PIPS Review

Hi everyone,

I have not posted for some time due to a catalogue of illnesses, which has left me with a long covid diagnosis. This has made all elements of the impact of my head injury worse, but I am doing everything I can to move forward and improve things.

One question, I was sent a review form for my PIPS in December 2023, the DWP have text me to tell me they have received it and are dealing with it. When I rang up to check the person said reviews are now taking anywhere between 1-2 years to complete. I was totally shocked and asked the person what happens if the reassessment assesses me at a lower level, do I pay it all back any money received that should not have been paid-she did not know, but she did say if it is their error for keeping me waiting for so long then maybe not!

I am very worried about all of this and it is now impacting on my health.

I was very tired when I filled the review form in and just tired of the whole process. I sent loads of evidence to show things have not changed from the hospital but have got worse and I have sent further letters in the interim to support my claim.

What are others experiences now of the timings for reviews for PIPS. Mine used to be much quicker. My last one was over two years ago.

Comments welcome.

Many thanks

[Hidden]

Hi Annie, don't worry or stress yourself about it they won't ask for the money they have paid you because 'they' have not processed the claim so it's not your fault. There's an election coming up so whatever the PIP system is like now will probably change anyway. They won't penalize you. Relax and forget about it.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the response. I am sure you are right but since my accident/ brain injury, I find it hard to rationalise my thoughts!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yep, it can be a bit difficult, maybe try and find something else to occupy your mind. There was a post on here recently about things that people do, such as volunteering and getting involved with local charities and projects. It seems these are good at providing a wider range of stimulation and communication that opens up the world again. This kind of thing may help you take your mind off worrying so much. Just an idea that might help because stressing about stuff is horrible.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks.

[Teazymaid]

hi Annie they stopped mine wrongly as I think from what I had said to the woman on the phone In January . I’m still fighting it and I’m now giving more evidence even from people who know me , my husband, my counsellor , sports massage therapist, and gym as they have no idea about me from what I have said and since then written explaining … they haven’t asked for money back when mine stopped and the same as you my mental health has deteriorated doing this and so want to give up but the old stubborn self motivated me is still there making me fight this all the way as the system has no idea about brain damage at all .. please dont worry about paying back they don’t ask for it .. cross your fingers that they understand what has been written which I think is easier then talking on the phone as with short term memory problems like saying the wrong things that I do frequently was impossible for me .. Sue x

[Hidden]

many thanks - I am sure I did not fill the form in very well, but mostly I just put no change and then added in some bits that have got worse since the covid and sepsis…just get a bit worn out with it all and like many of us find it hard to stop thinking about things since the brain jury and just become fixated and worry a lot ..if only they knew what this sort of things does to us or felt what I feel just for one day!

[cappachina]

Hi Anne It took one year for my daughters review and no they wouldn't ask for any money back