PIP REVIEW

Hi Loretta

You should be able to find all the information you need in the Guide to PIP Claims and Reviews - from page 128 onwards. benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip

Is there an electronic version of the paper form that I can complete?

- not currently

The review form does not provide enough space (a few lines), for me to write my answers and expand on these, can I just submit additional sheets (if necessary)?

- you can add any amount of additional pages that you want. Make sure that you add your name and NI number on each page

Should I complete all of the questions asked, even if they are not relevant, because there has been no change?

All questions are relevant even if there has been no change - see the advice inside the manual.

Will I be required to attend a telephone interview, face-to-face and complete the paper application

? All claimants have some sort of assessment - it could be telephone, video, face-to-face- or paper-based. Telephone is the most likely - but it is decided on a case by case basis.

Is there a timescale for the assessment to take place and review decision to be made?

No - waiting times are variable. You could receive an assessment within a month of returning your form or at worse you may be waiting anything from 6 months to a year. The decision time after an assessment takes place is usually within 6 - 8 weeks.

The form asks when the changes took place and I honestly can't remember so not sure what to say in case they decide I should have told them when the changes happened - ongoing and gradua

l. Just make a guess or say you don't know.

My original award was for two years only, when my conditions are progressive and deteriorating, is there any reason for the short length of my award.

Award lengths have got shorter even when claimants have lifelong conditions. Address this on the last page of your form where it asks if you have anything else to tell them and ask for a longer award. - you have nothing lose by asking.

Should I include additional information from professionals and practitioners, in support of my application, if available?

Yes.

Should my review be unsuccessful/unchanged and I wish to appeal, what is the timescale in which to do so?

If you want to appeal the decision letter the first stage is to put in for a Mandatory Reconsideration. This has to be done within one month of the date on the decision letter. Only 27% of claimants win MRs. If you do not win an MR claimants put in for an Appeal. This has to be done within one month of the date on the decision letter. Appeals can take up to a year to be heard.

What is the success rate at the appeal stage?

76% of claimants win their appeal - but this number is decreasing all the time.

If the points awarded in the first assessment and decision were near the top of the lowest bands, what are the chances of these being changed to the higher rates this time around?

Impossible to answer.

Is it considered positive if someone else completes the form on my behalf?

Assessors have to judge whether a claimant meets the criteria laid down. They are rarely interestested in who completes the form.

Where can i find additional information on the platform to help and support me in completing my application form?

You can find additional information under the guides tab at the top of the page.

Is it worth me completing the available training to help me complete my review form.

Some people have completed the training and found it very useful, but plenty of people have successfully completed their forms without it. As volunteer moderators we can't give you an opinion on that. It is there as an added resource if you have the means or wish to invest in it - but you certainly don't have to.

Does anyone have experience of evidencing the impact of the menopause on their health and functioning, as I am experiencing severe symptoms?

Hopefully a member might be able to tell you of their experience.

BIS