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Case Study One

Client made contact with Citizens Advice because their rate of PIP had been reduced to Standard for the Daily Living Rate equating to just 8 points only and nothing at all for Mobility needs. Client was very worried at the prospect of losing their mobility vehicle. 

The process of returning vehicles seemed to be stalled at the time of contact due to the pandemic, which was an added concern to the client. 

Client is 62 and suffers from spondylosis and a damaged cruciate ligament in their knee. The client has very restricted mobility, meaning they needs assistance from someone when walking outside, so losing their car would have meant a significant loss of independence. 

After several long phone conversations with the client, I wrote a mandatory reconsideration on their behalf, this was edited several times between both myself and the client to ensure that all information had been captured to explain their circumstances and to ensure there were no factual errors.  

Once finalised, the final document was emailed to the client for them to print, sign and post. 

Outcome:

The client was given back both elements at the enhanced rate, and so will be able to keep their vehicle and independence and their repayment rate was re-instated to the previous level – therefore, client will no longer suffer a reduction in their income. 

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Case Study Two


Client was a very anxious with multiple physical disabilities. The client was keen to play an active part in challenging the DWP themselves but required assistance in doing so and was very frustrated by the initial decision by the DWP which hindered their progress. 

Client suffers from arthritis in their hands, neck, back, hips. Their knee is damaged and they have a historic double fracture in their lower leg that didn't fully heal. 

Client was mainly concerned about the loss of enhanced mobility as this would result in the loss of their motability car. The evidence stated in the decision notice was very unconvincing, based merely upon walking distances. 

For daily living the client was given 9 points. They had good grounds for asking for additional points for Engaging Face to Face as the client accepted that their form of severe anxiety can have a significant affect on their reasoning, which could result in defensive and occasional aggressive behaviour. 

Points also could be increase by 50% for cooking due to clients limited kitchen safety due to health issues. 

Client also suffered from other daily issues such as dressing due to severe difficulty moving their neck and spine. 

We agreed to draft grounds of appealing addressing the above issues and put these points down on paper for the client to use for their telephone hearing. 

Outcome:

The outcome of the appeal was successful and client was awarded to receive the highest rates of PIP amounting to £68.10 per week indefinitely, which is usually for at least 10 years, meaning client would receive over £35,000 over this period. The client was also awarded a backdated sum of around £2000. 

Client was extremely happy and relieved with the outcome achieved.