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Original poster

Would you say this is benefit fraud?

31 replies

propyourselfup · 05/09/2019 18:27

I'm claiming PIP.

I was successful in my claim and was fortunate enough to get the higher rate of mobility, which means I could get a car.

I've had the car for 3 months now and my condition has improved quite a bit as a result. This has been such a relief but it's also made me realise that I might now be committing a crime Sad

You're suppose to inform them if your condition improves - But I have been very reluctant in doing so because I know I might lose it all, and that'll mean no more car. The car has honestly changed my life, and my child's life.

I can move around more at home because I'm not straining to get to places via public transport. I feel better mentally (although mental health is nothing to do with my claim), since I feel so much more mobile and able to get around.

The ability to be 'free' and get where I need to without extra strains on my body and pain has honestly helped me so much, I could cry.

This is benefit fraud though, isn't it? You should tell them if your condition improves.

But it's only improved due to the help the PIP benefit has allowed me to have Sad

OP posts:
StinkinDrink · 05/09/2019 18:31

Argh, that's a tough one, in my opinion I would say no, you are not committing fraud otherwise what would be the point of giving people this mobility help of it didn't improve their condition? Hopefully there will be some people with better advice swing by soon, I'm pleased your quality of life has improved, it must be an amazing change Smile

Chickaletta16 · 05/09/2019 18:32

It's not benefit fraud at all. You have a health condition and were given the carnto help make your life easier. It has done just that - please don't beat yourself up about it. Enjoy your freedom to get around without pain.

imnotinthemood · 05/09/2019 18:33

It's not benefit fraud .
You should notify if your condition improves but how improved is it ?
You don't mention your condition is it likely to be improved permanently or will you have a time when it does not .

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Original poster
propyourselfup · 05/09/2019 18:34

Stink Thank you! It's so strange - I'm obviously thrilled to have a better quality of life but I also fear I'm doing something wrong and it'll all be taken from me. I'm almost afraid to live to the best extent in case someone is watching me or something, I don't know Sad

The car has helped so so much, I was much worse before having it

OP posts:
Contraceptionismyfriend · 05/09/2019 18:34

No absolutely not! The money is being used for exactly what it's supposed to!

If you lost the money would your condition deteriorate again?

Gingerkittykat · 05/09/2019 18:34

No, you have the mobility aid which you need to let you get around without being in pain. Taking it away would leave you struggling again.

gamerchick · 05/09/2019 18:35

Your life has been made easier, that's the whole point. Is your condition improved and your disability is now on the mend? I'd say probably not. Dont think about it any more.

StrongTea · 05/09/2019 18:35

Meant to benefit you, big difference if you had exaggerated your pain to get the car.

Flower777 · 05/09/2019 18:36

No!

Surely this is exactly how the benefits system is supposed to work.

Please don’t worry about it. Just enjoy feeling a bit better.

BogglesGoggles · 05/09/2019 18:36

It’s a bit of a catch-22. Ultimately these question I would ask is has you condition actually improved or are you just managing it better with the help?

ShirleyPhallus · 05/09/2019 18:37

Agree with @Chickaletta16

Original poster
propyourselfup · 05/09/2019 18:37

The thing is, if I did the assessment and answer the form now, the answers would be completely different, so I wouldn't get the award in the first place.

Which is what'll problem happen at the review stage (they basically assess again and often take the whole award away).

OP posts:
Soola · 05/09/2019 18:39

I don’t think you’re committing fraud because if they took the car away most likely you would revert back to suffering as you were originally.

The car has helped you.

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 05/09/2019 18:41

Well if you give the car back your condition will probably kick off again. It’s like saying well so and so can walk with their walking stick. They should give it back Confused
If things have improved you want to keep them improved.

Stuckforlong · 05/09/2019 18:43

I wouldn't worry about it until the review stage, also to be fair you haven't had the car long enough to know whether your condition has improved. I would say yes your mobility has improved which is what the car is for

Please don't feel guilty if you feel this way in six months time then yes maybe I would seek advice maybe from your GP but some conditions further deteriorate in the colder months which we are approaching .

Yaflamingalah · 05/09/2019 18:44

Of course it isn’t benefit fraud. The car was given to you to improve your quality of life and help you, which it has done. Enjoy your improved lifestyle

BonnesVacances · 05/09/2019 18:46

The thing is, if I did the assessment and answer the form now, the answers would be completely different, so I wouldn't get the award in the first place.

I don't think so because you are reliant on the mobility aids you have, ie the car. You can demonstrate what you would be like without the help you get and what measures you have to put in place to try to live a normal life.

picklemepopcorn · 05/09/2019 18:49

At the review stage, get help with how to word your answers- 'my mobility is severely impaired when I use public transport' 'I can't manage the stairs if I have over exerted myself' I am in pain every day that I have to walk more than 2000 steps'.

CuriousaboutSamphire · 05/09/2019 19:04

As pickle said choose carefully how you answer thir questions.

The car is doing what it is supposed to do. You are entitled to continue to have those health benefits.

MitziK · 05/09/2019 19:10

Not tricky in the slightest. Your condition hasn't improved - the help in meeting the additional costs that are incurred as a result of your condition has had the intended effect.

You still have those needs, they are now being met.

Which they won't be if you decline the mobility component of PIP.

GeorgiaGirl52 · 05/09/2019 19:18

Your condition has not improved - your situation has improved.
If you were sleeping on a bed of nails and were in pain, then received a mattress, you would improve. But if the mattress is taken away and you are back on the nails, then you are back where you were. Keep the car and stop worrying.

Soola · 05/09/2019 19:52

What I do suggest is that you do not speak about your feeling better because of the car. Sadly there are people who would report you out of spite and jealousy.

x2boys · 05/09/2019 20:43

No.i.don't think so.PIp.is supposed to help.make your life easier ,I don't know what your condition is but if the car causes less pain because you don't have to walk/ use public transport etc surely that's why you get it?

StealthPolarBear · 05/09/2019 20:46

I don't know anything about this stuff but I'd interpret that question as a change in your diagnosis.

StealthPolarBear · 05/09/2019 20:47

And even if I'm wrong we all think yanbu. Else as a pp said people would have walking sticks and wheelchairs taken away :o

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