Need to check eligibility before PIP payout?

Becky88

Hi guys, 

So after waiting since 2018 for my PIP claim to be heard by the tribunal, I finally had it this week and won. My PIP subsequently has been backdated 4 years to November 2018. 

My decision outcome from the court didn’t include a date for when I’ll get my first payment and as I’m desperate for money (surviving on SSP) I called the PIP phone number to see when I could expect my first monthly payment. 

The advisor said something that alarmed me; he said that before they can pay me anything, I will receive a phone call to confirm my eligibility and check nothing’s changed. 

Can anyone explain what this means? Eligibility? I thought it was all over - am I really going to have to prove myself again? What does checking my eligibility mean. He mentioned something about hospital stays longer than 28 days can affect the amount you get? 

In further concerned because since my original PIP application, I have developed a heart condition which is greatly impacting my life. This wasn’t taken into account at the tribunal (which I’m not faulting them for at all, I know they couldn’t, I’m just grateful for what they did award me) but I did send my evidence to them just in case. 

So my circumstances/health have changed for the worse. Does this mean they might withhold my PIP and make me undergo another reassessment with my heart condition in mind? 

At this point I’m exhausted. I don’t want to fight anymore. These 4 years have nearly broken me physically, mentally, and financially. I’m in huge debt because I was forced to take out credit cards and loans to survive and I really just want to get paid so I can breathe for the first time in nearly half a decade. I don’t care if I’m entitled to more because of my heart, I just want to get what I’ve been awarded asap. 

Any advice greatly appreciated. 

calcotti

It's to check whether you have had spells in prison or hospital which could result in periods when it would not have been payable (being in hospital for over 28 days in one go or closely linked periods are one such example). They will also want to check payment details etc.

Note too that DWP have a right to appeal the tribunal decision to the upper tribunal so payment of PIP is not immediate. This is are but clearly they need to review the case first. 

The change in your health condition is not material at present. It would only become material if you chose to report a Change of circumstances to PIP in which case they would initiate a new form and assessment. Don't mention it to them unless you want them to do that.

Becky88

Thank you Calcotti. 

No time in prison nor hospital (excluding two A&E visits but wasn’t admitted so I’m assuming they won’t count). 

Yes, I’ve heard the DWP can appeal their decision too. It terrifies me. Especially since they gave me 0 points on everything while the tribunal gave me 15 daily living and 10 mobility. I’m scared that since the DWP didn’t even see fit to award me a single point that they’ll want to challenge my win, especially since my back pay is likely to be substantial. Do you know the criteria for when they challenge at all, or is there somewhere I can find out? 

Okay, thank you. I’ll keep my heart condition to myself for the time being as I can’t go through this again. It hasn’t been fully diagnosed yet anyway. 

L_Volunteer

When you last posted on this thread @Becky88 I could hear that you felt terrified about DWP's decision. I am just wondering, have you had any updates soon?

If we can do anything to support you please don't hesitate to let us know. We are all here for you 

Becky88

L_Volunteer said:

When you last posted on this thread @Becky88 I could hear that you felt terrified about DWP's decision. I am just wondering, have you had any updates soon?

If we can do anything to support you please don't hesitate to let us know. We are all here for you 

Hi, thank you for asking.

I won! Got enhanced daily living and standard mobility. Also got £22k in back pay as I’d been waiting since 2018! 

The stupid thing is, if the DWP had accepted my PIP application in the first place, they’d have paid out a lot less as on DLA, I was only getting lower care and no mobility. But thanks to their rejection, I ended up with a higher rate on both components than I realised I was entitled to. 

bg844

Fantastic @Becky88
Lovely to hear after all of them years!

Alex_Alumni

That's fantastic, well done and congratulations @Becky88