Change of circumstances

Applied for PIP and was awarded standard care & standard mobility in December 2015. Did not agree with the award, so submitted an MR which was not done until November 2017. Yes, 2 years to complete an MR. Decision remained unchanged, so I submitted an appeal and appeared before the tribunal June 2018. They increased my care element to enhanced for the full duration of the award, which was three years. So until December 2018.

Meanwhile in March 2018, DWP decided to reassess my claim and carried out a home assessment, the outcome of which was an award of standard care only for three years. However, following the tribunal decision three months later on the original claim, I was paid enhanced care & standard mobility until December 2018. Payment has now defaulted in line with the decision of April 2018, ie standard care only, against which, I submitted an MR one week after receiving the decision letter, but the MR has never been done.

Called the PIP helpline last week and after being on the phone for 1.5hours, was told the decision of the tribunal had superseded the request for an MR and therefore I had lost the right to an MR, even though the tribunal decision was regarding the original claim. I tried to get across that the tribunal ruling had nothing to do with the decision of April 2018, but the call handler failed to comprehend. Tried to point out that the tribunal cannot in law have made a ruling on a decision that had not been through the process of an MR, but the call handler just kept insisting, having spoken to a "senior case manager" that I had lost the right to an MR and instead offered to register an MR against her decision.

This probably comes as no surprise to some on this forum and especially the moderators, but I am left bewildered, exhausted and confused by the competency of people who are paid to understand the claims process and provide help/advice to applicants. Any advice/suggestions on how to progress would be greatly appreciated.

PS. my MP is about as much use as a chocolate teapot, so not prepared to put myself through that stress & anxiety again

It is again time for my PIP reassessment and I have received the form today. However, I was notified last October that my award had been extended until December 2021. Very confused. Do I ignore the form, or fill it in anyway? Please advise