PIP AWARD!!!!!

[frazzledbutcalm]

Dd has just received her PIP award - Enhanced rate daily living, no mobility.

Her DLA use to be mrc and lrm.

We weren't expecting any PIP so we're VERY happy with the award. We're wondering though whether to ask them to reconsider about mobility or just leave as is, as I don't want to rock the boat and am just grateful she's received something without a fight!

Mobility wise - she has no sense of direction, can't follow directions, can't process information easily, wouldn't ask anyone for help in the first place if she was lost. Has hypermobility and over pronation of the ankles which causes pain when walking. She uses insoles to correct this. Is it worth asking for a reconsideration? I'm not sure how PIP works really compared to DLA.

Thanks polter ... I'm just so grateful that we didn't have to fight for her award, I'm frightened to appeal in case they take it down to standard daily living. The rate she's received is almost identical to her DLA award so I'm happy with that. But I do feel she should have been awarded standard mobility.

Having said that, my brother is in a bad state (PTSD, paranoia etc, on lots of meds every day, needs care all throughout the day), and he hasn't been awarded any mobility either. He can't leave the house alone, always needs someone with him (more issues also). I thought that would have qualified him for standard mobility. But no.

PIP points system

Well, standard rate mobility is very tricky to get for people with MH difficulties. If you look at the points list I've linked to, you can see how the mobility points are set out. Now, you would presume that someone with severe MH problems like your brother would be allocated one of descriptors (d), (e) or (f) which is enough for Standard rate or even Enhanced mobility, depending on severity. However, the vast majority of people with MH problems are actually allocated descriptor (b) which is only 4 points and so not enough for any mobility award. This is because the guidance issued by the DWP states that in most cases MH problems aren't serious enough for the higher points thresholds to be met. Instead the claimant has to diagnosed with a neurological condition, sensory impairment or learning difficulties for any mobility to be granted.

Now, in terms of your dd, it is worth an appeal if you think that her mobility difficulties stem from sensory impairment or neurological difficulties (tbh it's probably worth an appeal anyway...) What you say about her sense of direction makes me think that she should be on standard rate mobility anyway-if she can't reliably use public transport then (as per guidance) she should be entitled. As regards her hypermobility, how it impacts people's day to day lives varies a lot (I have EDS which causes severe hypermobility in my legs and hips and so am a wheelchair user on enhance mobility). If she can't reliably, safely, in a timely fashion, to a reasonable standard and as often as needed walk the length of two football pitches (200 m) then she should be entitled to some "moving around" points which might push her into standard mobility even if her "planning and following journeys" points stay at 4.

Good luck and i hope I've been helpful

Well done

It sounds like you're reasonable to ask for the reconsideration. Good luck.

That's great unweave , thank you!!!

My brother definitely qualifies under f - he has only recently started going out of the house with someone. Before that he was housebound. His 'care worker' took him out for 30 minutes and it made db stressed to hell, before and after.

Dd qualifies under c and d. But, I wonder if she was refused because she told the interviewer that she gets the bus to college. I added that we have to talk this through with dd every night, and it's easier now she has a bus pass because she doesn't have to communicate to the driver now. Before she got her pass she would say the phrase over and over in her head from leaving home til she got on the bus.

I wished I'd seen this points system before I filled in the form - it would have helped me to explain things thoroughly. At least it will help me with my appeal.

Thanks again!