Need to check eligibility before PIP payout?

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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.