Short awards and backlog

Sianee

Just putting this out there and asking for opinions. Why do you think PIP are still giving such short awards when they have a huge backlog?

I'm just wondering as my award in 2016 was for 5 years then extended by 2 years due to COVID.  I have just had a review where the assessor has suggested an award period of just 18 months.  This means that probably within 6 months I'd have to go through another review as they are taking approx 12 months to complete.

I am aware that at the moment, award are being automatically extended due to the backlog but even informing claimants of the extension is time consuming.

Wouldn't it just make more sense to give a longer award, clear their backlog or at least make a good dent in it then revert back to the usual award allocations?

I think by giving short awards they are just making so much extra work for themselves and in turn it's causing a further backlog.

poppy123456

The 18 months review recommendation is exactly that "18 months" it's not in 6 months time. If the decision maker goes with the report then your award length will be about 2.5 years because they usually add a year on.

You can request a longer award length but you'll need to give your reasons why you're requesting this. The size of the backlogs is not a reason to award a longer length.

Sianee

@poppy123456 I was just using me as an example for the question. I merely think the DWP are making extra work for themselves and therefore worsening the backlog.

L_Volunteer

Thanks for sharing your views with us @Sianne. I hear you 

Vogue

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/99000/short-awards-and-backlog

Vogue

Hi guys I've been Awarded pip for 2 & half years which I no my problems are not going to change

So wat happens Wen it's due to end by January 2027

poppy123456

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/983803#Comment_983803

At the moment reviews start about 8 months before the award is due to end. Whether that will be the same when it’s your review I have no idea.

You will be sent a review form to fill in and return.

Vogue

Ok thanks for that information

Considering I was awarded daily living & enhanced mobility

I would of thought it would of been for at least 5 years

poppy123456

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/983809#Comment_983809

Sometimes award lengths are shorter than others. Having the award you have doesn’t mean a longer award length. For my review in 2021 I was awarded for 3 years with standard/Enhanced award. This time my award was increased to Enhanced for both parts with an award length of 6 years. This is my longest award and I’ve claimed PIP since 2013.

You can also challenge the award length only. You do need to tell them if you’re happy with the award itself. Although they will look at the whole award again, most MR decisions remain the same anyway. If it did then you can proceed to Tribunal.

Vogue

My Level of Anxiety wouldn't cope with Tribunal

I can only hope that when I'm up for a Review it continues for me fingers crossed