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Should I ask for a PIP reassess. or wait 2 years?

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4 years 9 months ago #249712 by mumsgirl
I currently get ESA support (ive not been moved over to UC yet). I also get PIP, the low care one.
Both are for mental health.
I got the ESA in 2011 (after using benefits and work) and havent heard a peep from them since and glad about that lol but no doubt I will get reassessed soon or at least transferred to UC. I got the PIP in 2018 for 4 years. Before I got PIP I used to get high rate care and low rate mobility DLA. I felt as though I should have been awarded more PIP but was too scared to risk it by appealing.
In the past year my physical health has deteriorated – I have become deaf in my right ear and hearing aids dont work because of the type of hearing loss it is (but I can hear in my left so you wouldnt know there is a problem unless you sat at my right hand side).
Ive also lost my balance and have vertigo. Ive had this permanently since Oct last year. Ive been told its the side effects of radiotherapy I had many years ago. Ive been told I will have this for the rest of my life (which im struggling to accept mentally as im maybe only half way through my life).
And im awaiting adaptations around my home like hand rail, beacon and MAYBE bath seat and walking stick. The beacon is because my house nearly went on fire as the kitchen is at my right hand side and I didnt hear it, I only realised something was wrong when smoke came in the livingroom.
Im not really sure what my question is tbh but I was thinking of asking for a PIP reassessment as I definitely now have more care needs and to a certain extent it does affect my mobility as im at risk of falls, especially when walking across the road as I lose my balance and get vertigo. But the welfare adviser I emailed said I would be foolish to get reassessed because its too big a risk? However, I disagree but im not a welfare adviser and he must know what hes talking about. But I just feel that my health has deteriorated (I know you dont get anything for just having a condition) and as such it has affected my ability to do certain tasks, I need more help, I have to take certain precautions and I have to avoid certain things. Sometimes the vertigo is so bad I have to crawl or hold on to walls and furniture.
I also have undiagnosed fatigue and pains, that my GP is not willing to explore any further. He says that sometimes they just cant fathom out whats wrong. My GP wont write a letter of support (they stopped doing that for everyone 5 years ago) but would reply to any letters or calls they receive from the assessment people.
So probably my question is just peoples opinions as I know no one can tell me if I will lose, keep or get more – would you try for a reassessment or just wait another 2 years (when its reassessment time)?

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4 years 9 months ago #249713 by BIS
Hi mumsgirl

If there has been a deterioration in your condition, then you are entitled to put in for a 'change of circumstances.' Many people do and sometimes they get a positive outcome (increased award) and sometimes they get refused (award stays the same).

I have known people to have their award downgraded when they have a PIP review, but never when they have put in for a change of circumstances. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen - I just haven't come across it.

It's a pity if your doctor isn't supportive, but do you have any evidence you can send in from hospital professionals? You could always access your medical notes and send in the information yourself. You're entitled to have these. If you have any family members who can write a letter of support with your change of circumstances you should do so. You should also report all the adaptations you are having to have as it clearly points to a deterioration in your health.

Is it a risk? I can't tell you what to do hear, I can only tell you plenty of people do put in for it.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

BIS

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4 years 9 months ago #249717 by mumsgirl
Thank you for your reply. It's definitely a change of circumstances. My Gp, although not very helpful I wouldnt call unsupportive, its just that they have a practice policy of not writing letters but i think she would be supportive IF they got in touch with her. The male GP on the other hand...I also worry the female might retire soon as shes in her 60s. I was just thinking - she wont support my form but i think she would write a letter for me to apply to the housing association for a lower flat. Perhaps I couldnt use that if she were to write "to whom it may concern" and just send a copy of that? I do have a letter from my neurotologist saying that its due to raidotherapy and no treatments will help. However it doesnt say what I can and cant do (only I know that?). As for the adaptations, I havent had them yet because of Covid. But I worry about them and the hearing aid - does that actually go against me because I might be able to do more things or hear better with them? It's good to know that you dont know of anyone thats lost during a change of circumstance. But im still too scared to try I think lol.

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4 years 9 months ago #249726 by Gordon
mumsgirl

I would have a look at our PIP Claim guide before you report a change, a deterioration in your conditions does not always mean that you will score higher, for example; PIP looks at your total hearing, you may not score a hearing loss in only one ear.

If you report a Change then it will result in a new PIP2 being issued and you will need to provide up to date evidence to support the change, the new Decision that will result will supersede your current award, whatever the result is.

Gordon

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