PIP award length changed without explanation

Jurph

Can the DWP change the length of the award given without notice or explanation?

Basically, my first PIP award was given by a tribunal in 2019. It was a 4 year award but backdated to 2017 when I first claimed. Because of this, I had to make a new claim last year.

The award I was given in December 2021 for 4 years also but my award was lowered from Standard Daily Living, Enhanced Mobility to Standard Daily Living, Standard Mobility. I submitted a MR but the award stayed the same (and stayed for 4 years). So, I submitted an appeal to HMCTS.

A few days after the DWP missed the response deadline, they contacted me and offered me my original points back (exactly what I requested). Obviously I accepted and the appeal was closed.

2 weeks later, I've finally received the DWP paperwork and they've reduced my 4 year award to just 2 years! No explanation given. I rang the DWP to see if it was an error but they said there nothing they could do and I'd have to appeal!

No explanation was given and when I rang, they said no notes had been left. It certainly wasn't mentioned during the offer call.

Is this normal? It seems very unfair. Is it correct that all I can do is appeal to tribunal again?

poppy123456

Yes they can do this. If you disagree then you can request the Tribunal based on the length of the award only. You'll need to make it clear that you're happy with the actual award you have.

Jurph

It seems crazy that they can change something this important without consultation.

Tori_Scope

I can imagine that'd be quite distressing @Jurph, so I'm sorry that it's happened to you. Have you tried seeking any expert advice on this? You can find advice in your area by searching on advicelocal.uk.