PIP Reconsideration?

Hi all,

I recently helped someone apply for PIP. The application was successful. The applicant has been awarded the enhanced rate for both components, great news.

However, the applicant has only just scored enough points to qualify for the enhanced rates. My worry is that the government may try to move the goal posts again (as they did with the 50 metre rule) resulting in the applicant losing their enhanced rate entitlement, as they only just have enough points to qualify currently. Is this a valid concern, or am I worrying about nothing?

I have read the PIP decision letter and without wishing to appear ungrateful, I believe that there are a number of descriptors which have been scored incorrectly, resulting in the applicant being awarded less points than they're due. For example, the applicant cannot follow the route of an unfamiliar journey and would require assistance to do so (10 points), yet only received 4 points as they would apparently only "require prompting" - wrong. There are many more descriptors which I believe have been scored incorrectly, I won't list them all. Should I speak to the decision maker and/or request a reconsideration? Or is it not worth the risk as enhanced rates have been awarded regardless?

Thanks.

Hi lh and welcome to the forum. On the assumption that you are also new to the site, this link should help you find your way around

Welcome to Benefits and Work

I think you are probably worrying over nothing in the short term. The change from 50 metres was introduced as part of a totally new benefit and involved a change in law. Of course, such things are always possible but it doesn't look as if another change is on the cards in the near future.

Assessors tend to stop counting once they have reached the amount of points needed for Enhanced PIP so there is no need to worry about the lack of points in other areas. Why would you request a MR? All you would do is put your friend's current award at risk as s/he is already on the highest level of PIP.

Mrs Hurtyback wrote: Why would you request a MR? All you would do is put your friend's current award at risk as s/he is already on the highest level of PIP.

Good point. I was just thinking about trying to score all the entitled points in preparation for any future changes the government might make, but this happening is apparently quite unlikely.

Mrs Hurtyback wrote: I think you are probably worrying over nothing in the short term.

I thought so but just wanted a second opinion.

Probably best to leave it until the reassessment in a few years.

Thanks.

lesshope wrote:

Mrs Hurtyback wrote: Why would you request a MR? All you would do is put your friend's current award at risk as s/he is already on the highest level of PIP.

Good point. I was just thinking about trying to score all the entitled points in preparation for any future changes the government might make, but this happening is apparently quite unlikely.

Mrs Hurtyback wrote: I think you are probably worrying over nothing in the short term.

I thought so but just wanted a second opinion.

Probably best to leave it until the reassessment in a few years.

Thanks.

Hi lh,

Yes, I agree with MHB !!

Requesting an MR of Enhanced PIP Awards is pointless and risky.

Your friend could end up with reduced awards or no awards at all !!

bro58