PIP

[hlc123]

Hi everyone. I am newly diagnosed with fnd (specifically functional tremor and functional gait disorder). I have a pip award for lower rate daily living and lower rate mobility due to severe anxiety, depression and the tremor in my hand but at the time of applying (2021) my gait wasn't causing problems. Now I really struggle with walking and often trip as my right leg sometimes drag and I have to swing it to try and prevent this. I have evidence from my gp and neurologist (my GP describes a wide unsteady gait and the neurologist said my right leg has a dancing movement when I walk) and also have a blue badge. I think I should notify pip of a change in circumstances but my husband is concerned that I may end up with less than I get now as both times I have claimed pip I have been turned down in the first instance. Does anyone have experience of putting in a change of circumstances and losing what they have already got? My review isnt due until 2026. Thanks

It's always a risk but if you have good supporting evidence it's unlikely you would not receive an award. I help a lot of people to make PIP claims and have not known anyone lose their award this way as long as they have good relevant evidence. One of my clients this week wants to report a change. I assisted him to apply for PIP last June, he had very little medical evidence and GP not terribly supportive, no referral to a Consultant for his condition. Unsurprisingly he was not awarded PIP although it was awarded after I wrote an MR, I think it was eventually awarded around October2022 and then he only just scored enough points for the standard rates. He now wants to report a change of circumstances and I have been totally honest with him that it is a risk and he must have evidence. His review is 2027 ! I don't want to feel like I'm discouraging anyone from reporting a change , it's just that it took a lot to for him to get an award in the first place. It's sad that it ends with people in this dilemma. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Thank you so much