PIP and ESA

[MRSAHILL]

I've posted on here before and got some really great advice. I'm afraid I've become a real worrier about benefits, breaking rules, doing things correctly etc as before my dh had a severe psychotic breakdown in 2019, we'd been in the fortunate position never to have to claim any benefits and it's still a bit of a minefield. Dh has been with the Early Intervention Service for psychosis since 2019 and we've claimed PIP (we've recently been reviewed and its been awarded for another 3 years) we also get ESA, Carers Allowance and disability elements of UC. You can only stay with the Early Intervention Service for psychosis for 3 years and he's now about to be discharged. Not because his condition has improved, but merely because of their 3 year rule. They have referred him to the Community Mental Health Team, who initially declined to take him on, but after intervention from the EIS Psychiatrist, they are currently reconsidering. However, It's just occurred to me whether or not I should inform all the benefits agencies PIP, ESA, UC, that he is being discharged from the EIS? Will this fact make any difference to our benefits claims? I had previously thought it wouldn't as he's not being discharged because his condition has improved. He's still on all the anti psychotic meds etc he will just revert to being under the sole care of the GP if he is not taken on by the Community Mental health team, which I am dreading. Thanks

Hi OP sorry you didn't get any replies. I found your post searching as in a similar position as your DH. (I do have a physical condition also as well as recurrent depression with psychosis) I'm on long term meds also which are a combination of antipsychotics and antidepressants, and I also have pain meds for my other condition.

Thing is I'm unsure if I have been discharged from MH - GP prescribes the meds and for my other condition I've been discharged from that as it is basically incurable with no treatment etc

I get PIP and ESA (support group) worried about reassessment for PIP although last time I spoke to ESA they said they were not going to review it again as it seems they have accepted the conditions are long term.

But to answer your question no I don't think being discharged is a change in circumstances it may be taken into consideration when they review it though

Thanks so much for the reply. We are still waiting to hear back from the community mental health team as to whether they will take him on. My dh is also in the support group for ESA, he's been with them for 3 years now and we still haven't had to do a review. It's so worrying isn't it, especially the pip awards, you can never relax which doesn't help the mental health situation. After posting this originally, I investigated further and have come to the conclusion that I don't need to inform everyone that dh will be finishing with the early intervention team for psychosis as his condition hasn't improved and he still needs assistance, medication and support.

As you say, whether it makes a difference when he is next reviewed for pip I really don't know. I hope not but I'm not taking it for granted that it will be as easy to get it next time.

Nope, no need to advise them.

It's hard isn't it as they don't seem to keep people on for more than 3 years, I had this also. I agree about the needs not changing etc - I think my GP has an agreement where they can ring the MH team if they need to and they also do these physical health checks yearly due to the antipsychotics- I will mention this if they query it. PIP is so stressful. Kind thoughts

Yes, I think the gp could refer us for some extra support if needed and I suppose there is always the crisis team if he becomes desperate. It's such a shame the early intervention team for psychosis will only keep people on for three years. Their support has been invaluable and I'm afraid we've come to rely on them. Just going back to the GP is going to be a shock to the system. Best wishes to you too and thanks for the replies!

Maybe the GP will do something like mine where they can ring the previous consultant in charge for advice for any medication changes etc

Oh, also make sure they are doing physical medical checks if he's on antipsychotics long term, things like blood sugar and cholesterol. I had to ask about this.

If PIP are problematic down the line I would appeal, I had to do this last time and i asked for a paper appeal telling them going would make my health worse. Anyway before it got to appeal DWP rang me up and actually said sorry and reinstated my PIP.

Thanks for that extra info. Yes, he has regular health checks due to the antipsychotic meds which have previously been carried out by the early intervention team but the gp is now taking over the meds and I assume will do the health checks from now on. Pip is a terrible worry isn't it? I think if it was refused next time with us not having the back up of the eis team providing care plans etc then I'd definitely appeal any negative decision, although it sounds a daunting process. So pleased to hear they came to their senses about you and reinstated it quickly.

The MR part is a pain and takes ages but the actual appeal form is now online and seemed quite straightforward, if that helps any. I found they only seemed to take it seriously then and contacted me. So don't be put off by the MR part if it doesn't succeed. Hopefully all of this is not needed but just in case.

Thanks, that's good to know. I'm assuming you do the MR part as soon as they give a negative decision and then you do the appeal if they don't change their minds at MR stage? If you can do the appeal form online that sounds good, I had visions of having to go to Court etc which my dh could never cope with. I know I'm probably jumping the gun with all these worries but I think it's the feeling of vulnerability when you no longer have the back up of the early intervention team. We see a different GP every time we go and they are always in a rush, so I can't imagine asking them for supporting evidence. We are very lucky to have been awarded it for another 3 years but I can't help worrying what happens in the future, which I'm sure is the case for everyone claiming pip!

Yes I wouldn't cope with going to a court either. but you can ask for it on paper instead and explain. Yes that is right the MR is the first stage followed by appeal.

Thanks, you've given me some really reassuring information. I'm glad you didn't have to go to a tribunal and pip people saw sense. It's such a worry, especially when you already suffer from mental health issues. If my husband didn't have me to deal with claiming etc I don't know what he'd do, and I'm certainly no expert. It's no wonder so many people don't bother claiming what they are entitled to. Hope your pip claim is easier next time and thanks again for replying to my post.

I'm glad to help. I got PIP for 6 yrs this time, well 5 as they start a year early, so it was well worth doing. Hope all goes well for you and your husband.

So is it classed as change of circumstances