Letter PIP

Stray37

Hi everyone, I've just received a letter about my PIP Application. Like many of you I suffer from  PMR, osteoarthritis amongst others. The letter states they have all the information they need to make a decision. What happens next? I was gonna ring them Monday as I've had a terrible flare up all weekend and have got new ailments, is it worth ringing them?
Thanks in advance.

Alex_Alumni

Hello there @Stray37 and welcome, thanks for your query. A decision on your PIP claim will take anywhere between 2-12 weeks to process, so it might be quite a long wait. Can I just ask if you've had your assessment? 

I'm sorry to hear about your flare up, that doesn't sound like a fun weekend at all.

Normally you can report a change of circumstances if you've already been awarded PIP. If these new ailments you mention have a new and significant impact on your ability to carry out the tasks mentioned in the PIP descriptors for a majority of the time, then you might consider reporting a change of circumstances.

You should only report a change of circumstances if:

• your personal details change, for example your name, address or doctor
• the help you need or your condition changes
• your condition has worsened and you’re not expected to live more than 6 months
• you go into hospital or a care home
• you go abroad
• you’re imprisoned or held in detention
• your immigration status has changed, if you’re not a British citizen

Have you been able to get support from your GP or other health professionals with your flare up? 

Stray37

Thank you for replying. Had my telephone assessment 3 weeks ago. Keep trying to get through to my rhumatologist nurse through the answer machine but been unsuccessful. Keep contacting GP for advice on increasing some meds, but can not even get a telephone appointment. Feel alone at the moment!! Now for a formal meeting about having a day of work (was sent home from my school due to flare up) on Friday to answer 'if I'm likely to ge off again'. Stress I do not need at the moment. Thanks for your support and everyone's on here. It makes one feel not alone.

calcotti

Changes in your condition since the assessment will not be taken into account.

Stray37

Thank you 

Stray37

Hi all. Here is an update. I got that letter on Saturday, then today Monday received a text stating I've been awarded PIP. I am shocked, but relieved. Says should receive letter within 2 assistant a breakdown. Thank you everyone for your support with all this. I'll keep you informed of updates. This site is so useful, genuine and supportive.

Stray37

Short lived excitement. Only got standard living. No mobility at all.  Can I still apply for a blue badge? Cant' walk distances with my PMR, osteoarthritis, and gout flare ups?

poppy123456

You can still apply for a blue badge without automatically qualifying but you may need an assessment. You will also need to send evidence to support your claim.
If you disagree with the PIP decision you can challenge that by requesting the Mandatory Reconsideration within 1 month of the date of decision.

Stray37

Thank you Poppy12345.

L_Volunteer

You are welcome @Stray37. It is the very least you deserve.

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

Stray37

Hi, ne again. I have been in extreme pain for the last ten days and was gonna thinking about appealing against no mobility. I tried leaning on a trolley when husband did shopping but he escorted me back to the car to sit and wait for him. I tried but was in extreme pain in feet and legs as well as back. Do you think it's worth appealing? 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @Stray37

I'm so sorry you've been in such pain. I wanted to check in and ask if you have good medical support for it?

In regard to appealing, I'm always in the mindset that making sure you have all the information about the process first, is beneficial. As it can go through to Tribunal, there is some information on the Citizen's Advice website that I'd recommend having a look at. They can help you with the process if you feel you need any extra help

janer1967

If you apowal beat in mind they won't take into account any worsening of your condition