Pip appeal award length

kami_84

I have been awarded PIP for 5 years, but I am considering appealing only the length of the award, not the rates or points awarded.

I have autism and ADHD, and I also have significant difficulties with executive functioning, memory, communication and coping with stressful situations. My current living situation is also extremely difficult and has had a major impact on my functioning and ability to manage the PIP process.

At my PIP appointment, I had an additional written letter/evidence that I wanted to submit, but I was not able to get it properly considered/submitted. I am concerned that this may have affected how the likely duration of my needs was assessed.

My main question is:

Is it worth appealing a 5-year PIP award purely to seek a longer or ongoing award, and what evidence would be most useful for arguing that my difficulties are unlikely to significantly improve within five years?

I am also worried about the risk of appealing when I am otherwise satisfied with the award. Would the tribunal reconsider the whole award, including my existing points and rates, even if I make clear that I am challenging only the length of the award?

kreacher

just like to congradulate you on getting pip, not sure on about appealing a decision regarding the length of award, i hope someone else can help you on that bit

Hopeless

I asked for a mandatory reconsideration of my PIP award length stating I agreed with the points awarded but not the 4 year award length. They looked at the whole thing again! Fortunately, they kept the points the same but extended my award to 10 years. I provided evidence that said my condition is deemed to be life-long. So, yes, it is possible though not without risk.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @kami_84. If you appeal the decision, they will look at the whole award. This means they may reduce your award or take it away completely. @Hopeless has shared their own experience where the outcome was positive, however, it's not guaranteed.

You mentioned your living situation is extremely difficult. Would you like to tell us a bit more about that?

kami_84

Thank you for replying. I should clarify that I have already completed the Mandatory Reconsideration process, and my MR did not change the length of my award. I was awarded PIP for 5 years, so my next step would be an appeal.

My concern is specifically the length of the award. I am not challenging the points I was awarded. I have long-term conditions, including autism and ADHD, and supporting evidence about their long-term nature.
I found Hopeless’s experience difficult because their 4-year award was increased to 10 years at MR, whereas my MR left my award at 5 years. I appreciate that every case is different, but it makes me question whether my long-term difficulties have been properly reflected in the award length.

My living situation is currently very difficult and is adding to the pressure, but I would prefer to keep this discussion focused on the PIP issue.

What I need help with is this: given that my MR has already been unsuccessful, is appealing specifically over the 5-year award length a reasonable step, and what evidence would be most important in arguing for a longer award?
I would really appreciate specific advice on this because I have very little time left to decide.

float

I think it would be fairly uncommon for them to extend the award unless you have profound Autism. 5 years is already one of the longer award lengths. Their reasoning would be that you may improve with support and would require reassessment to see if you need less support (or conversely more). Yes, they'd look at the entire award, not just the length of it.

kami_84

Yes. Add it because it directly supports why communication should be considered as part of your functional needs.