PIP decision not matching my evidence

omp_12
omp_12 Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited August 20 in PIP, DLA, ADP and AA

Hello,

I recently got awarded PIP for 3.5 years. I got the highest rate for both components, but I was surprised by how they scored the mobility part. I put on my form that I can walk 20-50 meters and sent a letter from my GP saying no more than 50 meters that I used for a bus pass application. However, I think that letter may not have been considered by DWP as it got there just a couple of days before they made a decision on my claim.

I was expecting to get some points for the 1st mobility question and 8 for the 2nd question (where you get 8 if you can walk 20-50 meters, 12 if you can walk 1-20 meters). I got 0 points for the first question and 12 for the second question, my assessor said I could walk 1-20 meters. It's making me a bit anxious - I wouldn't have gotten the enhanced rate if the assessor had stuck with the 20-50 meters I put on the form. What if in 2 years when I have my review someone looks back on my previous evidence, finds this GP letter they probably didn't consider now and decides I need to give 3 years worth of PIP back?

I didn't have an in person assessment, just an out of the blue 15-minute phone call where admittedly my assessor did insist a lot on the walking question. And I do tend to downplay how hard it can get on paper- the GP letter only says no more than 50 because I told her to say that out of fear if I put 20 they may think I was exaggerating. So I am thinking the assessor may have decided to disregard what she saw on paper based on her discussion with me over the phone. But I am still a bit worried.

I considered reaching out to PIP and see if I can get any clarification, but I am honestly so physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted after the whole application process (I got it first try with no reconsideration needed, but it did take 6 months) that I am not sure I have it in me right now.

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Comments

  • Girl_No1
    Girl_No1 Online Community Member Posts: 378 Pioneering

    It sounds as though she questioned you thoroughly on your ability to walk. She assessed that you could reliably, safely, repeatedly walk 0-20m. I'd assume she understood you can sometimes walk up to 50m but it's not something you can do reliably, safely, repeatedly.

    In other words, I think you're overthinking this.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 6,548 Championing
    edited August 20

    I had trouble with some of my PIP points at first too, thinking I'd been overscored.

    Having assumed I'd need to fight for standard on both, I was gobsmacked to be awarded Enhanced for both, 6 years, on a paper based assessment (I too had a call with a few questions).

    After a lot of thought I then reluctantly came to terms with them being correct.

    I did fail the reliably, repeatedly, safely, in a timely manner test on several descriptors.

    And it has to be more than 51% of the time that I can do those things.

    In those cases it's correct to be treated as unable to do that activity, and be awarded maximum points.

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 2,276 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @omp_12 and a warm welcome to the community from me!

    I see that Kimi and Girl No 1 have already answered your question and given some advice so I won't add much more but its lovely to have you here on the community and I hope you find the forum to be a safe and supportive space😄

  • Trevor_PIP
    Trevor_PIP Online Community Member Posts: 411 Empowering

    Hi @omp_12 As said, you are over thinking it. You were awarded PIP enhanced both elements on the evidence you sent in and the conversation with an assessor. You do not need to contact them, I would just leave it!