PIP renewal because they haven't completed reassessment - is this usual?

[itsgettingweird]

Ds awarded PIP after transferring from DLA 3 years ago.

It expires next month and about 8 months ago we had a renewal form to do that asked for any changes.

Some things - no change and some there was change because he has a degenerative condition.

He's on enhanced for both components.

Today we had a letter that says they haven't been able to complete a reassessment and so are extending his current award for a year. If they reassess within the year they'll let us know and if not they may extend it again.

Sounds good in essence and saves trying to fight a change via MT if they made one.

However ..... ds wanted to get a mobility car and we aren't sure he can without a definite year award?

Anyone else get this and have any insights?

All I know is that they are way behind with re-assessments and some people are just waiting forever and the money just continues. Not sure how it affects a motorbility vehicle sorry but yes you do normally have to have a certain length of time left on your award. This must be causing problems for a lot of people. the system is just completely overwhelmed.

I got the same letter today too. My renewal was April 2023 & the letter today says current rate will be paid until Feb 2025 or until review.
I know someone who got a similar letter in November & they've just had appointment through for assessment so it's unlikely to be as long as the letter states.
There seems to be longer delays if you report a worsening condition.
I think the advice seems to be unless there is a huge change eg change in diagnosis to answer 'no change in condition' to every question as those ones are processed quicker.
Its worth speaking to motability about the scheme as everyone is in the same boat with renewals so they may well have contingency plans.

Maybe it's because I put a change then? However he's on enhanced rate already so change won't change outcome iyswim?

However I suppose they could try and claim getting worse but lowering the rate 🫣🤷‍♀️

I am in the middle of doing my DS's renewal form now. I'm afraid I don't know about the motability car issue. However I am following advice from the Benefits and Work website which suggests that if there is no change you should still state the reasons you used in the initial claim. My problem is that there have been some small improvements simply due to increasing maturity from age 16, some due to persistence in practicing things so I can't really say No Change but he is still WAY off where he should be.

We will speak to them.

However ds needs an adapted car and we wouldn't have 2 cars as he won't go anywhere alone that's not known iyswim?

So it's deciding the risk of selling my car he can't drive to get a mobility one he can and then ending up with no car.

We only need a car for him so me not having one isn't an issue but it will be an issue me not having one if he doesn't iyswim?