PIPS tribunal

[MrBaz]

Hi, has anyone had experience of going to tribunal with their claim?... I've been refused twice despite providing hospital copies of admissions etc......

[Hidden]

Yes, its not nice, but then it wasn't as bad as the assessment I went through, my advice is get support and help from someone who knows how things work, in and outside of the court, PIP and assessors requirements etc.

There is a FB group called Benefit Advice Essentials, you may want to join for further information.

[MrBaz in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Bkin, I'll take a look, can't seem to get any help at the moment, my doc said he would, but can't get to see him until after my claim has to be in!.

[Hidden in reply to MrBaz]

Make contact with the FB group and they will guide you through and suggest what may be helpful. The process doesn't happen quickly so still get the help from your doctor.

[MrBaz in reply to Hidden]

Just sent my Fb request!...

[stamford1234 in reply to Hidden]

I hope Mr Baz picks up on this. sorry I sent a message meant for a member who had lost her cat, in error. Good luck with you assessment in the future, sorry again x

[cofdrop-UK]

Try and get some help and advice from a benefits expert eg Welfare Rights, DIAL, CAB. They will take much of the pressure from you.

Good luck.

Cx

[MrBaz in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Thanks cofdrop!

[Bella395]

MrBaz - your hospital admissions information is useful. However, what they want to know is how your illness affects your day to day existence. You need to think back to those admissions and write down how you were before them. Every small detail eg being too breathless to make a cup of tea or get dressed should be recorded.

Think of all those things that other people do for you because you are unable to do them yourself. Consider the side effects of your medication. It is not a bad idea to keep a detailed diary for a week or so. This will help to give a snapshot of your life and needs. You can’t give too much information - write it down on a supplementary sheet of paper.

[MrBaz in reply to Bella395]

Thank you Bella!

[Ern007]

I think the best way to deal with this is to realize PIP is awarded for how your disability affects your daily life. Not how many tablets you take, or hospital admissions ect. For example can you cook a meal for one and can you prepare food? Maybe you have help with cooking food or use a microwave for example.. Why you need help cooking a preparing a meal for one and how long it takes.... If you have help then all you need is why you need help.

Getting dressed or undressed do you need help and how long does it take if you have no help, how many times a day and how many days a week do you need help may be asked.

The same with toilet needs. Help getting of the toiled be it grab rails or leaning on wall or help from another person..

Help with bathing.. Why do you need help and what kind of help, from full hep in shower and hair being washed,,..

For all four examples above you will also need to say how you medication affects you, for example opiate painkillers can cause dizziness - The main point is it not what you have, it how what you have effects you and how your medication affects you. This can be for being an Asthma or COPD/Heart sufferer to Arthritis of both.. This does not cover help with getting around, this is just for standard rate PIP. Hope this helps and good luck. If you do use an adviser you need to explain the above to him, if you are to get proper advice or be represented,

[ScouseTaffy]

If you look at the 'scores' that can be awarded you can perhaps see the info wasn't provided or maybe not used by assessor. My aunt went to tribunal and decision was reversed. Her assessor noted she could drink a cup of tea and take papers out of her handbag. On the form auntie had put she has thumb spicas and wears those stretchy glove things. The assessor had not taken this into account. Auntie can't cook uses special soft grip cutlery and lots of gadgets: this too had been overlooked.2 points in an assessment makes a big difference.

As those who've responded say it is how you are affected by your condition. You can be in hospital a year and it doesn't matter.

The diary is an excellent tool.

Be truthful about how your mood is affected (if it is) people tend to gloss over this but it can be a major part of how you are affected. Not getting washed and dressed could be due to breathlessness but also lack of motivation and interest in life?

On the day go in knowing we are all rooting for you. Auntie said the panel were more understanding than the assessor.

[sibkev]

try these cost me £20 but you can get a lot if info without paying

benefitsandwork.