Another pip assessment

teddyjohn89

After my mental health has got even worse i told pip that my condition has got worse now i have to have another assessment but just as nervous as the first time i had one. Any one else done this please thank you  

janer1967

Hi there 

Reporting a change in condition will always prompt a reassessment 

Thats why you should only report if you think you maybe able to get a higher award and after getting expert advice 

Good luck let us know how you get on 

teddyjohn89

Thank you for the reply i scored 11 points before my new diagnosis so fingers crossed i get higher  

poppy123456

PIP isn't about a diagnosis so based on this you won't score anymore points.

teddyjohn89

They put 0 points for toilet needs i have ulcerated colitis and sometimes i cant make it to a toilet so i could argue that i suppose 

poppy123456

For toilet needs, managing clothing and mobilising to the toilet are not considered in this activity. What's considered is your ability to get on and off the toilet and clean yourself afterwards.

teddyjohn89

Thank you poppy i understand now lets hope my pip dont get stopped now 

Tori_Scope

It might be worth having a look back over the PIP descriptors (pipinfo.net) so that you feel confident in providing the best examples you can @teddyjohn89  

I'm sorry to hear that your mental health has worsened. Are you receiving enough support to help you manage this?

teddyjohn89

Some support i guess and on tablets also 

Tori_Scope

It's good that you're receiving some support, and medication can be a helpful way of managing your symptoms @teddyjohn89 Do you have a good support network around you? 

teddyjohn89

Yes i do just so nervous about the assessment even though i have had one in the past 

Alex_Alumni

That's understandable @teddyjohn89 as it's still a bit unknown, but as you say, you've had one in the past, and you got through it. 

Nerves are funny things, and it's completely natural to feel the way you do.

Do you have notes of examples for each of the questions? And can someone sit with you during the assessment for support?

teddyjohn89

Yes i will have my mum and my mental health worker with me on the day 

Alex_Alumni

That's good to hear @teddyjohn89 do let us know how it goes, we're all here to support you

teddyjohn89

I will do thank you. My original award is until October 2023 but I'm guessing they can stop this if i don't score enough point's this time around 

poppy123456

Any new decision will always overrule your current award.

teddyjohn89

Thank you for the information poppy. Should get the same points i hope wish i never reported my new illness now 🥺

Alex_Alumni

We can support you whatever happens, but just because you've reported a change, doesn't mean you will get less than you did before. 

Remember no decision has been made yet, and you'll have support around you during the assessment too.

If you can, try not to worry about something which might not happen @teddyjohn89 and please ask if you need anything.

teddyjohn89

Thank you for the support will keep you updated 

Sue_Alumni

Hi,
It is possible that the DWP could terminate your award but remember you have already been scored 11 points. I'm not saying it never happens but it is unlikely. The DWP decision maker would need to decide that your conditions have improved since you were awarded PIP to the extent that you were able to better perform the activities in respect of which you were awarded points. The decision maker would need to take on board the findings of the Health Care Professional at the health assessment and your own evidence relating to how your conditions have deteriorated since your PIP claim and how they have impacted further on your ability, or lack of, to carry out the PIP descriptors you refer to.  Statements from your support worker and family members are always helpful. 
You refer to the fact that you didn't score any points for the toilet needs descriptor. The fact that you may need to get to the toilet urgently is not taken into account in this descriptor.  However, it can be relevant to the planning and following journeys descriptor.  You would need to show that you are so anxious about getting to a toilet in time when you are out and about that, for the majority of the time, you do not go out because of the overwhelming psychological distress occasioned.  
Hope this helps and good luck for the assessment and let us know how you get on. 

poppy123456

Sue_Scope said:

The fact that you may need to get to the toilet urgently is not taken into account in this descriptor.  However, it can be relevant to the planning and following journeys descriptor.  You would need to show that you are so anxious about getting to a toilet in time when you are out and about that, for the majority of the time, you do not go out because of the overwhelming psychological distress occasioned.  
Hope this helps and good luck for the assessment and let us know how you get on. 

I disagree with that, sorry. Following and planning a journey is for those that suffer mental health, cognitive and sensory impairments. It considers a persons ability to plan and follow the route of a journey.

Not being able to get to the toilet in time has nothing to do with following and planning a journey.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#mobility-activities