PIP LETTER CONFUSION

My dad received a letter regarding his PIP benefit. He's been receiving the benefit for years now. He has a long-term disability that only has the capacity to get worse - the condition being ankylosing spondylitis - which mainly affects his reduced mobility.

The letter stated that there has been a change in PIP law. A change that affects how they decide PIP claims (no recent claim has been made). It went on to state that the change was related to how they consider the social support someone needs to mix with other people face to face.

The letter ended my stating that the recipient didn't need to anything - and that they won't do anything unless they hear from the recipient.

That was it.

Honestly, we found the letter vague and confusing.

Are you familiar with this letter? I'm guessing it's just automated to all, and would like to think it's nothing to worry about. But I'm just checking. When the letter stated that you don't need to do anything unless you think your claim can be affected, it's hard to know how to reply (if at all) since the letter didn't really explain good or bad what the change in the law was as such nor how it might affect someone's claim good or bad.

Hi Steve blue i would call them if I was you it's a aL.E.A.P exercise I had this letter and was awarded £11,500 because he should have been given 4 points for that activity instead of 2 kind regards Mark 65

Steve Blue wrote:

My dad received a letter regarding his PIP benefit. He's been receiving the benefit for years now. He has a long-term disability that only has the capacity to get worse - the condition being ankylosing spondylitis - which mainly affects his reduced mobility. The letter stated that there has been a change in PIP law. A change that affects how they decide PIP claims (no recent claim has been made). It went on to state that the change was related to how they consider the social support someone needs to mix with other people face to face. The letter ended my stating that the recipient didn't need to anything - and that they won't do anything unless they hear from the recipient. That was it. Honestly, we found the letter vague and confusing. Are you familiar with this letter? I'm guessing it's just automated to all, and would like to think it's nothing to worry about. But I'm just checking. When the letter stated that you don't need to do anything unless you think your claim can be affected, it's hard to know how to reply (if at all) since the letter didn't really explain good or bad what the change in the law was as such nor how it might affect someone's claim good or bad.

Its sounding like this change from 2016
www.gov.uk/government/publications/perso...aw-from-6-april-2016

So if his award was lower during that period, it may be worthwhile contact them to check his historical claim. It may mean you delving back through his paperwork, if he hasn't got it, you can request specific paperwork from DWP so for example Mr XYZ’s Pip awards from 2016 to date
www.gov.uk/government/publications/perso...aw-from-6-april-2016
Good luck

Thanks for your message Mark65. If it involves investigating a potential underpayment - recieving a vague letter hinting at no action required would make sense Do you mind me asking what the process was for you? As in, was it a phone call only? I only ask as my dad is now a fair way in to retirement and because of his condition he gets stressed very easily. If the process involved lengthy form completing, struggling to get evidence from doctors, face to face interviews - I think he'll just steer clear. He can't cope with it. He'll likely say he'll just leave things as they are. PS - congrats on your award. It's always good to here people get what they're due.

Thanks for the pointers, Kab. We'll have a think. If the process involves lengthy form completing, struggling to get evidence from doctors, face to face interviews and such - I know my dad won't be able to cope with it. He'll likely say he'll just leave things as they are.