Hi everyone. I thought I’d post to this sub as you all seem very helpful and professional. I posted to a Facebook earlier but didn’t find the responses too helpful.

My husband and I had our first review in September 2024, probably around the time they started rolling them out. We’ve had nothing since. I get LCWRA but my husband works 35 hours per week. We get support for 3 children and one of our sons gets high rate DLA. I also get PIP both components indefinitely at top rate.

Today I got a message (only me, not my husband) saying a claim review introduction telephone call has been scheduled for me on Thursday. My husband hasn’t had the same message.

I’m aware at this appointment I’ll be asked to upload evidence such as bank statements. We have no savings so I wasn’t overly worried however I realised a few things my flag up and I really need support.

First of all - we go abroad for 2 weeks on Friday. 1 day after the telephone call from UC. I don’t think I’m going to have time to gather all the evidence dependent on the deadline. I asked for advice on the UC Facebook page and was basically told I’d better make sure I gather all my evidence before we go abroad or to cancel my holiday as they might suspend our claim - with no further input. I’m worried it won’t be that quick or simple. The review couldn’t have come at a worse time because we never go on holiday due to myself and my son being disabled (what are the chances ?) the telephone call where I assume they are going to tell me what they need is at 4pm. It’s going to be very difficult to gather some information needed in the 1 hour that I have left of the working day before banks and such close. Our flight is at 6am on Friday. I’m so scared.

Secondly, 3 weeks ago my father in law gave us £400 in CASH to help us book a holiday. My husband paid it into the bank. We then used it pretty much straight away to book a Tui holiday so it came straight out. We used this £400 plus £2,000 backpay from my son’s recent DLA claim. I mentioned this on the facebook UC page and someone said the DWP may think my husband is working as the cash hasn’t come from anywhere ‘clear’ such as my father in laws account. He obviously isn’t working on the sly, beyond his actual job and I’m so worried our review agent is going to think that now.
In March, we also had another cash gift of approx £200 for my birthday which again was paid in via cash after my FIL physically gave us the cash. He has made a few cash gifts to us over this past 8 months before our son was approved for DLA but it has never been more than £400. Admittedly before our son was approved for DLA we were struggling financially with a high rental house and the financial strain of having a disabled child that we were caring for 100% alone with no help from benefits, that’s why my FIL was helping us occasionally with cash. It has always been in cash due to his age. He wouldn’t know how to do bank transfers and such and I know for a fact he wouldn’t be comfortable giving HIS bank statements to us for UC to review as means of ‘proof’ for these cash gifts. The Facebook group told me they may ask for this to verify my husband or myself aren’t actually earning the cash from a shady job!!

Thirdly; I think our rent is going to be a problem. Our landlord owns 50 properties and is also a builder. He asks us to pay £750 to him via our bank account every month and then £400 cash because he uses it for building supplies. Our rent is £1,150 per month. We always reference our payments to him and our cash withdrawal with the date of the rent but I know UC will likely be concerned that the actual bank transaction doesn’t match the £1,150 that it shows on our tenancy agreement. We have texts from the landlord confirming that he wants part rent in cash. We have a tenancy agreement of course - we don’t have anything else. Again, the Facebook group was pretty up in arms about this and gave me no advice other than that UC won’t be happy and may stop our housing element as they think the tenancy isn’t legit.

I’m so worried and feel sick. I can’t sleep. I won’t enjoy my holiday now. I’ve no idea what to expect. My husband and I do everything by the book and always pay our rent and bills on time.

Could someone level headed please give me advice on what to do and say? I’m mortified and think it’s about time I stop relying on Facebook groups for advice…

Thank you

I first started receiving LCWRA and PIP in 2023 after being diagnosed with EUPD. I had already been diagnosed with depression and anxiety in 2017. At the moment I am also waiting to be referred for ADHD and autism, and I would also like to pursue a diagnosis for OCD and an eating disorder. Despite multiple mental health conditions, I have done so much counselling, coaching, courses etc and I finally feel ready to start working again. I have been looking at local college courses. Some of them are short courses, some are full time. I know that Universal Credit want to encourage people to go back to work. Do they offer any sort of funding for college courses? I have looked and some of the courses are £300+, something I can't afford. I'm not sure how to ask since I don't have a job coach and haven't for many years

Hi, I’d really appreciate everyone’s advice.
My neighbour’s health deteriorated quite a bit, and she reported all of the changes in her PIP reassessment paperwork back in January. Everything she submitted is supported by hospital letters and medical evidence.

She was hoping to move from the standard rates of daily living and mobility to at least the enhanced rate for mobility, as that’s the biggest challenge for her at the moment.

However, she’s recently been told there’s a delay, and her reassessment has been pushed back until August 2027.
She’s really struggling because she needs the additional support now and doesn’t know what her options are. She’s also become anxious about asking for a reassessment, as she’s worried she could end up losing her PIP altogether. I’ve tried to reassure her that, given the amount of medical evidence confirming her long-term health condition, that seems unlikely.
I don’t know much about the process myself. Does anyone know what options she has or where she should go from here?

Hello, my work coach verbally told me my commitments appointment would auto-cancel once my partner's earnings are processed (household above couple AET). But she also sent me a reminder saying it's mandatory and I must attend. I sent a journal message asking for clarification but no reply yet. If I miss it, will I get sanctioned? Can I complain about the mixed messaging afterwards? Thank you.

PIP assessment seems to rely almost entirely on the fact I work full-time - does this sound right?

Hi everyone, I'm looking for some advice because I'm feeling really deflated after reading my PIP assessment report and im not sure if it is even worth appealing...

I haven't had the official decision yet, but I've requested a copy of the assessor's report, and throughout it, there seems to be a recurring theme that because I work full-time, I don't have significant functional difficulties.

Every section just says 'not applicable - Whilst prompting has been considered, this has been ruled out given the evidence from the SOH showing she is able to fulfil her job role without special measures and on a majority of days supporting adequate motivation.' And when I say every single section, I mean all sections of the entire assessment says this.

For context, I have diagnosed ADHD and PTSD, I'm under NHS Talking Therapies after being referred for 16 sessions due to severe anxiety, depression and work-related chronic stress disorder, and I'm currently awaiting an autism assessment.

The part I'm struggling with is that I never claimed work wasn't affecting me. In fact, most of my evidence says the complete opposite. I submitted: - An NHS mental health assessment stating that work is having a significant negative impact on my mental health, that I feel trapped because I can't afford to leave, and that I was referred for therapy and employment support. Ive been told that I need to step out of work entirely to allow myself to heal but that is not an option.

- A detailed statement from my supervisor explaining that I rely heavily on lists, reminders, labels and support from colleagues to get through my job. She describes me forgetting tasks, being constantly late or overrunning my rotaed hours, becoming overwhelmed, needing reassurance, struggling with organisation and emotional regulation, and says she's concerned how I'd cope without that support.

- Evidence of the visual systems and coping strategies I have in place at work. Stacks and stacks of lists, notes and formulas. A back long of repetetive panic attacks at work and restrictions on working - im not allowed to chef without another chef present due to medication. Im not allowed to work past 8pm due to history of trauma. Im on doctors orders to have atleast 12 hours recovery between shifts. Multiple special measure to help aid in doing my job yet this is not mentioned, or acknowledged.

Despite all of that, the report repeatedly seems to conclude that because I'm employed, I must be functioning adequately. The reality is that I work because I have rent, bills and responsibilities. If I didn't need the income to survive, I genuinely wouldn't be able to keep doing this job or be in work right now because of the toll it's taking on my mental and physical health. I force myself to go in every day because I don't feel I have another option. Ive lost 13kg of weight in 9 months, have severe palpitations and dizzy spells and nausea so im under medical investigations for that. 24hr ECG reffered, blood tests, mental health intervention and therapy to reduce the stress and help aid in next steps.

I know PIP isn't awarded based on diagnoses or whether someone works, but it feels like my employment has been used as the main reason to dismiss everything else. No consideration of the multiple documents from professionals stating im on a downward spiral mentally and physically.

Has anyone else had an assessment where employment seemed to outweigh all of the other evidence? If so, what happened?

If the decision follows the report, is this something that would be reasonable to raise in a Mandatory Reconsideration?

I'm honestly feeling quite defeated because this report has left me feeling like all the effort it takes just to keep working has been interpreted as evidence that I don't struggle. Ive spent my life in pain, fighting PTSD, autism and ADHD and trying to live a normal life at the expense of my mental and physical health, but that determination to attempt to succeed on life with the challenge I face has been used against me.

I'd really appreciate any advice or similar experiences.

i rrmoved my appointee last month when i had to start claiming uc (lost my job) i was not told this would put a payment blocker on my pip because of this my pip was not paid yesterday i rang up and they removed it and i was told they would pay it out same day it did not come through on tuesday so i rang up again today to be told that i have to wait until Monday 750 quid is a lot to wait a wee for if you have nothing i don't understand why they have told me 2 diffrent dates surely they should of used fasterpay

Hi all, I applied for PIP in February for fibromyalgia, but I also have anxiety, depression (am on meds for) and cubital tunnel. Received zero for both my original application and MR so I'm now applying for a tribunal.

Looking for advice on how to prepare for the tribunal. I'm going to send off the form now so I hit the deadline, and prepare everything later (having a brain foggy day so can't concentrate anyway)

what sorts of things should I put in there? I didn't provide much supporting evidence the first time, just a diary and a letter from my occupational therapist. I don't really see a regular doctor now for my fibro - I kind of just 'get on with it'. I'm also a mum so I have to do things like cooking for him, dropping him off at nursery etc, which is why I think I got awarded zero. Because I keep my child fed and looked after doesn't mean I can look after myself!

But my condition still affects me greatly and I'd like to know how I can make this come across at a tribunal. any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for advice from anyone who has been through something similar, particularly involving a limited company and Universal Credit.

I claimed Universal Credit in May 2019.

When I made my original claim I declared that I was a director of a limited company. My UC journal also contains various references over the years showing UC knew I was a company director.

Recently they've reviewed my claim and have told me I should have been reporting as both employed and self-employed from the start of my claim. They've now asked me to report this retrospectively and have booked me for further evidence and self-employment appointments.

They've also requested all of my personal bank statements and company bank statements dating back to May 2019.

I own and run my own limited company, employing staff, and it has grown significantly over the years. UC have indicated they consider Regulation 77 to apply.

I'm arranging legal advice, but I'm interested to hear from anyone who has actually been through this process.

Specifically:

• Did UC ask for years of bank statements?
• How did they calculate your earnings?
• Did they recalculate every assessment period from the start of your claim?
• Was your case dealt with as an overpayment only, or did it become a fraud investigation?
• Were you asked to attend an Interview Under Caution, or was it just a compliance review?

I'm not looking for people to tell me whether I'm right or wrong. I'm just trying to understand what usually happens in practice for people who've been through a similar retrospective UC review.

Thanks.

requested an early PIP review as my condition had worsened significantly and was only receiving the standard daily living element. I also requested to go down the LCWRA route on UC at the same time.

Paperwork for both was submitted in May. my LCWRA paperwork was received in June, and I have just been awarded LCWRA today without an assessment. Waiting on the letter to confirm whether I've been marked as severe or not.

Haven't heard anything about PIP though, beyond the text that they received my forms about 2 weeks after sending it.

I was expecting LCWRA to take way longer than the PIP review. Does this wait mean anything? Should I be nervous? I was expecting to have to wait for an assessment but now I wonder if the paperwork was enough? Does the LCWRA award affect the PIP process at all?

What are people's experiences?

Hello so basically we got given the carers allowance element for myself but basically we only got backdated three months from when our joint claim has been open we thought we was going to get backdated from when my partner started to look after me. Long story short we’ve got reconsideration from the 10th of October 2025. And they basically sent us a email basically saying they would back date to it but our case manager basically said he can only but they own a certain amount the reconsideration was sent off two weeks ago. We still haven’t got no reply. Do you guys think that we might get the back date from the 10th to the 10th or not? Universal credit also said that we were receiving careers Ls already I can’t really read. As well because I’ve got like dyslexia and certain other stuff wrong with me but as far as I’m aware, I feel like I’ve been robbed big time.

Hi everyone

My boyfriend was refused PIP by letter yesterday. He spent 3 days completing the form. He was bullied in school and suffers mental health issues, he finds it impossible to travel on public transport, is on anti depressants and has not worked or since April 2019, he has never claimed any benefits. What are the best steps moving forward? Are many successful getting their decision overturned? As you can imagine we are both very stressed and disappointed. Thanks

I was awarded PIP at tribunal on the 07/07/2026, but I haven’t heard from DWP or received any letters.

Anyone know how long it will take for them to process the back payment etc ?

Thanks

Had my assessment on the 13th. Today I had to call them to let them know I’m moving but they told me that the decision form has already been sent to my address. I’m worried by the fact that it’s been only about a week for them to send it, I’m worried it means it’s a flat out no. I’m actually going to be in a big financial mess if this is the case. Is it a bad sign that they have made the decision so quickly? I also asked them to send through a copy of the assessment report.

I keep hearing bad stories about pip outcomes but I need to keep reminding myself that people are more likely to talk about the bad outcomes than the good because they don’t need help with tribunal and stuff when it’s approved.

Hi,

on May 26th I had a PIP phone assessment for my PIP end of reward review. Prior to the review I was on standard daily living with 11 points.

My assessment was done by Capita and only took approximately 17 minutes, my first assessment took over an hour. During the assessment the health professional only focused on my anxiety and how it affects me going out and completely ignored/never asked anything about depression, daily living, eating, managing finances or any of the new stuff I brought up since my first assessment.

After the assessment not even an hour later I received a text saying that DWP has received a report from health professional which I found extremely odd.

June 5th - PIP review is complete and 0 points across the board. Was only sent the letter with a brief description of why I was given 0 points from decision maker but I don't think it's the PA4/PA3/assessment report.

June 17th - Phoned PIP, asked for MR. Whole process took approx 3 to 5 minutes which again, I found odd. I've read the MR wiki thread here and was under impression that I would get a chance to argue why I disagree with it and etc but the phone call was basically just ''Me: hello, I'd like to do a MR for my PIP review DWP: Are you sending any extra evidence? Me: Not at the moment DWP: OK I've started MR, have a good day''

Today - Phoned PIP, asked for copy of assessment report. I believe it will be 100% full of lies based on what's written by the decision maker.

I'm now afraid I did MR too soon and did it incorrectly. I have written out everything I disagree with decision maker about and plan to send that to PIP tomorrow. Would this be accepted as it's not a medical evidence but pretty much just my opinion on why I disagree.

Also if the assessment does turn out to be full of lies is my next step to complain to capita? What does that achieve? Do they have to redo my assessment and if so what happens to MR? Do I need to inform DWP that I complained to capita so they can hold off MR?

Hi all! My face to face assessment is on Tuesday. I am claiming for autism, cptsd, and debilitating depression & anxiety. I claimed before a few years ago and got zero points on everything after a phone appointment.

All I ever see in the news is "crackdowns on PIP for mental health" type stuff, and I'm just wondering if there's even any point in getting my hopes up. Is it still possible to be awarded PIP for mental illness in 2026?

Any advice anyone has or any reality checks would be greatly appreciated!!

I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced a wait this long.

I was already on LCW, but my health significantly worsened in June 2025, so I reported a change of circumstances and completed a UC50, which I handed in during July 2025.

My timeline so far is:

• June 2025 – Health deteriorated significantly and I reported a change of circumstances.
• July 2025 – Submitted my UC50.
• August 2025 – I was told Maximus had received my referral.

Since August 2025, every time I've phoned Maximus I've been given exactly the same response:

I've heard nothing different for nearly a year.

I even contacted my MP, who got in touch with the DWP on my behalf. The reply they received was essentially that I just have to continue waiting, which was really disheartening.

Has anyone else had an LCW to LCWRA reassessment take this long? If so:

• How long did you wait?
• Did you eventually get an assessment?
• Was there anything that helped move things along?

I'm in England, if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance.

I requested my assessment report on 7th July and still haven’t received it so I rang again yesterday and once again asked for it to be sent out.

I woke up this morning and got this text

We have not yet made a decision on your PIP claim. We will write to you when we have made a decision. You only need to contact us if your circumstances change.

How long after this text do you usually get a decision I heard it’s not long after as the case manager usually has your papers and evidence and is basically marking it when you get this text?

Anyone else got a timeline from this point?

Hi, I have around ~£7k in backpay and I was wondering when I would be most likely to receive this? I didn’t get a timeframe from PIP. Thank you!

Hello all, I need some help with what to do. Around 2 years ago I was diagnosed with Autism when I was around 15-16, Ive recently turned 18 and was made aware that around last year I would be/have been receiving PIP. What I didn’t know is that my Mum would be collecting it, I do not know how long she has been collecting it for but I do know she has it, and has told me she spends it. My Mum has said she uses it on bills, and food, and that because I am an adult now she has basically said it’s rent? I do not have a job, or any other income. Me and my Mum have a complicated relationship, she tells me to move out and live somewhere else and I tell her that maybe she should start giving me my PIP to which she tells me I am not responsible enough and, “would just spend it on clothes.” She also refuses to tell me how much she receives which just frustrates me further. As far as I know, I have never received any of this money and it is frustrating me that she has this over me. I am unsure what to do, and have contacted the helpline to which they did nothing. This situation makes me very upset and feel extremely trapped, I just want to be able to make my own choices and not have someone hold this over my head. What shall I do?

This sub has been so helpful the last few months and I told myself I would make a post if things went well today so here I am :)

Made my claim in March 2025, awarded 2 points. Submitted MR in June 2025 and received no changes at all. Decided to push through it this time after giving up in 2020 and 2017 so I asked Citizens Advice for help taking it to tribunal. They were really great but unfortunately weren't able to attend on the day. Fortunately, neither did a DWP representative.

Everyone in the room was really nice, especially the judge, and they only asked me a dozen questions or so. I thought I'd really messed up when I admitted to going to a music festival but I think it may actually have worked in my favour to show that I was being 100% honest and not sticking to some perfect script.

They asked me and my partner to step outside for a moment and I thought for sure it was going to be bad news but, when they invited us back in, I sat down and the judge immediately said "So... You won!". I started crying immediately 😅

**I got enhanced rate for daily living AND enhanced rate for mobility!**

I just really wanted to share as I spent so long lurking and looking for posts from people with the same conditions as me and trying to convince myself that I can have a success story too so I hope someone sees this who needs to believe it a little more too 😊

Forms for my daughter were scanned end of April. Still not heard anything, I called last week and they confirmed forms were on the system but couldn’t say anything else, anyone else still waiting from April?

So I finally received an extension when I checked online this morning and have only been given a year. Don’t get me wrong I am very grateful for a year, but now I am thinking whether it would have been better to have my review at the end of 2027 before the possible timms review, instead of this year extension possibly dragging me into the new rules once the outcome is finally laid bare.

My partner received a phone call Friday 17/07/26 to ask about the lump sum & bank details stuff like that and was told the decision would be made later that day we have been checking the gov.uk proof of benefits website everyday since however nothing has changed, is it safe to assume that PIP has not been awarded?

Hi all! I got my report through the post.

The report says 18 month review recommended,
But the award letter says 4 years.

Which one would it be, please?