Pip Reconsideration questions

Bob1234 · November 27

Hey all

My wife is on pip, she gets enhanced daily and standard mobility, she was reassessed last week, without a assessment just based on the forms and it stayed the same.

But we are wondering about appealing, she's got bipolar, schizophrenia and personality disorder, she doesn't /can't leave the house due to overwhelming phycologal distress, last time she left the house was at the start of the year, she can't do it alone, due to the risk of harming herself or others because of her schizophrenia etc, we put all this on the form and she was given 10 points, but from what we understand due to the severity she might be entitled to enhanced?

Is that the case? If so how can we appeal as she can't phone the dwp herself or explane herself as she isn't able.

Thank you for the information and support

Kimi87 · November 27

Would your wife benefit from having an appointee to manage her claim?

https://www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits

You can speak to local welfare rights for advice on her behalf https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

The first stage to appeal is a Mandatory Reconsideration which can be done in writing, indeed that's always recommended so you aren't relying on a phone agent to write everything down correctly.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/mandatory-reconsideration-pip/

Few decisions are changed at this stage, the next step is an independent appeal tribunal hearing, with in person, phone, video & paper options available.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/apply-to-tribunal/

Bob1234 · November 27

Thank you does this put her award at risk of being downgraded?

Based on what I've said, does she sound like she meets the 12 points?

Thanks

Rachel_Scope · November 27

Hi @Bob1234. There is the risk of the award being decreased or stopped, but considering what you've described it doesn't sound likely that that would happen. We just want you to be aware of the possibility.

Trevor_PIP · November 27

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1086370#Comment_1086370

Kimi and Rachel has answered your queries. Look into being an Appointee.

I would just like to say the area of PIP which you are discussing and what actually has to happen to get the maximum points is confusing. If your wife hasn't been out since January, even though she needs someone with her and has overwhelming distress I think the 10 points is correct. To get the 12 points she has to be going out more in the same circumstances. I have picked this up from an informed member of this forum. Please verify this yourself, as it could not be worth appealing as you cannot increase your wife's award.

Bob1234 · November 27

Apologies I'm unsure what you mean.

When forced out due to urgent medical needs etc she's unable to do this alone, to get the higher award are you saying she needs to be in this situation often?

Trevor_PIP · November 27

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1086549#Comment_1086549

I have edited my previous message so it reads better.

It is confusing, to get the maximum 12 points your wife has to be going out more regularly in the same circumstances, needing someone and suffering overwhelming stress. Please verify this but this is what I have picked up.

Bob1234 · November 27

Thank you, I'd be interested to hear what others also say, it's not that disbelieve you, but it's just she doesn't go out as she's effectly housebound by her condition, by going out more she'd absolutely suffer more episodes but isn't able to and I was under the understanding the descriptors are based on "how the condition affects you"

Again thank you, I'm just trying to get as much info before deciding to act or not

Trevor_PIP · November 27

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1086554#Comment_1086554

Thank you. I help to the best of my knowledge. I have said what I have said after taking note of a member who knows exactly what the descriptors relate to, he has looked into it for his own situation and PIP. I could tag him but I don't know him and he just helps like me. Like I said it is confusing, the only area of a PIP claim that is.

Trevor_PIP · November 27

@Bob1234 I have found a thread where the member I have mentioned has helped another member, he states what I have said in your thread. Hope I am allowed to do this...

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/139829/need-help-with-my-mandatory-reconsideration

chiarieds · November 27

Hi @Bob1234 - you can look at the descriptors below in what is the guide to PIP for the DWP's assessors. Despite the severity of your wife's condition, Trevor_PIP & OverlyAnxious are both correct in that 10 points is the maximum amount of points she could receive from what you've described.

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

also confirmed here:

https://pipinfo.net/activities/planning-and-following-journeys

if you score points for descriptor e) due to the claimant's 'overwhelming psychological distress,' then you cannot score for descriptor f)

If descriptor e) is the case, then please do not challenge the decision as it could be lowered/stay the same as Rachel has indicated.

Trevor_PIP · November 27

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1086583#Comment_1086583

Thank you and for the additional information which I will read.

Pip Reconsideration questions

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