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PIP Deafness
- furrypusscat
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1 day 18 hours ago #314255 by furrypusscat
PIP Deafness was created by furrypusscat
Hello, I am 6 years into my PIP Enhanced Care and Standard rate Mobility ongoing awards so assume a further 3 to 4 years before a review. When I had my phone assessment, I scored 2 points for wearing hearing aids but nothing in the Engaging with other people face to face or Planning and following journeys even though I said I relied on others to help with communication and wouldn't hear a stranger in the street if needed directions. I had no written supporting evidence but now I am on a cochlear implant programme and have a written report confirming how my deafness affects my social activities. I don't want to cause myself any problems and putting at risk what I already have but I know there was case law with regards to hearing issues which I understand were to be looking into previous cases where applicants had been turned down. Would it be advisable to look into this further or best leave alone until review. I am already on Enhanced Care but it could make a difference to the Mobility award adding to the 10 I scored for moving around. I would be grateful of any advice from the Moderators or anyone who has experienced similar issues in relation to those two activities. Thank you.
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9 hours 52 minutes ago #314269 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic PIP Deafness
Hi furrypussycat
You have a couple of options. You already have enhanced care, so if you want to challenge the communication issue, it won't actually make any difference for your daily living award. The DWP apparently did look at claimants who were affected in 2020, but the only way you will find out whether you were included is to ask.
You now have written evidence about your deafness, and you could put in for a change of circumstances, updating them on your hearing issues - and it will trigger a review. You should be able to not only get more points for the communication but also for the mobility, and hopefully increase your award. Be aware, though, that there is no guarantee that they will continue to give you an ongoing award. I would hope they would - but this is the DWP you are dealing with. Also, be aware of something for the future - when you get your cochlear implant, the DWP is not above thinking that your hearing difficulties are solved and therefore, at review, you could lose communication points, because they will say it's no longer a problem. Of course, this is rubbish, and you would fight it if it arises - but I just want you to be warned so you know the possibility for the future.
Should you put in for a change of circumstances? I can't tell you what to do here, I'm sure, as you know it's impossible to go through reviews without it being stressful. On the one hand, do you want to be reviewed four years early? On the other - why should you be deprived of four years of a possibly better award? This is a decision you will have to make for yourself. You have to do what feels right for you. If you go for it, take your time to write a good case for increasing your mobility (again) and your communication score.
BIS
You have a couple of options. You already have enhanced care, so if you want to challenge the communication issue, it won't actually make any difference for your daily living award. The DWP apparently did look at claimants who were affected in 2020, but the only way you will find out whether you were included is to ask.
You now have written evidence about your deafness, and you could put in for a change of circumstances, updating them on your hearing issues - and it will trigger a review. You should be able to not only get more points for the communication but also for the mobility, and hopefully increase your award. Be aware, though, that there is no guarantee that they will continue to give you an ongoing award. I would hope they would - but this is the DWP you are dealing with. Also, be aware of something for the future - when you get your cochlear implant, the DWP is not above thinking that your hearing difficulties are solved and therefore, at review, you could lose communication points, because they will say it's no longer a problem. Of course, this is rubbish, and you would fight it if it arises - but I just want you to be warned so you know the possibility for the future.
Should you put in for a change of circumstances? I can't tell you what to do here, I'm sure, as you know it's impossible to go through reviews without it being stressful. On the one hand, do you want to be reviewed four years early? On the other - why should you be deprived of four years of a possibly better award? This is a decision you will have to make for yourself. You have to do what feels right for you. If you go for it, take your time to write a good case for increasing your mobility (again) and your communication score.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: furrypusscat
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7 hours 34 minutes ago #314270 by furrypusscat
Replied by furrypusscat on topic PIP Deafness
Thank you for your very good advice which does confirm my thoughts. I should have also said that I am now 75 years of age meaning I will be around 79 when I get a review. I am thinking of just staying safe and being grateful for what I have. I managed to score 11 for Care but then asked for an MR which awarded me the extra point allowing me the Enhanced award and 10 for Mobility for moving around.
So think I will wait for my review and then reconsider my options then.
Thank you very much for your contribution.
So think I will wait for my review and then reconsider my options then.
Thank you very much for your contribution.
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18 minutes ago #314272 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic PIP Deafness
Hi furrypusscat
I'm afraid you will have to ignore what I said. You didn't mention your age before and that makes an impact. Once a claimant has passed state pension age, their current mobility award cannot be changed. So even if you inform them now, you can only stay on standard mobility. Sorry if I gave you potential hope.
BIS
I'm afraid you will have to ignore what I said. You didn't mention your age before and that makes an impact. Once a claimant has passed state pension age, their current mobility award cannot be changed. So even if you inform them now, you can only stay on standard mobility. Sorry if I gave you potential hope.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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