PIP - change in circumstances

Nystagmite

Hi, newbie here, looking for a bit of advice.

Transferred from DLA mid care and low mobility to PIP. Assessment was awful and it was clear from some things that were said that she didn't believe my GP, the friend who was with me (despite his background of being an English teacher - I have a lot of issues communicating) or my consultant. Unfortunately, she caught me on a day where my hearing was ok, which I know went against me. As did the fact that I could get to my parents house; but I wasn't even asked where that was. But apparently, that means I have no mobility needs at all. Odd how I was given a home visit because I probably couldn't get to one of their centres.

Predictably, I got turned down; despite all the contradictions which weren't picked up on at all. Complaint made to both Atos and DWP. 

Mandatory reconsideration, which included a letter from mum (which backed up a huge amount of what my friend said - despite them never having discussed my communication difficulties) and various letters from consultants.

MR still not fully right; but didn't want to risk it.

Fast forward 3 months. Lots of things have changed - my medication is currently being messed around with a lot, (I have asthma and am having a lot of problems with it currently) I don't use any aids to hear any more because they're too loud and actually make my tinnitus worse, (although, there was evidence from friend and mum to suggest I should have got more points because of my difficulties with talking face to face with others, due to my Autism and Auditory Processing Disorder) I'm struggling more and more to mix with others (and struggling to remember the last time I went out and managed to not have a meltdown - I can't, must have been over a year now) and I have no idea where they got it from that I only need an aid to cook a meal when I can't even use a pasta cooker... I wasn't asked at the assessment whether I could cook a meal safely. I was only asked what I lived on. It was assumed, bizarrely, that as someone who can cook a pizza, (because I know it goes in the oven for 15 minutes) I can somehow cook a meal.

So, what happens if I put in for a change of circumstance? Currently get enhanced mobility and standard care. Mobility needs haven't changed and was one point off enhanced care, which I'm sure they did on purpose. Current award is for 10 years. Can I just get them to look at care? Or does it not work like that?

BenefitsTrainingCo

Hi Nystagmite

Basically, if you ask for a decision to be looked at again (either by MR, appeal or based on a change of circumstances) you run the risk of them looking at the whole award again and it is possible that you could lose what you already have. That said, a decision whether to do this should be based on the facts and the quality of the supporting evidence. 

Given the complexity of the benefit rules and because we cannot see the evidence in your case i would suggest you get some further advice before proceeding. And unless a specialist benefits adviser who has looked at all the evidence is of the view that there is strong case to support a higher award i would advise against the decision being looked at again.

I hope this helps
David

Nystagmite

Thanks. My original form (which unfortunately, was badly filled in by a so-called benefits adviser) and evidence did suggest I should be on enhanced care. But it seems that because I could talk, I don't have any problems communicating. They ignored everything my friend said as well - he will tell you that I take things literally.

It was somehow decided my Autism causes me no problems at all. yet, I can't socialise because of it.

Most odd how I got DLA for similar issues. Nothing has changed, apart from now having more hearing issues.

Back to Audiology next week; so will see if I can get a letter from him about why I don't use my hearing aids (too loud) and how my hearing problems really affect me.