PIP Review - Called by Decision Maker

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StOlaf1188

Hey all. this is my first post on the Scott forum, and I’m just looking for a little bit of advice from some of you who may be more familiar with this process than myself.

I have cerebral palsy, and although I can walk, I use a walking stick and occasionally my wheelchair. I received DLA from the age of two, when I was diagnosed. I have always received the higher rate for living allowance and mobility, and this has also been the same with my PIP award. I also have a Motability vehicle, which is a godsend in helping me to get around.

A couple of months ago I received my PIP award review form. To cut a long story short the majority of the questions hadn’t changed since my last review, but the most important part Is always the moving around component.

Yesterday I received a phone call from DWP. I missed it so called back and waited for 40 minutes to be told that the original caller would call me back. I then had call from a lovely lad from the DWP, who seemed very kind and supportive. He just asked me a number of questions from the form, just gain a better understanding of how my condition affects me.

He said that if he could extend my award, I would hear in writing within around a week, however if he couldn’t, I would receive a text, and will eventually have to see an assessor face-to-face - and this could take many weeks or months as they’re so far behind in their schedule. He reassured me my award would continue until I’m told otherwise and that the term ends next July. He was very polite, and I’ll oddly enough ended the conversation with ‘thanks so much for your time mate’. I just find this strange from a professional body like DWP.

Now I’m beginning to worry that my reward award might be taken away for some reason, but I don’t have any real reason to believe this as I’ve had the award my entire life, and have had therapists telling my parents that I should be awarded it from my whole life as my condition will continue to worsen as I get older (I’m now 27 - and living with my Fiancé.)

Sorry for such a massive message but I just wanted to know if anyone else has had the same or a similar experience and what way it is likely to go for me. I’m confident I’ll still have my award, but am just quite nervous about the wait to find out. 

Thanks in advance.

Alex_Alumni

Hello @StOlaf1188 and a warm welcome to the Scope community, thanks for writing your first post!

I can relate quite well to your feelings and uncertainty around your PIP review, I think it can be quite natural to have some nagging doubts despite things always being at the enhanced rate as you say. 

As someone who also has CP, and has had DLA, and now enhanced PIP, I can't say I've experienced the same just yet, as my review isn't for another few years at least. I hope you do hear back in writing soon. 

I think the whole benefits system in general naturally causes us to sometimes doubt and question our own conditions and what we might or might not be entitled to, that is the nature of the beast, and it's not always easy to contend with. As you say, you can feel confident you know yourself, your disability, and that you'll retain your award. Try and hold onto that this week, and not let those nagging doubts take over. 

Sometimes it can be helpful to spend time doing things you enjoy, or with loved ones, friends or family. If the community can provide support in this way, you're welcome to have a look around.

Keep us updated on how things go if you can

Alex