PIP Reassessments after first claim

When I first claimed PIP was on its first introduction and the system was in a shambles. I was initially awarded no care component and the standard mobility component. I asked for a reconsideration and still same result. Took it to appeal myself and was made to feel awful by the panel and perhaps in hindsight I should have had someone there with me.

However my award was made until January 2016. So I was surprised in March to receive a letter for a reassessment of my PIP award. So I went along, advisor was helpful. Now had my reconsideration decision and awarded Enhanced Care Component and standard mobility. They understand that I may need someone to travel with me hence the Enhanced Care Component, yet the award me ) points for planning and making a journey. The decision makers reasoning was as I have and use a car and despite being on anti depressants, there was no indication I had cognitive impairments to make or plan a journey.

Another issue was that my awarded was made from the date the decision letter arrived which was the 24th June 2015. The award is now until June 2018 for both components, yet the money was not backdated to when I had the reassessment in March 2015. I spoke with the PIP helpline and was hoodwinked into making a formal reconsideration request. I did not want that as all I wanted to know was why the award had not been backdated to the reassessment? The difficulties and symptoms did not magically appear on 24th June which was when the award was made and the decision letter received. It was evident in March when I went for the reassessment which was also the time to notify them my symptoms and difficulties had changed. I have cancelled the reconsideration request as I am happy with the decision, I just query why the payment has not been backdated? The advisors on the PIP helpline could see my point of view but unable to explain so it has been left to the decision make to call me and explain why the award was not backdated.

I wondered if this was a back door way of Government benefit cuts. If on a reassessment they do not backdate payments then what savings are the scheduled to make. Since the reassessment in March 2015, I was told a number of times by the PIP helpline that the priority was for existing DLA claimants to be processed on to PIP. And to quote:

"As you are already receiving an award, you are not priority"

The system is a complete shambles where I too have gone from 0 points on care to the Enhanced Care Component over a matter of months.