How to word change of circumstances

Hi All,

My sister is currently on the old DLA (has not been assessed yet for PIP), she gets the L/R Care, L/R mobility. Her GP has advised her to ask for a review of her case, as her disability has become severe now. She understands that she could lose what she now receives, and is willing to take that chance as the evidence to support her is massive. How do title the letter to explain her disability is worse than when she first applied and that she would like it reviewed? Thank you all

Catfishman wrote: Hi All,

My sister is currently on the old DLA (has not been assessed yet for PIP), she gets the L/R Care, L/R mobility. Her GP has advised her to ask for a review of her case, as her disability has become severe now. She understands that she could lose what she now receives, and is willing to take that chance as the evidence to support her is massive. How do title the letter to explain her disability is worse than when she first applied and that she would like it reviewed? Thank you all

Hi Cm,

The first and most important thing to consider before your sister reports a Change of Circumstances (C of C) to DLA to instigate a review of her current DLA Awards, is to ascertain whether or not she lives in an Active PIP Postcode Area.

You should be able to check this : Here.

As you will see this was updated on 13/03/15, and new areas (coloured yellow) will become "PIP Active" from 30/03/15.

N.B. I believe that the yellow coloured TN Postcode (Tonbridge) has been highlighted in error. It should be TA Postcode. (Taunton)

If they live in either TN or TA Postcode you might want to check with DLA for some clarity.

If she lives in an active postcode area at the time that she reports a C of C, she will be reviewed under PIP Criteria rather than DLA.

There are no LR Awards for PIP, only Standard and Enhanced, so if you are in an active PIP area, she might want to first take our : PIP Self Test marking herself very strictly, and read through our : PIP Claims Guide. (2nd Link on page)

So reporting a C of C to DLA in an Active PIP Area would mean that she would have to be reviewed under PIP. Once the C of C was reported, there would be no going back to DLA.

If she is not in an Active PIP Area, and wants to report a C of C, there is a guide to this (2nd link) under the heading : "DLA Changes and Renewals" just over a third of the way down : This Page.

Under either scenario, even though you can intially report the C of C over the phone, you should back this up in writing to The DLA Unit :

www.gov.uk/disability-benefits-helpline

Sending Documents to the DWP or ATOS

You will need a fit note or letter from the G.P. stipulating any change/deterioration in her medical conditions, and give details of how her "walking" limitations and/or care needs have increased as a result of this.

bro58

Excellent advice as always, thank you.