I'd be assessed two years in a row and it was such a soul destroying experience last time I just don't think I could have faced that.

Appreciate your insight!

Adrian_Scope

Hello @coldwatermermaid.

Unfortunately none of us can say whether you’d qualify for a higher rate, unfortunately we do see cases where people have deteriorated and then been given the same or a lower award. The decision is based on how you meet the descriptors and the evidence you provide and that can vary from person to person, even with the same conditions.

If your mobility has worsened and it’s been that way for at least 3 months (and expected to continue for at least 9 months), you can report it as a change of circumstances rather than waiting for your review.

When they look at your change of circumstances it counts as a new assessment so your whole award will be looked at again. This should not result in you having two assessments back-to-back. The reassessment triggered by the change would replace your current review date and if awarded, will set a new end date.