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Mobility Component Removed – What Should I Do Next?
- JustMe
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1 week 1 hour ago #302533 by JustMe
Mobility Component Removed – What Should I Do Next? was created by JustMe
Hi everyone,
Long one, sorry…
I’ve just found out that my Mobility Component has been removed from my PIP award.
I rang up to request my PA4 form, and before I even received my review decision letter or the PA4, the automated line told me the date and amount of my next payment – which had dropped from £405.40 to £319.30. When I finally spoke to someone, I asked about the change and was told my mobility component had been removed.
I haven’t had any written confirmation yet, so I’m unsure what to expect or what to do next. I’ve requested the PA4 to see the assessor's report, but I’d really appreciate advice on what I should be doing now to prepare.
My conditions and how they affect me:
Bile Acid Malabsorption (BAM):
Causes urgent and frequent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and incontinence.
Severely limits my ability to go out due to fear of accidents and lack of toilet access.
I often stay home to avoid embarrassment and physical discomfort.
Complex PTSD (CPTSD):
• Ongoing weekly EMDR and private psychotherapy.
• Affects concentration, memory, emotional regulation, and decision-making.
•I experience high anxiety even in my own home town, as my CPTSD is directly linked to my environment. A lot of the work I’m doing in therapy is focused on trying to feel safe where I am, rather than feeling forced to relocate because of trauma I experienced here.
•I often avoid going out alone and rely heavily on support from my mum.
Mobility Impact:
• Both conditions create physical and psychological barriers to travel.
• I struggle to plan or follow journeys due to anxiety and cognitive difficulties.
• I need support and sometimes can't complete journeys safely or without distress.
Context I think might have influenced the decision:
During my review, I was asked about a trip I took to Amsterdam in January. I explained that I used my green “Access Card” and went to the disability assistance counter at the airport. I was escorted through security to avoid long queues because of my toilet urgency, and I was the last to board the plane so I could stay close to the toilet until departure. On arrival in Amsterdam, I was met by someone offering the same support.
However, once I arrived, I was very overwhelmed, didn’t leave my hotel, and ended up having a Zoom therapy session with my therapist because I was so distressed.
I’m worried this one trip has been used to discredit the reality of my daily struggles. Has anyone else experienced something similar?
Any advice on how to prepare for a potential Mandatory Reconsideration or appeal would be hugely appreciated — or should I just consider myself lucky to get any sort of PIP and just not bother appealing etc?
Thank you!
Long one, sorry…
I’ve just found out that my Mobility Component has been removed from my PIP award.
I rang up to request my PA4 form, and before I even received my review decision letter or the PA4, the automated line told me the date and amount of my next payment – which had dropped from £405.40 to £319.30. When I finally spoke to someone, I asked about the change and was told my mobility component had been removed.
I haven’t had any written confirmation yet, so I’m unsure what to expect or what to do next. I’ve requested the PA4 to see the assessor's report, but I’d really appreciate advice on what I should be doing now to prepare.
My conditions and how they affect me:
Bile Acid Malabsorption (BAM):
Causes urgent and frequent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and incontinence.
Severely limits my ability to go out due to fear of accidents and lack of toilet access.
I often stay home to avoid embarrassment and physical discomfort.
Complex PTSD (CPTSD):
• Ongoing weekly EMDR and private psychotherapy.
• Affects concentration, memory, emotional regulation, and decision-making.
•I experience high anxiety even in my own home town, as my CPTSD is directly linked to my environment. A lot of the work I’m doing in therapy is focused on trying to feel safe where I am, rather than feeling forced to relocate because of trauma I experienced here.
•I often avoid going out alone and rely heavily on support from my mum.
Mobility Impact:
• Both conditions create physical and psychological barriers to travel.
• I struggle to plan or follow journeys due to anxiety and cognitive difficulties.
• I need support and sometimes can't complete journeys safely or without distress.
Context I think might have influenced the decision:
During my review, I was asked about a trip I took to Amsterdam in January. I explained that I used my green “Access Card” and went to the disability assistance counter at the airport. I was escorted through security to avoid long queues because of my toilet urgency, and I was the last to board the plane so I could stay close to the toilet until departure. On arrival in Amsterdam, I was met by someone offering the same support.
However, once I arrived, I was very overwhelmed, didn’t leave my hotel, and ended up having a Zoom therapy session with my therapist because I was so distressed.
I’m worried this one trip has been used to discredit the reality of my daily struggles. Has anyone else experienced something similar?
Any advice on how to prepare for a potential Mandatory Reconsideration or appeal would be hugely appreciated — or should I just consider myself lucky to get any sort of PIP and just not bother appealing etc?
Thank you!
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- BIS
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6 days 18 hours ago #302566 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Mobility Component Removed – What Should I Do Next?
Hi JustMe
I'm sorry this has happened to you. I'm afraid I suspect you're right and that you are being 'penalised' for the holiday - however it's not against the 'rules' for you to go on holiday and it sounds as if it was distressing. Unfortunately, telling them you had been on holiday immediately allowed them to make assumptions about your ability.
I don't know your circumstances and what you said or wrote. It's none of my business, but here's what I think they assumed - '' Has the ability to arrange a holiday (descision-making) travelled alone from home to airport (unfamiliar journey, decision making), has the forethought to have an Access Card and got help (communicates with strangers, decision making, concentration), also got help the other end in Amsterdam. Stayed in a hotel (communities socially) and - manged to get support when needed (zoom call - decision making, concentration) and returned to England at end of stay and able to travel home alone.'. Now I'm sure that's not an accurate picture of your holiday, and what I have written doesn't incorporate any of the physical and mental symptoms you were experiencing at that time, but I'm guessing this was the sort of thing the assessor was thinking. (Of course I could be completely wrong and they could have removed your mobility award for some other reason!)
Just because you had one holiday, it doesn't negate the struggles you have on a daily basis, and it's those that you are going to have to emphasise if you decide to put in for a Mandatory Reconsideration. You see, as soon as you say your condition causes concentration and memory issues, they are going to say you went on holiday. You have to say the problems were still there while you were on holiday and the stress was so severe - you had contact with your therapist. And you then reiterate the struggles you have in managing the mobility issues.
You said that you get a lot of support from your mum. If she didn't write a letter to include with your form, if she's willing, get her to write one now - talking to the particular issues that cover the PIP criteria and what she has observed about you. Also if you didn't include information about your complex PTSD (from a reputable site) to back up the symptoms you experience, Any additional letters from professionals might help.
Remember when you get the PA4 - they are only writing their opinion, and it's your job to show that they are mistaken. Have a look at the Guide to PIP Appeals and the Best Possible Ways to Challenge a PIP Medical Report. benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip
I can't tell you whether you should request a Mandatory Reconsideration—you will have to decide for yourself, but if you have any other questions do come back and ask and we will try to help. It's not easy to win them, but we have had members who have successfully challenged their original decisions.
Once you see the report you will have more idea about why they decided to take away your mobility and exactly how you can counter what they have said.
I'm sorry this has happened to you. I'm afraid I suspect you're right and that you are being 'penalised' for the holiday - however it's not against the 'rules' for you to go on holiday and it sounds as if it was distressing. Unfortunately, telling them you had been on holiday immediately allowed them to make assumptions about your ability.
I don't know your circumstances and what you said or wrote. It's none of my business, but here's what I think they assumed - '' Has the ability to arrange a holiday (descision-making) travelled alone from home to airport (unfamiliar journey, decision making), has the forethought to have an Access Card and got help (communicates with strangers, decision making, concentration), also got help the other end in Amsterdam. Stayed in a hotel (communities socially) and - manged to get support when needed (zoom call - decision making, concentration) and returned to England at end of stay and able to travel home alone.'. Now I'm sure that's not an accurate picture of your holiday, and what I have written doesn't incorporate any of the physical and mental symptoms you were experiencing at that time, but I'm guessing this was the sort of thing the assessor was thinking. (Of course I could be completely wrong and they could have removed your mobility award for some other reason!)
Just because you had one holiday, it doesn't negate the struggles you have on a daily basis, and it's those that you are going to have to emphasise if you decide to put in for a Mandatory Reconsideration. You see, as soon as you say your condition causes concentration and memory issues, they are going to say you went on holiday. You have to say the problems were still there while you were on holiday and the stress was so severe - you had contact with your therapist. And you then reiterate the struggles you have in managing the mobility issues.
You said that you get a lot of support from your mum. If she didn't write a letter to include with your form, if she's willing, get her to write one now - talking to the particular issues that cover the PIP criteria and what she has observed about you. Also if you didn't include information about your complex PTSD (from a reputable site) to back up the symptoms you experience, Any additional letters from professionals might help.
Remember when you get the PA4 - they are only writing their opinion, and it's your job to show that they are mistaken. Have a look at the Guide to PIP Appeals and the Best Possible Ways to Challenge a PIP Medical Report. benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip
I can't tell you whether you should request a Mandatory Reconsideration—you will have to decide for yourself, but if you have any other questions do come back and ask and we will try to help. It's not easy to win them, but we have had members who have successfully challenged their original decisions.
Once you see the report you will have more idea about why they decided to take away your mobility and exactly how you can counter what they have said.
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- Jobsworth Zero Today
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5 days 22 hours ago #302613 by Jobsworth Zero Today
Replied by Jobsworth Zero Today on topic Mobility Component Removed – What Should I Do Next?
I'm sorry to hear about this situation; it sounds both unfair and distressing. While a holiday isn't against the rules, they may have made assumptions based on your ability to travel and arrange things, ''rather than considering the daily struggles you face. ''If you decide to request a Mandatory Reconsideration, focus on emphasising these ongoing difficulties and explain how the stress of travel exacerbated your condition, including any contact with your therapist during the trip. Additional support letters from your mum or professionals could strengthen your case. Remember, their report is just an opinion, and it's your opportunity to show how it misses 'the reality' of your situation.
Did you ask to sit closest to a toilet before booking flight ? your acting quite normally in my view, and if they are seen to be penalising you cos of a holiday, i'd take a device on that. You did everything you could to allow the trip to go safely and to address your needs, not least, deserving a break from this noose around our necks. And they wonder why people dont tell them if they choose to talk a holiday.
Did you ask to sit closest to a toilet before booking flight ? your acting quite normally in my view, and if they are seen to be penalising you cos of a holiday, i'd take a device on that. You did everything you could to allow the trip to go safely and to address your needs, not least, deserving a break from this noose around our necks. And they wonder why people dont tell them if they choose to talk a holiday.
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