Pip appeal award length

kami_84 · August 24

I have been awarded PIP for 5 years, but I am considering appealing only the length of the award, not the rates or points awarded.

I have autism and ADHD, and I also have significant difficulties with executive functioning, memory, communication and coping with stressful situations. My current living situation is also extremely difficult and has had a major impact on my functioning and ability to manage the PIP process.

At my PIP appointment, I had an additional written letter/evidence that I wanted to submit, but I was not able to get it properly considered/submitted. I am concerned that this may have affected how the likely duration of my needs was assessed.

My main question is:

Is it worth appealing a 5-year PIP award purely to seek a longer or ongoing award, and what evidence would be most useful for arguing that my difficulties are unlikely to significantly improve within five years?

I am also worried about the risk of appealing when I am otherwise satisfied with the award. Would the tribunal reconsider the whole award, including my existing points and rates, even if I make clear that I am challenging only the length of the award?

kreacher · August 24

just like to congradulate you on getting pip, not sure on about appealing a decision regarding the length of award, i hope someone else can help you on that bit

Hopeless · August 24

I asked for a mandatory reconsideration of my PIP award length stating I agreed with the points awarded but not the 4 year award length. They looked at the whole thing again! Fortunately, they kept the points the same but extended my award to 10 years. I provided evidence that said my condition is deemed to be life-long. So, yes, it is possible though not without risk.

Rachel_Scope · August 25

Hi @kami_84. If you appeal the decision, they will look at the whole award. This means they may reduce your award or take it away completely. @Hopeless has shared their own experience where the outcome was positive, however, it's not guaranteed.

You mentioned your living situation is extremely difficult. Would you like to tell us a bit more about that?

kami_84 · August 25

Thank you for replying. I should clarify that I have already completed the Mandatory Reconsideration process, and my MR did not change the length of my award. I was awarded PIP for 5 years, so my next step would be an appeal.

My concern is specifically the length of the award. I am not challenging the points I was awarded. I have long-term conditions, including autism and ADHD, and supporting evidence about their long-term nature.
I found Hopeless’s experience difficult because their 4-year award was increased to 10 years at MR, whereas my MR left my award at 5 years. I appreciate that every case is different, but it makes me question whether my long-term difficulties have been properly reflected in the award length.

My living situation is currently very difficult and is adding to the pressure, but I would prefer to keep this discussion focused on the PIP issue.

What I need help with is this: given that my MR has already been unsuccessful, is appealing specifically over the 5-year award length a reasonable step, and what evidence would be most important in arguing for a longer award?
I would really appreciate specific advice on this because I have very little time left to decide.

float · August 25

I think it would be fairly uncommon for them to extend the award unless you have profound Autism. 5 years is already one of the longer award lengths. Their reasoning would be that you may improve with support and would require reassessment to see if you need less support (or conversely more). Yes, they'd look at the entire award, not just the length of it.

kami_84 · August 25

Yes. Add it because it directly supports why communication should be considered as part of your functional needs.

kami_84 · August 26

I wanted to add some further context because I am trying to decide whether to appeal my PIP award.

My MR left my award unchanged. I currently have a 5-year award, and I am considering appealing mainly because of the length of the award. I understand that if I appeal, the tribunal can look at the whole award, not just the length, and I am worried about the possibility of losing points or having the award reduced.

I would prefer a paper-based appeal because I have autism, ADHD and significant communication difficulties, including shutdowns/autistic mutism. I often need to communicate in writing and sometimes use ChatGPT to help me formulate what I need to say. I do not feel these communication needs were properly taken into account.

I also have medical evidence from my GP and psychiatrist stating that my conditions/needs are unlikely to change. Some of this evidence was not properly considered before, and I am wondering whether it could support a longer award. At the same time, I am worried that DWP could argue that future ADHD treatment means my needs may improve. I have also lost weight, but my mobility difficulties were not based only on weight.

My current living situation is also extremely difficult. I am dealing with ongoing harassment/ASB, repeated displacement from my home and severe stress, as well as difficulties with my mental health team. This makes the idea of going through a long tribunal process much harder.

My main questions are:

In these circumstances, does appealing the length of a 5-year award seem worth the risk?
If a tribunal appeared likely to reduce my existing award, would I normally be warned and given an opportunity to withdraw the appeal?
Could the evidence saying my conditions and needs are unlikely to change realistically support a longer award?
Would my communication difficulties and need for a paper-based process be relevant to how the appeal is handled?

I have very little time left to decide, so I would really appreciate any guidance.

Pip appeal award length

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