Worth asking for mandatory reconsideration?

Bobsy

Hey all, 

Hope everyone is OK. Might be long one but need some advice if possible. 

It's regarding my Mothers PIP. She is 68 years old and has been on DLA then PIP for over the past 10 years(standard rate for both). She suffers from COPD, mental health isses/anxiety from a bad past. Last year she had cancer which resulted in her losing an eye, which has made everything a lot worse, after a recovery and she beat cancer, we deciced to make a change of circumstances with her PIP. We had the face to face 6 weeks ago, and last week got awarded standard on both.

The report upset us because it was lies in there, like stating she was calm and relaxed in the assessment, when in fact she was really nervous and crying throughout, and she could communicate good but I had to do most the talking because she got confused. 

Anyway, the main question I would like help on is - for most the past 10 years whilst she's been on PIP, she had been awarded 4 points for the journey planning section and 4 points for the moving around - this new award is 10 points for moving around which is OK but they've deducted the 4 points for journey planning. If she retained the 4 points for the journey planning, she would be on the enchanced rate, but I can't understand how they think she has got better with this bit when, if anything, has got a lot worse, she has not been out on her own since the operation because of confusion and getting lost. 

I've read around and seen that because she is over 65, she isn't able to get the enhanced rate, but is that for new claims or would she be able to get it has she was already on PIP? Would it be worth asking for an MR to hopefully get the 4 points back for the journey section? 

Thanks for reading and for any help you may be able to give me. 

Have a good night
Martin

poppy123456

HI,

This will be her age. Because she's now over the age of 65 and she's previously been receiving Standard mobility then she won't be able to claim the Enhanced mobility.

atlas46

Hi @Bobsy

It might be worth your mum, seeking a welfare benefits check, say from your local AgeUK or CAB.

As PIP is a gateway benefit, that entitles you to other allowances, depending on your circumstances.

By way of example, does she claim Pension Credit?

Keep us informed

Bobsy

Hey,

Thanks for the replies. I'm pretty sure she gets pension credit already, and already on housing benefit.

Would there be anything else worth trying for? Not just benefits but also aids round the house to help her round the house whilst I'm at work.

So you reckon it's not worth asking for an MR on her pip if she won't be entitled to enchanced rate?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to help her out best I can

Thanks

poppy123456

For the aids around the house she'll need to self refer for a needs assessment to her local council.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

She can't claim Enhanced mobility because she's over 65 so no point requesting the MR. If she had Enhanced previously when she first applied for PIP then, this would be different.

She can still claim Enhanced daily living.