Navigating the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) process can sometimes feel complex and stressful. Reporting changes and renewing your application might feel like a challenging task. We’ve shared our advice to help you manage your application effectively.
- How do I renew my PIP application?
- How do I report changes in my circumstances?
- Does reporting a change in circumstances mean I’ll be reassessed?
- How to build a PIP case
- How do I submit supporting evidence?
- How I talked about how my condition affects me
- How to reduce stress throughout the PIP process
The PIP allowance is awarded to help with the extra living costs associated with having a disability. When you are first awarded PIP, you are told how long your award will last. At the end of this period, you may be reassessed to make sure you’re still getting the right level of support. You can also contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) yourself to inform them if your condition or circumstances have changed.
How do I renew my PIP application?
When your PIP award is due for renewal, the process is very similar to when you first applied. You’ll be sent a letter asking you to fill in a form called ‘Award review; how your disability affects you’. This form will ask you if your daily living or mobility needs have changed since you received your award. Even if your needs have not changed, you should still explain what support you need with each activity. You can refer to the PIP activities and descriptors that you can find on the Advice Now website.
The DWP may invite you to have an assessment after receiving your completed form. Much like your original one, this can happen over the phone, in-person, or via a video call. They may also ask for more information from your GP or other healthcare professionals. You can learn more about preparing for your PIP assessment.
The DWP can either extend your current PIP award, change your entitlement, or end your PIP award. If you are not happy with the decision, you can appeal it.
How do I report changes in my circumstances?
It’s important to report all changes in circumstances that may affect your PIP award. This includes:
- Your personal information like your address or GP
- Any changes in daily living
- Any changes in mobility needs
- If your condition improves or worsens
Factors like changes in your health condition or mobility needs may change the level of award you receive. You must call the PIP enquiry phone line to report changes. You can find the contact details on the Government website. Changing your personal details can be done through a short phone call.
Does reporting a change in circumstances mean I’ll be reassessed?
If you’re reporting a change in your condition or how much help you need, this will likely mean your award will be reviewed. The DWP will need more information about what has changed. You’ll be sent a PIP review form to tell them more about the changes. If further information is needed, you may have another assessment.
How to build a PIP case
Shona Louise has shared her experience of building a PIP case.
“Collecting supporting evidence is one of the best ways to build a PIP case. Spend time looking through any medical documents you have. Identify anything that mentions your diagnoses and how they affect you. Don’t send in the original versions though, photocopy them if possible.
One of the most important, but difficult things to do is being very honest with yourself. When I first applied for PIP, I was in denial about how much support I needed. This meant I didn’t include all of my difficulties. It can be really hard to talk about the things you cannot do, but it’s vital to building a strong case. Reach out for support from your loved ones throughout the process.”
How do I submit supporting evidence?
Supporting evidence can make a big difference when it comes to applying for PIP for the first time or having it renewed.
Start collecting evidence when your renewal date is close. This will give you time to reach out to any medical professionals to ask for written evidence if needed. Here are some examples of supporting evidence you can use:
- Diagnosis letters
- Summary letters received after appointments
- Letter from your GP
- A diary of how your condition affects you
- A statement from a carer, friend or family member
- Prescription slips
How I talked about how my condition affects me
Shona has also shared how she talked about the ways her condition affects her. This is an important part of applying for or renewing your PIP allowance.
“PIP is split up into different activities, so use them as your starting point. This will help you to spend more time talking about what is relevant to your PIP application. These activities include things like preparing food. Think about all the steps of preparing food and what support you need from another person or daily living aids to carry out these tasks.
It can be helpful to ask friends, family, or work colleagues if they’ve noticed any support you need or activities you struggle with. Often when something is part of our daily lives we do not notice them anymore, but those around us might.
It’s also helpful to think about whether you can do something safely, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time period. Read through the PIP activities and descriptors and create your responses based on them.”
Did you know?
If you receive the higher rate mobility part of PIP and you have at least 12 months left on your allowance, you can apply to join the Motability Scheme. You can simply exchange your qualifying mobility allowance for a brand-new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair with the Motability Scheme and get access to worry-free package.
How to reduce stress throughout the PIP process
Shona has some advice on how to reduce stress throughout the PIP application or renewal process.
“Lean on loved ones for support during the process. You can ask people to help write your application and go with you to an assessment. I also recommend making copies of your review form before posting it. This is useful if you need to refer back to your answers during any further assessments.
If you’re concerned about any forms getting to the DWP on time, you can ask your local post office what delivery services they offer to give you some peace of mind. Once you have sent off your review form, try and stay distracted to ease any worries. Always remember to reach out for help if you need it.”
For further support with your PIP renewal, head to the Turn 2 Us website.
Interested in joining the Scheme?
About the Scheme
The Motability Scheme offers an all-inclusive package. If you are in receipt of a qualifying mobility allowance you can use it to lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair, or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. The Scheme provides flexible and hassle-free access to a brand-new, reliable vehicle of your choice. As well as a great choice of cars, we also provide a wide range of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, scooters, and powered wheelchairs.
Eligibility
To join the Scheme, you must be in receipt of one of the following mobility allowances:
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment – Scotland
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
You can easily check whether you’re eligible to join the Motability Scheme by using our eligibility checker tool.
If you’re awarded PIP, you can also access other things such as a disabled person’s railcard, and discounts. Take a look at our article 8 PIP Benefits to learn more about what else you’re eligible for.
Related articles
How does PIP work? All your questions answered
Can I claim PIP and work at the same time?
Parking tips for blue badge holders
