Simbindi
Senior Member (Voting Rights)
Initially I wasn't sure whether I should just tick 'no change' on the light touch review form as I have plenty of points, including a number of 4 points and well above the 12 point threshold (even my mobility is 22 points, not just the 12 for the physical side). But as I've actually worsened and have another 'new' severe condition that affects my breathing and even ability to stand up, because of the abolition of the WCA and not knowing how they will treat people in terms of pressuring them into 'work related activity', I think it's probably best to give a detailed account of my functioning. I'll likely have to complete my light touch review before the Timms Report is completed, so it's a matter of judgment. Of course with the DWP and the government's drive to reduce the welfare bill, it makes sense to assume the worst case scenario. My main concern is how I'll be treated on UC until my retirement, which won't be until 2033, rather than the PIP award itself. Because my next PIP award should hopefully take me until after state pension age, I'm assuming I won't face another reassessment during my 'working age', so the DWP/Job Centre would only have this information to go on. I'll be requesting a paper based assessment though. I've had 2 face to face ones (the second one in my home) so they should have enough evidence to make a judgment, especially as it's a 'light touch' review.I always have, they never get less than 7,000 words. I'm quite happy to make the contractors work for their money, and I can blather for England.
There seems to be a lack of clarity about how the review might affect working age people still on DLA. I've suggested to a couple of people that they consider applying for PIP before they're invited, because it's possible changes will be made that won't apply to current claimants. If PIP daily living is harder to claim after the review and the UC health element depends on getting it, it might be beneficial to apply under the current rules.
It's tough, though, when people are unwell and it's all so bloody stressful and difficult. But another advantage of applying ahead of time is that you can draft most of your PIP application before you even ask for the application form. That's what I did; I knew I'd struggle to write it all up and pull together all the evidence in the short window you're allowed after requesting a form. I spent months on it, just doing one section at a time then having a break.
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