Mobility now being affected

Jonnyc

I already receive the Daily Living component of PIP and now my mobility is being greatly impacted. Should I tell DWP ? What will they ask me if I call to tell them about this change ? Will I have to go to a Centre ? Can anyone offer some advice ?

I appreciate no one here is an expert but some input would be valued. 

Thank you

poppy123456

When reporting a change of circumstances you will be sent more forms to fill in and return with all your supporting evidence.
Another assessment is most likely because most people have them. 

A worsening of condition doesn’t mean you’ll automatically score more points. Or points needed for a mobility award. 

Your award could increase, stay the same  or be completely stopped.
You should get some expert advice before reporting those changes.

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

If you report a change in circumstances you will start the whole process off again forms assessment of all descriptors and new decision your whole award is reviewed not just mobility and a new decision will over ride what you have now 

Get expert advice before reporting a change 

Jonnyc

Thank you both for your advice.

It feels from the tone of your responses that reporting a change could be risky. I am now inclined not to say anything until my next review.

janer1967

That is your choice when is your next review due ? If not long then yes probably worth waiting 

We can't say if it is worth reporting a change as we don't know how your mobility is affected  

Jonnyc

Aided I can cover up to 50m before having to rest. Rest length depends on how badly pain / spasticity levels have risen. Would they expect me to tell them how long I rest for in minutes ?

poppy123456

They would want to know how far you can walk and whether you can walk that distance regularly and reliably.

Jonnyc

I certainly cannot walk 'reliably' but what does 'regularly' mean in this context? Every hour, every day ... 

poppy123456

As often as is reasonably required.

2.2.1 Central to the application of all the activities within the PIP assessment is a consideration of the manner in which they’re undertaken. For a descriptor to be able to apply to a claimant, the claimant must be able to reliably complete the activity as described in the descriptor.

2.2.2 Considering reliability involves looking at whether the claimant can complete the activity as described:

• safely – in a manner unlikely to cause harm to themselves or to another person, either during or after completion of the activity

• to an acceptable standard

• repeatedly – able to repeat the activity as often as is reasonably required

• in a reasonable time period – no more than twice as long as the maximum period that a non-disabled person would normally take to complete that activity

2.2.3 This applies to every activity within the assessment. If an individual cannot reliably complete an activity in the way described in a descriptor then they should be considered unable to complete it at that level and a different descriptor selected. For example when a claimant is only able to complete an activity safely when supervised, the appropriate descriptor which refers to supervision should be awarded.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#reliability-1

Jonnyc

Thank you - very useful 

In your opinion how long should a rest stop be for it to be considered a break in the journey / walk ? Do I need to explain all the physical symptoms that necessitate the stop ?

Jonnyc

My review is due in 2 years

poppy123456

What you need to think about it how long it would take you to walk that distance. It should be in a reasonable time, so no more than twice the time it would a non disabled person to complete that acitivity.

If you do report a change then you need to concentrate on the whole form, not just the mobility part because they will look at the whole claim again.

Is there a risk? Yes, of course there is.

Jonnyc

Thank you. 

L_Volunteer

You are welcome @Jonnyc. It is the very least you deserve.

Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything else to help. We are all here for you