Fair award. Should I go for an MR? I'm uncertain about rocking the boat

EMMc1966

I was awarded last week and I'm really happy I was awarded but someone has said to me I should have gotten the higher rate for Mobility. I hadn't gave it a second thought until this was mentioned. I have profound hearing loss and was awarded 18 points for the Daily Living part and 10 points for the Mobility part. The person who spoke to me said she has profound hearing loss and was awarded high rate for both after she got help. I don't want to sound ungrateful, as I've said I'm over the moon with what I have after fighting two years to get an award but curiosity is getting the better of me. I would like people's take on this, should I get help to pursue this or do I risk getting my award taken away if unsuccessful. I'm really uncertain about rocking the boat. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you in advance. 

Alex_Alumni

Hello @EMMc1966 I can completely understand your reservations about rocking the boat, and also your curiosity. 

You could try searching for a professional adviser using Advice Local or you could contact the Scope Helpline if you prefer, by email: helpline@scope.org.uk, or textphone: dial 18001 then 0808 800 3333.

I think at the end of the day, only you can decide what you're happy doing, but to score the maximum points for mobility you would really clearly need to evidence that your conditions mean that you either: 

• Cannot follow the route of a familiar journey without another person, an assistance dog or an orientation aid.

Or

• Can stand and then move more than 1 metre but no more than 20 metres, either aided or unaided.

Or

• Cannot, either aided or unaided, – (i) stand; or (ii) move more than 1 metre.

I hope that is helpful for you, but if it's not clear please let us know, and please ask if you need a hand.

EMMc1966

@Alex_Scope thank you so much for your advise, much appreciated. I was awarded 10 points for needing supervision for planning and following an unfamiliar journey but I need supervision for familiar journeys too. I've gotten in touch with a disability group in the hope they may help advise me. 

Alex_Alumni

Okay @EMMc1966 thanks for explaining I hope you can get the award you're hoping for whatever you decide.

It sounds like you can meet that descriptor on familiar journey's so I wish you the best of luck. 

If you'd like to read an overview of Mandatory reconsideration, Turn2Us has a useful summary.

Alex_Alumni

Thanks for sharing your insight on this @yanni