Asking for higher rate PIP during Covid?

[Autumn13]

I'm thinking about asking for the higher rate PIP as my condition has gotten worse over the passed year. Has anyone successfully done this during this time? I'm not sure how it would work.

You just have to register a new claim and start the process again from scratch

I know but how do the assessments work now? I know they're not doing them so I'm not sure I'd be successful

They're doing assessments over the phone

I did this pre covid and it took 6 months to complete (it was backdated) but you have to start a new application and are told you could loose all pip entitlement.
Dc1 is just going through the process of changing from dla to pip. He had his letter sent in August to complete, had a phone call end of December instead of face to face (I was very annoyed as they rang with no warning, rang him even though we'd requested they ring me (he just passed his phone over to me to answer on his behalf but he'd already got upset by it). We're still awaiting the outcome.

I'd do it if there has been significant changes and you have some proof (if no proof I'd be seeking that first) or if you have the support of a professional. I should have appealed my first pip because I got nothing for mobility (even though I used a stick and occasionally a wheelchair at the time) if you think your entitled apply and fight your corner. I would be more cautious with mental health than physical health though (I found they down scored my mh and its harder to prove especially because mh provision isn't great).

@mrsbyers

You just have to register a new claim and start the process again from scratch

This is not true. You report that your condition has changed and they will review.

but you need to be aware a 'review' could mean them looking again at the claim and not awarding you anything. They can go down as well as up.