Pip change of circumstances

gemd

good evening all, hope your all well?
having been awarded standard for both until 2025 due to my severe degenerative osteoarthritis and mental health..I have another concern now..
i have been on a 18 month waiting list .. the dreaded letter has landed and I’ve been given a date for my total knee replacement on the 4th August.. where does this leave me in regards to my award.. would I have to tell dwp that I have a change of circumstances.. and does it change to enhanced as recovery to normal light duties is 6months.. and a couple years I’ve been told by the consultant 🙈..

poppy123456

It doesn’t change anything because it’s not classed as a change of circumstances that needs to be reported. 

Changes should only need to be reported if it’s possible to score more points for a higher award. (or lower in some cases) 
For PIP you must expect the condition to last at least a further 9 months so surgery recovery time of approximately 6 months won’t score you any extra points. You also can’t claim for something that hasn’t yet happened.
Good luck with the surgery.

gemd

Thank you Poppy. Appreciate your advice..very helpful to try and understand how it all works.  Thank you for taking time out to help 

Jamiequinn1975

Hi Gemd. I agree with Poppy. A knee replacement isn't classed as an 'aid' in the eyes of the DWP. You can tell them that you have had a knee replacement and you now can't walk and whist your in recovery and doing the exercises specified, you now have to have, for example now you have to have hand rails in the bathroom or stairs to get up or use a stick to walk, the DWP class these as an aid.
Mom's just had the same op. Say nothing, see how it goes, and if they ask you to resubmit at the end of your current award state how you are, but just be aware the questions are so ambiguous, look on line for guidance, do a search for something like..'freedom of information act regarding PIP application for knee replacement' you will be massively supprised what by law you can ask for, and how many people have asked the same questions in all PIP related questions. The DWP have to answer truthfully or at least tell you what a 'change in circumstances' means.
Unless the op makes things worse. Don't offer any 'change in circumstances'
Good luck with the op. Make sure you have decent aftercare in place, if my mom's recovery is anything to go by, you won't be doing the 100 meter sprint any time soon!

Jay

gemd

Thank you so much. I’ll take every advice on board. God bless you all.. your all so kind in taking time out to help others. Thanks again everyone 

L_Volunteer

You are welcome @gemd. It is the very least you deserve. I am glad you have found us helpful. Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything else to help you