PIP and change of circumstances
shellbell20
Online Community Member Posts: 260 Empowering
Today I rang PIP to change the address. I have procrastinated over doing the simplest of tasks. I have terrible difficulty paying bills, even opening bills or anything to do with anything where I need to make phone calls or even pay online due to my anxiety and depression. I also have terrible difficulty even reaching out to my doctor for a repeat prescription I have had to ask my counsellor and then psychologist to contact my doctor on my behalf. My Menieres disease has now become worse to the point I am losing balance. I told my psychologist on the rare occasion I venture out I have nearly ended up on the road with oncoming traffic and this in itself has given me the anxiety to go out anywhere, so I am stuck indoors, ordering online. I haven't been to the doctor about the latest development with my Menieres Disease as I have anxiety attacks if I go, there is no one here to go with me.
Anyway sorry for the long story, what I wanted to say is that when I rang up PIP to finally change my address I waited nearly an hour just to do that. I mentioned to the person on the phone that my condition have deteriorated after asking them when my assessment is due. It is due in November, so I decided to go ahead with the reassessment. I know that I could lose my PIP, or it could go higher or remain the same, but I can only be truthful and the truth is my health has deteriorated since my award.
They are sending the forms, however, I am worried about my eyesight I will struggle, so I will ask someone to help me fill them in, apparently a reassessment form is not available online. I was also advised if I did not return them within a month I could have my money stopped, but I can ask for an extension.
I guess I am writing this post to help others, I will keep regular updates about my progress and what happens, so people who are contemplating asking for a review before their renewal can hear about it from my first-hand experience and make their minds up about whether or not they wish to pursue it. I know you have to tell PIP of a change of circumstances but I also am aware people are afraid to do so because they are scared that the help given will be taken away and I can understand their reluctance to do so.
Wish me luck!
Anyway sorry for the long story, what I wanted to say is that when I rang up PIP to finally change my address I waited nearly an hour just to do that. I mentioned to the person on the phone that my condition have deteriorated after asking them when my assessment is due. It is due in November, so I decided to go ahead with the reassessment. I know that I could lose my PIP, or it could go higher or remain the same, but I can only be truthful and the truth is my health has deteriorated since my award.
They are sending the forms, however, I am worried about my eyesight I will struggle, so I will ask someone to help me fill them in, apparently a reassessment form is not available online. I was also advised if I did not return them within a month I could have my money stopped, but I can ask for an extension.
I guess I am writing this post to help others, I will keep regular updates about my progress and what happens, so people who are contemplating asking for a review before their renewal can hear about it from my first-hand experience and make their minds up about whether or not they wish to pursue it. I know you have to tell PIP of a change of circumstances but I also am aware people are afraid to do so because they are scared that the help given will be taken away and I can understand their reluctance to do so.
Wish me luck!
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Comments
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Hey @shellbell20,
How did you get on? I have a very close friend who just had to go through applying for PIP, they had to ask for a extension twice just because of how much stress it was causing them. I can't imagine how much extra stress a re-assessment form must be, since there's a chance your situation becomes worse. If you want, or need, to talk about it we're here sorry nobody responded earlier. 0 -
Hi @Jimm_Scope,Jimm_Scope said:Hey @shellbell20,
How did you get on? I have a very close friend who just had to go through applying for PIP, they had to ask for a extension twice just because of how much stress it was causing them. I can't imagine how much extra stress a re-assessment form must be, since there's a chance your situation becomes worse. If you want, or need, to talk about it we're here sorry nobody responded earlier.
Well, it took over 2 weeks for the form to be sent, so I had to contact them again, which overwhelmed me, but it was either that or the chance of losing my current claim for PIP which again caused severe anxiety. They sent another form out, so I received 2, then they sent a letter out to remind me to fill the form out in time, which causes more anxiety. I have had to wait for help to fill it out, as it is overwhelming and now I need to gather evidence. I don't need to I could send it without, but it says on the form if you do they might be able to make a decision without an assessment. My renewal was due in November, so it's not far off anyway.
I am hoping to get the form sent out asap as I will worry about the deadline, I am already worrying. Nothing more I can tell you at the moment. I don't know the waiting times for a change of circumstances, but I am not expecting it to be quick as nothing seems to be quick.
The form is self-explanatory, it shows you an example, and it asks for dates when your condition became worse and how it affects the questions for PIP, for example, my asthma got worse and I can no longer walk more than 20 metres, my arthritis became worse 6 months ago and I no longer bathe myself, then it asks how you do these things like you have a carer who will help you into the shower and you have adaptions etc. It is pretty much the same as the PIP form when you first claim but just asking about the differences in your activities.
I am assuming they don't have many people who report changes, as there are not many on this forum that mention it, I am guessing they are scared of losing the PIP they already have and I understand that sentiment when it says you might have your money stopped.
I will post an update after it is posted. x
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There's been quite a few threads here in the past where people have reported changes. Remember, a lot of people that claim PIP do not post on forums like this. We only hear the stories if people post asking questions. Some report changes and they are awarded a higher amount, some lose what they already have and their PIP stops completely, some have decisions that remain the same or even a decreased award.shellbell20 said:Jimm_Scope said:Hey @shellbell20,
How did you get on? I have a very close friend who just had to go through applying for PIP, they had to ask for a extension twice just because of how much stress it was causing them. I can't imagine how much extra stress a re-assessment form must be, since there's a chance your situation becomes worse. If you want, or need, to talk about it we're here sorry nobody responded earlier.
I am assuming they don't have many people who report changes, as there are not many on this forum that mention it, I am guessing they are scared of losing the PIP they already have and I understand that sentiment when it says you might have your money stopped.
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I couldn't find those posts, I think I found 1 when I searched for it. I guess I must be putting the wrong search criteria into the search engine. I would love to find them and see what experience they had and how long it took.poppy123456 said:
There's been quite a few threads here in the past where people have reported changes. Remember, a lot of people that claim PIP do not post on forums like this. We only hear the stories if people post asking questions. Some report changes and they are awarded a higher amount, some lose what they already have and their PIP stops completely, some have decisions that remain the same or even a decreased award.shellbell20 said:Jimm_Scope said:Hey @shellbell20,
How did you get on? I have a very close friend who just had to go through applying for PIP, they had to ask for a extension twice just because of how much stress it was causing them. I can't imagine how much extra stress a re-assessment form must be, since there's a chance your situation becomes worse. If you want, or need, to talk about it we're here sorry nobody responded earlier.
I am assuming they don't have many people who report changes, as there are not many on this forum that mention it, I am guessing they are scared of losing the PIP they already have and I understand that sentiment when it says you might have your money stopped.0 -
Some may have been from members commenting on other threads. Some post asking questions but never return with an update. They are still concentrating on new claims and have been for a couple of years at least so you could be waiting a considerable length of time for a decision.
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Thanks, Poppy,
This is exactly why I am doing this post, I want to help people know my experience, timeline and decision. I can't really speak for PIP but my personal belief is that they need to sort the system as it's really not working. I do know however that they rolled out a new system I think in Scotland and hopefully, that will be more efficient that the current one0 -
Thanks for updating us @shellbell20. I hope talking about it can help, I know when I am really anxious about something just expressing my feelings of anxiety can help my head process them. I know this isn't true for everyone but I hope talking here is helping.
As your situation has worsened I hope they listen and adjust your benefits accordingly. Are you getting help filling it out? I know in the regular form there is a section at the back where you can say how stressful the process was and the help you needed to fill out the form. Citizen's Advice Bureau has this page on the PIP Review Form Help with your PIP review form - Citizens Advice0 -
I wouldn't go to CAB due to my anxiety, just going to appointments really impacts me and makes my anxiety worse. I talk to my doctors via phone only. Anyway, the form was posted and I received a text two days ago to say they had it and would assess whether I need an assessment or not. I know I will need one as I didn't provide medical records from my doctors, just ones from my psychologist. Anyone can guess how long it takes, but the text says I will continue to get PIP until the assessment.Jimm_Scope said:Thanks for updating us @shellbell20. I hope talking about it can help, I know when I am really anxious about something just expressing my feelings of anxiety can help my head process them. I know this isn't true for everyone but I hope talking here is helping.
As your situation has worsened I hope they listen and adjust your benefits accordingly. Are you getting help filling it out? I know in the regular form there is a section at the back where you can say how stressful the process was and the help you needed to fill out the form. Citizen's Advice Bureau has this page on the PIP Review Form Help with your PIP review form - Citizens Advice
However, I found an interesting news article today https://www.ft.com/content/de311d82-c993-4dfc-8f9e-e50cb1f8720e regarding disability and MH, it seems the government might be intent on making people with MH go back to work, bully them to go back to work. I find the whole thing offensive, especially the comment about work helping recovery. Hmmm
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You don’t need to send medical records for any PIP claim.shellbell20 said:Jimm_Scope said:Thanks for updating us @shellbell20. I hope talking about it can help, I know when I am really anxious about something just expressing my feelings of anxiety can help my head process them. I know this isn't true for everyone but I hope talking here is helping.
As your situation has worsened I hope they listen and adjust your benefits accordingly. Are you getting help filling it out? I know in the regular form there is a section at the back where you can say how stressful the process was and the help you needed to fill out the form. Citizen's Advice Bureau has this page on the PIP Review Form Help with your PIP review form - Citizens Advice
However, I found an interesting news article today https://www.ft.com/content/de311d82-c993-4dfc-8f9e-e50cb1f8720e regarding disability and MH, it seems the government might be intent on making people with MH go back to work, bully them to go back to work. I find the whole thing offensive, especially the comment about work helping recovery. HmmmI can’t read that link because it says I need to pay for a trial.0 -
Yeah, the link does not work for some reason but if you type in Jeremy Hunt and Mental Health, it should let you read the report, basically, it is saying that Jeremy Hunt will target MH in his November statement and try to get people to work and then some unknown government insider states: People are currently being channelled into the benefits system when the reality is lots of them could work, the insider then goes on to say, Good work can be part of the recovery journey. I find the latter part offensive, for many reasons. My personal thoughts and I know not everyone will share them is that this government is trying to bully people with disabilities back into work without even thinking about any consequences. I guess the November report will probably bring it all out, it seems quite hidden at the moment only in the Financial Times but I do feel we need to prepare ourselves.0
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@shellbell20 I totally get what your saying although it’s my first time claiming for pip I had two extensions as I had to wait for a CAB appointment with my anxiety and depression the form was to overwhelming a heads up I did however have my CAB appointment by telephone as I also couldn’t do the face to face with my anxiety maybe you could do that and yes I also seen on my form it said they can make a decision if you don’t send evidence which made my anxiety worse thinking what if I forgot something or if they needed proof
I applied 30th may
Dwp received my form 27th July
txt off ias 27th July to tell me they will be dealing with my assessment
today I called Ias as haven’t heard nothing since and she told me it’s done by computer and computer, assigns the appointment she couldn’t see nothing on the system and said they will be in touch when a appointment is available the system is so bad tbh especially that it’s people needing help and support and there no updates nothing really messes with mental health the stress good luck with your claim0 -
Shellbell20
Below is a direct paste with no link available. The following modifications are all under consideration, and it's important to note that these proposed changes might not come to fruition. They are part of a future rollout plan suggested during the March 2023 budget presentation. It's worth mentioning that while the conservative party is advocating for these adjustments, a different ruling government might choose not to pursue them.
Copy and Pasted below.•remove the concept and status of LCW and/or LCWRA for benefit purposes;
•remove the element in UC for people with LCW/LCWRA status and replace it with a new UC ‘health element’ (paid at the same level as the LCWRA, irrespective of the level of the PIP award) – in essence, available only to UC recipients who also get PIP;
•introduce ‘more personalised levels of conditionality’ – in other words, with the end of LCW/LCWRA statuses, open up all UC claimants to work-related requirements and let work coaches decide what these should be.
WHAT ABOUT WORK-RELATED CONDITIONALITY?
Currently, having LCW/LCWRA under the WCA provides some statutory limits to the amount of work-related conditionality a claimant can be required to undertake. The White Paper clearly indicates that with the scrapping of LCW/LCWRA status would come much more work coach discretion over someone’s work-related requirements.
The White Paper says that ‘our new approach will mean both voluntary and mandatory work-related requirements may be set for health and disability benefit claimants, where this is appropriate.’11
This means the end of automatic assignment to the ‘no work-related requirements group’ or ‘work preparation (only)’ group. There would no longer be a medically qualified assessor involved in the decision about what work-related requirements would be ‘appropriate’.12
This increase in the discretionary power given to work coaches has again been signalled in a written answer in parliament:
‘Our new approach will provide more personalised levels of conditionality and employment support, with the aim of helping people to reach their potential and live a more independent life. This more tailored approach will allow work coaches to build a relationship with an individual and determine what, if any, work-related activities an individual can participate in.
‘We will take time to carefully consider how best to implement these changes and take a test and learn approach with the new system before introducing it, to ensure it provides the taxpayer with value for money and is accessible and effective in delivering for our service users.’13
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Thanks for the read, but to be fair, the article I read was just solely targeting people struggling with MH. Another article I read recently was talking about MH and the younger generation especially since COVID-19, I think that latter was on the BBC news. I 100 per cent do not trust this government and have a feeling they will try to bring in some kind of proposals in November when they issue their yearly statement and it won't go down well as it didn't when Liz Truss was priminister and then they will backtrack on their proposals, but I guess time will tell.MW123 said:Shellbell20
Below is a direct paste with no link available. The following modifications are all under consideration, and it's important to note that these proposed changes might not come to fruition. They are part of a future rollout plan suggested during the March 2023 budget presentation. It's worth mentioning that while the conservative party is advocating for these adjustments, a different ruling government might choose not to pursue them.
Copy and Pasted below.•remove the concept and status of LCW and/or LCWRA for benefit purposes;
•remove the element in UC for people with LCW/LCWRA status and replace it with a new UC ‘health element’ (paid at the same level as the LCWRA, irrespective of the level of the PIP award) – in essence, available only to UC recipients who also get PIP;
•introduce ‘more personalised levels of conditionality’ – in other words, with the end of LCW/LCWRA statuses, open up all UC claimants to work-related requirements and let work coaches decide what these should be.
WHAT ABOUT WORK-RELATED CONDITIONALITY?
Currently, having LCW/LCWRA under the WCA provides some statutory limits to the amount of work-related conditionality a claimant can be required to undertake. The White Paper clearly indicates that with the scrapping of LCW/LCWRA status would come much more work coach discretion over someone’s work-related requirements.
The White Paper says that ‘our new approach will mean both voluntary and mandatory work-related requirements may be set for health and disability benefit claimants, where this is appropriate.’11
This means the end of automatic assignment to the ‘no work-related requirements group’ or ‘work preparation (only)’ group. There would no longer be a medically qualified assessor involved in the decision about what work-related requirements would be ‘appropriate’.12
This increase in the discretionary power given to work coaches has again been signalled in a written answer in parliament:
‘Our new approach will provide more personalised levels of conditionality and employment support, with the aim of helping people to reach their potential and live a more independent life. This more tailored approach will allow work coaches to build a relationship with an individual and determine what, if any, work-related activities an individual can participate in.
‘We will take time to carefully consider how best to implement these changes and take a test and learn approach with the new system before introducing it, to ensure it provides the taxpayer with value for money and is accessible and effective in delivering for our service users.’13
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Thanks for your kind words. I can totally empathise with you regarding, appointments, prescriptions, paying bills and opening letters, that's exactly what happens to me. I could have a million pounds in my bank account and still struggle to open a letter or pay bills. xAgnia said:Hi @shellbell20
i really truly wish you all the best with your pip reassessment
i just would like to add that due to my anxiety and deep depression i have difficulty to call the doctor about the appointment, prescription, paying my bills , opening letters.
i really wish you luck
kind regards0 -
I am not sure if it's a postcode lottery, to be honest. When I applied for PIP it took months before I was given an assessment, but when I was waiting for a date I came on here and some lucky people didn't have long to wait at all, a matter of a few weeks. It's like they pick them out of a hat. I wish you good luck with your appointment and I hope it is sooner rather than later. The whole system needs an overhaul but I know they are trialling something in Scotland and it's no longer called PIP there, its called ADP, whether that changes things for the better and cuts the waiting time remains to be seen.zoet1 said:@shellbell20 I totally get what your saying although it’s my first time claiming for pip I had two extensions as I had to wait for a CAB appointment with my anxiety and depression the form was to overwhelming a heads up I did however have my CAB appointment by telephone as I also couldn’t do the face to face with my anxiety maybe you could do that and yes I also seen on my form it said they can make a decision if you don’t send evidence which made my anxiety worse thinking what if I forgot something or if they needed proof
I applied 30th may
Dwp received my form 27th July
txt off ias 27th July to tell me they will be dealing with my assessment
today I called Ias as haven’t heard nothing since and she told me it’s done by computer and computer, assigns the appointment she couldn’t see nothing on the system and said they will be in touch when a appointment is available the system is so bad tbh especially that it’s people needing help and support and there no updates nothing really messes with mental health the stress good luck with your claim0 -
ADP isn’t a trial, it’s a new benefit roll out for those living in Scotland only that has replaced PIP. It will not be rolling out anywhere else in the UK.shellbell20 said:
I know they are trialling something in Scotland and it's no longer called PIP there, its called ADP, whether that changes things for the better and cuts the waiting time remains to be seen.zoet1 said:@shellbell20 I totally get what your saying although it’s my first time claiming for pip I had two extensions as I had to wait for a CAB appointment with my anxiety and depression the form was to overwhelming a heads up I did however have my CAB appointment by telephone as I also couldn’t do the face to face with my anxiety maybe you could do that and yes I also seen on my form it said they can make a decision if you don’t send evidence which made my anxiety worse thinking what if I forgot something or if they needed proof
I applied 30th may
Dwp received my form 27th July
txt off ias 27th July to tell me they will be dealing with my assessment
today I called Ias as haven’t heard nothing since and she told me it’s done by computer and computer, assigns the appointment she couldn’t see nothing on the system and said they will be in touch when a appointment is available the system is so bad tbh especially that it’s people needing help and support and there no updates nothing really messes with mental health the stress good luck with your claim0 -
@shellbell20 yes it definitely feels that way I’ve also come on here and I’m seeing a lot of people are quicker than what mine is taking im happy for them tbh because this waiting is a nightmare and yes the system is not great at all I did see that’s only Scotland tho thank you so much I wish you all the best0
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poppy123456 said:
ADP isn’t a trial, it’s a new benefit roll out for those living in Scotland only that has replaced PIP. It will not be rolling out anywhere else in the UK.shellbell20 said:
I know they are trialling something in Scotland and it's no longer called PIP there, its called ADP, whether that changes things for the better and cuts the waiting time remains to be seen.zoet1 said:@shellbell20 I totally get what your saying although it’s my first time claiming for pip I had two extensions as I had to wait for a CAB appointment with my anxiety and depression the form was to overwhelming a heads up I did however have my CAB appointment by telephone as I also couldn’t do the face to face with my anxiety maybe you could do that and yes I also seen on my form it said they can make a decision if you don’t send evidence which made my anxiety worse thinking what if I forgot something or if they needed proof
I applied 30th may
Dwp received my form 27th July
txt off ias 27th July to tell me they will be dealing with my assessment
today I called Ias as haven’t heard nothing since and she told me it’s done by computer and computer, assigns the appointment she couldn’t see nothing on the system and said they will be in touch when a appointment is available the system is so bad tbh especially that it’s people needing help and support and there no updates nothing really messes with mental health the stress good luck with your claim
Yes, just looked and its only Scotland, part of the devolution apparently.0 -
Yes, my bad, thought it was a pilot scheme starting in Scotland, so did a search and its part of the devolution so it seems with one particular article I read.zoet1 said:@shellbell20 yes it definitely feels that way I’ve also come on here and I’m seeing a lot of people are quicker than what mine is taking im happy for them tbh because this waiting is a nightmare and yes the system is not great at all I did see that’s only Scotland tho thank you so much I wish you all the best0
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