Hi all. I had my telephone assessment on Tuesday. Awaiting official decision but in meantime I requested copy of the assessors report. I am completely shocked and distressed by the content! He has missed our vital information that I gave him. Dismissed fatigue because I wasn’t out of breath on the phone call! He kept interrupting me and didn’t allow me to fully answer some questions. Dismissed fact that I need to use pull box and phone reminders for medication! Said I showed no signs of mental health issues despite me being distressed and in tears in some of the questions. And knowing that I am currently on waiting list for counselling! Told him I can’t use public transport because of anxiety and risk of infection and he put on the assessment that I can use public transport….there are other sections that is misinformation too! I’m so stressed and upset and angry that the assessor has not been accurate in his information so will definitely be refused PIP…..what can I do? 😢. Am going through enough anxiety and uncertainty as it is without all this to add to it 😢. I’ve really had enough
PIP assessment….distressed! - Lung Conditions C...
PIP assessment….distressed!
That is disgraceful wait and see what the result is officially, if you not happy, write a complaint.
Get your professional health care staff to state clearly your needs in clear and certain terms.
Best wishes BERNARDINE
Thank you. Just feel so deflated after spending an exhausting and emotionally draining hour and 20 mins going through everything only to have everything dismissed. It’s soul destroying. I was in tears a lot of the time having to go over everything but apparently there’s nothing wrong with my mental health state of mind either 🥲….i also suffer from anxiety and depression. He even asked me if I’d spoken with GP about dark thoughts, told him I’m on waiting list for counselling and he then put in report no mental health issues! It’s unbelievable and totally untrue!
Ok the main thing is to fight and demand that u b really listened to. Be strong, which I’m sure u are and were when looking for the best outcome for your family.
No tears, bolster yourself up, don’t let this beat u, try not to let your personal feelings cloud your actions.
Picture how u would approach this if u were talking for a stranger who asked u to help.
U see the key here is u would NOT be emotionally involved, u would want a good result.
This is what many people do when dealing with personal issues.
Best wishes and I know it’s hard, but very possible.
Y know your needs, go for it, don’t give anyone else power over you.
BERNARDINE
My autistic (but highly intelligent) daughter was given a similarly inaccurate assessment when she first applied for PIP. The assessor grossly underestimated the impact of her condition on some aspects of her life and wrote down answers which were not what she actually said. We ( I helped her fill in the form) were so discouraged we did not feel like appealing for several months. Luckily daughter had by then made contact with a local mental health group and a lady from Mencap helped her write an appeal. She got her PIP and it was backdated to her first application, which gave her £1000+ to play with.
It helps no end to have a 'professional' help you fill in the forms. If I were you I would go to the Cits Advice Bureau, unless you know of some other body in your area who could help you. Please don't despair. There used to be a nasty rumour that the assessors were instructed to turn down a certain number of applications to keep costs down, but I thought that was supposed to be in the past. Evidently not. You have more than adequate grounds to appeal, and to put in a formal complaint, if you had the energy.. ( H ow many vulnerable people have the energy?) It's a crying shame that you have been put through this nasty experience. I hope you can pick yourself up and appeal soon. Good luck and best wishes, Chris xxx
Hi Alberta56. Thank you so much for your advice, support and kind words. I am so pleased that your daughter is now receiving the financial support that she deserves, my son is autistic too so I totally understand the everyday challenges. I hope she is doing ok. I have been awake all night crying because of this experience which is unlike me. This has totally floored me. I’m still trying to come to terms with my diagnosis and the assessment report has just floored me. It feels like I haven’t been believed at all, I’m really struggling with my mental health right now as well as my physical health and I feel desperate and I just don’t know where to turn to.
Grrrrr!! to that horrible insensitive man., the lying b*****d. I hope you soon start to feel better xxx
Thank you Alberta56. I’ve told many people about the assessment and shown them what the actual report, they couldn’t believe it either and were very angry too. People who know me know how I struggle each day. Just waiting on the decision letter then will act upon it xx
I "heard" don't know if it's true , the assessors receive a bonus for not passing all applicants 😠With this condition we face inequality because it's invisible .
We need to fight harder to be understood , which is disgusting !
Good luck 💪
I've heard that too. They certainly are not medically trained and some of them seem to take the job out of sheer malevolence.
I'm sure they deliberately make things difficult to put you off appealing. Even if you fill the form a bit at a time rather all on the one day, is overwhelming.
I asked my respiratory nurse if she could write a note explaining a little about my Bronchiectasis ( which I've had since I was a baby) but she told me we're not allowed to do that anymore 🤷🏼♀️.
It took me a week to fill the form in myself but was awarded the benefit indefinitely.
I think because the condition is "invisible " it makes it difficult to be believed sadly.
Good luck !
Shocked as you are. This is medical negligence no other word for it. I have complaints myself. Blessings and love xxx
You can ask for a review when you get your letter. Have you got either citizen advice, age uk if 50yrs old or if your council has anyone who can help with bene fits or ask if there's an advocacy alliance in your all these will help with either your review or appeal and will go with you if neededI had a neighbour who asked for a review . She did get it but not at the rate she used to get on dls
She has got Ms.
My nieghbour had to appeal and she got pips re instated.
Hope this helps and goog luck.
I'm waiting to hear about my.pips review to see ifi still get it.
Cab helped me to fill in the forms and when I went on to pipa it was during covid & they had to do an assessment over the phone luckily I had some one who understood asthma
Hi Pipswhips, thank you for your advice, really appreciated, I will try all of these. I have been awake all night crying with stress and anxiety. Unable to sleep because of the stress of it all. Just can’t believe that the report doesn’t reflect what was said in the actual assessment. It’s hard enough coming to terms with illnesses but to then be portrayed that you’re perfectly ok when you’re not is, I just can’t put into words, I feel completely floored by all this, and so depressed 😔
my daughter appealed and got her pip reinstated also got a cheque for the past months that they had stopped it .
That's awful but sadly not unusual. My first assessment was clearly wrong on several points like yours. My assessor didn't listen and also clearly didn't read my detailed written application (which took so long to do as I have a very complicated diagnosis)!As others have said, if you can get help from the CAB, do. If not hold onto the fact that you are definitely not alone in this experience and try and detach yourself from the emotional hurt and rejection you feel at the injustice of not being heard and understood. (,I know that's hard).
When you are in the best frame of mind possible and when you are not rushed for time you need to state clearly each misunderstanding or point that wasn't listened to and ask for it to be reassessed.
I did this and although it was emotionally demanding (and although on the revised assessment they still got a number of points completely wrong!) I was awarded the full PIP after the second look without having to go to appeal. I think because the second person to look at it could see it had clearly been assessed wrongly.
Do try not to take it personally. Seems to me most of them don't know what they're doing, are badly trained or under so much time pressure to tick/cross boxes they get it wrong.
Totally feel for you. I spent weeks writing my application and was traumatised by my phone interview and the assessment when it came through.
Do get help if you can and I hope that your next contact with them is successful. When you do get PIP it will be back dated to when you first applied. xx
Hi DizzyLiz57. Thank you for your kind words and advice. After a very sleepless night, lots of crying and reading everyone’s comments on here I am spending today picking myself up, and making notes as they come into my head to prepare for the rejection letter and appeal. I can’t get over some of the fact, for instance I said I can’t use public transport because of my anxiety and risk of infection…,he translated that on the report as me being able to use transport! I told him I work from home some days and can work from home more days if I need to, because of fatigue etc, this wasn’t even mentioned on the report! I explained I can’t engage with other people and gave my reasons why, and on the report it he has ticked it as I can engage with others with no prompting or support. Apparently no signs of mental health issues despite fact that I was in tears for some of the assessment. Oh and get this, apparently there were no breathing issues throughout the assessment, despite me coughing and clearing throat! I am definitely taking your advice on board and making notes etc and preparing in advance. Thank you so much 🙏. I will speak to CAB etc too. Thank you again for all your advice and support. Hope you are ok xx
Good for you - well done! 😊
Just to say, if you are in time just to ask for a review it's quicker and less painful than having to go to appeal.
Each point you made that they ignored reiterate and remember to talk mainly about your worst days. You are obviously pushing yourself to do as much as you can when you can but they need to hear only what you can't do or need assistance with.
Xx
Excellent advice. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 xxx
Thank you for the great advice!
oh dear i feel so cross for you on your behalf. I wonder who are these people that do the assessments over the phone and then record the wrong information. Is it a doctor or nurse or someone with no medical training? When you are feeling a little stronger and after a better nights sleep, it sounds like help from Citizens advice bureau would help, some people reporting good results. You do not want to be hoodwinked into not getting what you need. So all the best Sally x
I don’t qualify for PIP as I’m already get my pension but I understand that your treatment by the assessor is normal. Things not reported as you expected etc. The results normally change on appeal which they expect you to do. Have a chat with CAB and get them to help you prepare your case, don’t give up.
Being as you get your pension. You can Apply for Attendance Allowance instead of pip. Brian
Thanks Brian, I do get attendance allowance but it’s not the same as a free car
You don't get a free car on pip!
Depends on how you use your motorbility allowance, I have just spent nearly four figures on tax, service, mot and insurance my friends with motorbility cars don’t have to pay any of these
I see, they spend their pip on their cars, they don't get a free car. I still have to pay for everything except tax.
If you have a motorbility allowance portion of PIP you can exchange it for a car under the motorbility scheme this includes tax, insurance and all services/repairs. You can add some of you own money if you want a car other than the basic offerings at your local motorbility dealer
They’ll be paying an average of £75-100 out of their allowance towards the cost and maintenance of the car. It being “free” is a myth. Also any adaptations eg for a scooter or wheelchair have to be paid for upfront
Hi there you should apply for Pension Credit as it is for people of pension age with disabilities instead of PIP. I have heard that it is severely under applied for! Probably becausebits severely under advertised!!😆
I have a small private pension, which means I don’t qualify
I didn't think PIP was means tested though?
PIP and attendance allowance are not means tested but pension credit is, you can’t claim PIP if you are already getting state pension
It's attendance allowance. Pension credit is not disabilities.
This comes as no surprise to me, sadly.
Check out the Benefits and Work forum at benefitsandwork.co.uk . There is a lot of useful information there, and they do regular reviews of the performance of the DWP in the percentage of awards for different benefits.
Hi Topgunele, I spent years of these type of interveiws & form filling only to find my facts were totally different with other departments. I found the Physio department to be the best in assessing your abilities or none abilities. I am over 75 now and the medical facts from different doctors deviate sometimes due to different peoples perception & wording . But nothing changes, a freind of mine just recently lost part of her PIP because the officer concerned said she could drive. However she refused to challenge it. Please if yours is refused appeal without appeals the assessing officers will never change and you don't get the benefits which are your right. I won my original case on a point of law years ago , but you cannot contest it until you get the decision. So try to get all the facts and underline any the officer concerned got wrong now incase you do have to go to appeal. This may not help you as you are at present upset , but do you have a mental health history? Depression & stress are seen as treatable these days. You are suffering from emotional stress though and no one can get PIP sheerly on mental health issues The officer assessing has to take into account all health issues that might together impact on your working capability. If you have been ill in the past this can still be taken into account when assessing disability, if its an illness that might return. One of my forms suggested I was not in when the officer called rubbish my son was there too on leave from the Army. I truelly feel for you , you can work and get these benefits they are not for those who cannot work at all. So sit down have a cuppa of your favourite brew and wait for result first, we are here if you want a rant to let your feelings out. You can always message me if you need any more complex tips on the regulations. But you will need help if you appeal I think.
Thank you katie, really appreciate your kind words , support and advice. My report says because I can drive to work then I’m capable of doing everything else. I work from home 2-3 days of the week…..but guess what…,the assessor failed to put this in the report, he also got my working hours incorrect. There are a lot of things that were discussed that have been left out of the report, and some things that are in the report are untrue! So you can imagine how stressed I am. I have COPD, Crohn’s disease, generalised anxiety disorder…..I was in tears for a lot of the assessment due to it being so stressful and some of the questions causing me high anxiety, but assessor said no mental health issues! My COPD was causing me to cough and clear throat and breathlessness throughout the assessment but report says no breathing issues! How can all this be allowed?
Hi again Topgunele, the way they treat your ability to drive is incorrect the effort to do that is less than the physical demand of work in my opinion, a tip the fact that you work from home a few days being left off your report could be to your favour as if it were in your report it would jepodise your claim on the grounds you don't need help to get to work hope you get the idea. Do you have any breathing reports from the hospital ? regards COPD, as you will need this type of thing if you need to go to appeal. you can ask for a review of this report before going to appeal whch is paramount to second opinion of another DWP officer. Always remember the assessors are assessing ability to work when assessing your right to PIP , as this is a benefit to help pay for the extra costs to go to work for a disabled person & meet disability extra costs of living not incurred by ablebodied. The wording in the benefits manual says would it be reasonable to expect a person with these illness to carry out these duties . They are assessing your right to PIP not sickness benefit . PIP stands for Personel independence Payment ie help to maintain your independence or perform the duties of a job. I honestly think you need to speak to a disability rights officer maybe from one of the charities , try Disabilities rights UK which can be found on line. Does your Gp medically recognise you as having an anxiety nuerosis? if so they have a right to in put on the claim before a decision is made I beleive. That's another bundle to think about while waiting for decision. I would definately go for a reiview by the department if you are refused the benefit. It does happen but whether its allowed or not I am not sure. Remember try to keep calm and try to get any info you can about appealing while you are waiting, as you have to appeal quickly or loose your right. once again best wishes & good luck. If you do get it first time you will be saying why did I do all this fretting.
Hi again Katie, thank you again for your great advice. Thinking back I feel I panicked on the assessment. I was so anxious and my mind went blank, I just found the assessment overwhelming and felt backed into a corner. I got interrupted by the assessor on numerous occasions and was made to relive traumatic events which was really upsetting and which really threw me. I really wasn’t feeling too well on the day either, I know I was coughing loads. I had spoken to GP day before and given another rescue pack in case I had to use my rescue pack I had at home. I had got myself really worked up about the assessment, had had our beloved pet hamster put to sleep the night before, wasn’t feeling great and was so anxious about the assessment on the day and upcoming respiratory clinic I had same week to get test results . So I really wasn’t in the right mindset for the assessment so really I feel I am to blame if I get rejected xx
You should not get rejected because your reactions only proved your anxiety status , I recall the last time I was assessed , The Dr from the disability centre in Nottingham examined me and wrote every thing down on an A 4 sheet , then turned to me and said you are getting it already arn't you (smiles) what a waste of his time and mine plus the cost to come out. I had also done a week at the local assessment unit across the road for Remploy to assess my working capability. . Case of one department not knowing what the others doing. Best wishes, you sound calmer now xx
Thank you 🙏. I realised that the worrying was making my anxiety worse, and worsening my breathing etc so I’ve done everything I can to try keep occupied to calm myself for now, not been easy. Everyone has been amazing on here. I’m so grateful to be part of this community and have this safe space to turn to. It doesn’t make sense that you had to be assessed when already receiving PIP. I guess that proves what the system is like. I really appreciate you keep coming back to me with advice and support, thank you. I hope you are doing ok xx
It often helps to calm you by talking to someone else, I don't get PIP its DLA but the rules and regulations are the same for both and have only changed a little in respect of the walking regulations for mobility and care components. Its not the rules that exempt people its those who interpretate them on paper. One word in a sentence can change the whole meaning. These benefits are not to prove if you can work or not they are to prove your disability impairs your daily ability to perform activities not just a case of can you walk or not or do you need care , keep that in mind all the time. I used to be on the British Lung Foundation forum until Health unlocked took over. I am also a member of Arthritis Action used to be a volunteer for them but my current health status as reduced my activity in more than one area . I manage daliy life but getting out of the home is a nightmare unless my family can take me by car which is not often. My thoughts are with you and even when you get to older age these assessments continue if you want to keep your benefit rights.
hi have you thought to contact senior citizens about pip they will take a lot of stress off you by virtually doing the form with you ...just an idea ....take care and best wishes
Thank you I will try this
Hi Im in Scotland so it’s Adult Disability payment here not pip. After doing my form with help from my partner and a friend I was knocked back. I happened to mention to my physio and she and a benefits officer from my local council put in the appeal for me. I was given a full award backdated to the date of my first application.
If there is a medical person or a person from a charity or your council who can help with appealing I totally recommend taking their help.
Fingers crossed that they give you an award based on your form not the interview notes
Good luck
Emily
Very distressing for you and so unfair. Unfortunately many, many people get refused, but on appeal (not sure of the exact numbers) something like 70% are successful. Grrrr why do they put people through such stress and anxiety when they are already unwell?
Appeal and go to Citizen's Advice for help. Good luck xx
Hello, you do have certain rights. If they turn you down then you can ask for a ‘mandatory reconsideration’. If this fails then you can appeal and take it to the tribunal stage. If you have Citizens Advice Bureau in your area then approach them (or any other local service you may have) for advice and support with this. Keep your chin up and good luck!
Thank you so much. I am trying to pick myself up from all of this. I am still trying to come to terms with accepting that I have COPD, and having medication constantly changed and so many appointments. Having the assessment and seeing the report has triggered my anxiety really badly, so GP now wants me to go on medication for it while waiting for counselling. It’s just made everything worse, but I am going to try and fight back, thank you
I'm so sorry this has happened to you😪 It's so hard when simply being ill drains all our energy. I once had a face to face assessment for Employment and support allowance. The assessor, like yours, was incompetent. However, she stated on the letter that I had normal hip rotation ,and here's where I proved she hadn't carried out the full assessment- I have hypermobility!!! 🤣 The allowance was awarded on appeal. I have just completed my renewal form for pip so fingers crossed. I hope you get some support to appeal should pip not be awarded.
Thank you Karen. It really is exhausting isn’t it. I really struggle with fatigue, every day. When I get home from work I am wiped out, I have to work to live. I can’t take time off sick because I won’t get paid. I ended up in hospital this year with COPD exacerbations because I wouldn’t take time off work. This has made my anxiety worse and I feel like my body is fighting both mentally and physically every day just to get through the day. Life is exhausting. I know I have to try fight this and I will try. I can’t believe the incompetence of your assessor….well actually I can 🤣. I hope your hypermobility isn’t causing you too many issues, you must be careful. Good that you fought it and won. Many years ago my husband had a nasty accident, fell off a roof, almost lost his leg. He went for PIP assessment with metal cage etc on his leg (very traumatic and horrific)….,,he could not weight bear. First they asked him which leg it was, then they asked him how far he could walk unaided 🤦🏼♀️🤬. …….they are disgraceful
I have just been through the pip process so I know how you are feeling. I was so disappointed after spending so much time on the phone and only half of the conversation was heard by them.dont give up,you need to appeal the decision. I did and was successful.
Ugh what a horrible experience. I didn’t mention it before as I didn’t want to worry you, but I was refused at first & also turned down on mandatory reconsideration. I was totally demoralised, but my family urged me to appeal and I went before a tribunal of 3 people, a judge, a doctor, and a DWP person (it’s not so daunting now.) I was terribly nervous as you can imagine but they were very understanding and I was awarded pip at the enhanced rate for both mobility and care, backdated! So pick yourself up and find someone to help you start the process.
Since then the asthma side of things has improved on biologics, so I now get the lower rate for mobility & higher for personal care, which I think is fair.
It’s obvious the assessor is an ignorant idiot because being able to breathe whilst on the phone is no indication where some lung conditions are concerned! Tbh I think you’ll be better with a face to face interview, but be sure to take someone with you for support, preferably who can back up what you’re telling them.
Thank you Jane, for your advice and honesty. I was so anxious and upset on the assessment phone call and coughing loads as I was having a particularly bad day……apparently I have no mental health issues or breathing issues though. I’m trying to get past it but it’s been keeping me awake every night, and it’s all I can think about at the moment which isn’t healthy. Everyone on here has been amazingly supportive and given great advice. I wish I could give everyone a big thank you hug, this forum has been my lifeline. I am still trying to come to terms with being diagnosed with lung disease, 😢 I do my best to keep my Crohn’s under control by eating healthily and trying to keep my stress levels under control…..I try to cope with my anxiety and depression every day by taking one day at a time….,but this has had a real negative effect on me. I don’t know what I’d do without this forum, with a you wonderful people in here, you are the only people I can speak to for advice and support. It means so much, thank you, and thank you all 🙏
Topgunele, if you want to include any mental health issues in your application, you must take someone with you even if you have a counsello’s report. If you go alone they turn you down saying you can cope. Some even make it more difficult on purpose. I took my vicar with me on the last appeal.
You say you have COPD. This is normally diagnosed by lung function tests, xrays or CT scans.
I don’t have COPD but had all the tests as a severe asthmatic. You should have access to those results to put in with your appeal. Bella
I am so sorry to hear what you went through. There is no excuse for him to be treating you like thatIt sounds like your assessor was using bullying techniques. Which, of course are not allowed. So if they don't accept you for PIP, you should be able to ask them to look at your claim again as you were unfairly treated by the assessor,
I had noticed that in a follow up telephone appointment I got from the DWP as part of being assessed for my Employment Support benefit, a doctor called me to ask extra questions about my mobility, I had kept saying about my severe depression and anxiety, but she kept brushing it off and only wanted my mobility information.
It seems weird for me to say this, but, she seemed nice, but really uncomfortable to be dismissing mental health info that also impacted my mobility! I mean our mental health can have an effect on mobility too!
We are whole people after all, and not just legs. My depression and anxiety make me not want to leave my house!
I had read in the Canary Online News media, that the Conservative government had decided that mental illnesses were Not real any more, from about April this year.
That was what they implied anyway, in their party conference and that people complaining of depression were just a little sad and didn't like handling day to day normal life stresses..... that still makes me angry and really nauseated.
They are no longer in power, but I don't know if Labour have changed any of the DWP policies yet!
I think they will change it, as they seem to realise that vulnerable people who are disabled, mentally and physically, actually exist and need help! As do Poor people of course!
Whereas the other party who had been in a much richer category their whole lives really didn't know what having mental and and other invisible disabilities were!
I decided from about March this year, that I would take my housebound time to watch YouTube. I liked it in small bites. So, in between watching talking cat 🙀 and dog 🐶 videos I watched bites of Complex PTSD or Childhood PTSD videos, I have a lot of those. I used it with telephone grief counselling with Cruise. Their waiting lists are not quite as long. I had felt like i was drownjng in grief, from my mum dying 3 years ago. The combination really helped me.
I also watched some people who talked about how to apply for ESA and PIP. One lady really knew everything about applying and all about our rights and the DWPs rules and regulations. It made me feel that I had a little more control over my situation. I felt her videos were a little too long for me to watch all at once so I would watch what I could and then come back to it later.
It's worth checking if, when feel up to it? The fear of losing our benefits is terrifying and the stress from that makes our conditions worse. You can also receive emails from assessment support groups when you give them your email address
Try not to worry till you hear from the DWP. Then you can decide what to do next. Drop your shoulders and have a cup of tea. You are legitimately eligible to receive PIP.
Take care of yourself,🤗🤗💗
Well said. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Very well said in fact. 😡😠👿👿 xxx
You have been treated appalling, if you are pension age get intouch with age concern could be named aged uk now they were marvellous with me when I couldn't get it came to house filled in forms for me put in a appeal, I now get disability living allowce
Thank you Alice, I will try them. It’s disgraceful how people with disabilities are being treated. The assessment and seeing the report has made my mental health deteriorate. The stress has also made my COPD symptoms worse. had to contact my GP on Friday because of this. I am still trying to come to terms the fact that I have COPD and feel I have been treated like I’m making things up! Shouldn’t be like this. We don’t choose to have disabilities, we don’t choose to be ill
You have been treated appalling, if you are pension age get intouch with age concern could be named aged uk now they were marvellous with me when I couldn't get it came to house filled in forms for me put in a appeal, I now get disability living allowce
I have noticed a couple of people mentioning that the reforms the Conservatives wanted to bring in probably won’t happen now we have a new government. I am rarely political on these posts because I don’t think we should be. BUT disability charities have expressed concern that Labour have been extremely quiet about any reforms. And were quiet during electioneering. To be honest I think disability benefits are still under risk - especially when most elderly people will now not be eligible for heating allowance!
I have previously been successful re PIP applications but have been waiting since February in relation to my review. Phoned them the other day and is highly likely (but not definite) my award will be extended for another year, because my review hasn’t even been looked at yet!!!
Yes, they are very behind and reviews are being delayed especially if you have been on it a while.
My experience of PIP assessors has been variable. Apparently the current government have asked for a review of universal benefits before looking at bringing any changes, although they have made noises about getting people back to work. Which if they put in place good support and there are jobs with flexibility is good. I kept working for quite a few years but was only able to do so because I worked part-time and had flexible hours.
I also worked for a good number of years with PIP (& previous DLA) support . The money meant I could work part time and still pay my bills.
I have no issues with government seeking more people who have disabilities to be in work. HOWEVER the infrastructure needs to be there and currently isn’t. For example Access to Work is a great scheme but horribly oversubscribed so people are waiting ages for support. Many jobs would rescind job offers if person couldn’t start work when job wanted.
In my experience, the PIP assessors are monsters of inhumanity. I was roundly insulted at my first assessment in Canterbury (Kent, UK) and my PIP was refused in spite of the fact I was on DLA and quite severely disabled by COPD. With the helpful advice of a CPN (Community psychiatric nurse) I challenged the assessment which was promptly reversed, as is usually the case I gather. I am now in palliative care but just last week I heard that I need to check my PIP status to make sure it is not arbitrarily changed! Even with NHS help, all this is endlessly exhausting and frankly insulting.
There’s a web site called benefit and works they have a yearly subscription of £19.95 but they will give you everything you need to know and how to fill in claim form or appeal forms.they go through every detail in every question on the claim form.This website has professional help for all types of claims.well worth a go,otherwise try the CAB for help.don’t give up these allowances are life changing.remember if at first you don’t succeed TRY TRY again.good luck and stay strong.
Thank you Peter. I am already a member of the benefits and work website so I will take a look on there
You can ask for a mandatory review in writing once you have a decision.
You can ask for mandatory reconsideration if any of the following apply:
- you think the office dealing with your claim has made an error or missed important evidence
- you disagree with the reasons for the decision
- you want to have the decision looked at again
You will need to write down what you disagree with about the Assessor's report and why you think you meet the requirements (criteria). Take your time to explain how your illness affects you and give examples from day to day life. When I had a review of PIP I sent in a brief (one page) outline of a day in my life showing how it affected me e.g. It takes me time to get going in the morning. I need a rest in the afternoon. If I go out for a short walk one day then I can't do that again for several days. What would take a well person half an hour takes me an hour or more. I need to rest after washing or having a bath before attempting to get dressed. You can explain what circumstances cause you to be breathless and how often it happens. It will be looked at by a different person and they will respond within a month. Many people find this happens and they get the benefit on reconsideration. It is distressing when this happens, no doubt about. I found applying for PIP stressful. I used the Benefit and Works website, but you have to pay a small amount to join. The main thing is to know you are entitled to is, but some assessors seem to think it is there job to be judgemental not assess - urgghh.
There are time limits. If they do not award you PIP after that you can appeal, but I am sure you can get them to reconsider.
Hi, hope you’re ok. The problem seems to be that there’s a two tier assessment system. My claim took about seven months to be approved, although in fairness, i did get money backdated, under a conservative government 😂
I was lucky enough to speak to a really nice assessor, who seemed to be actually on my side, i couldn’t fault her attitude at all, and the ‘marks’ i was given, were completely fair.
I get that many people have an horrendous experience, dealing with horrible assessors, but my advice is to be honest, supply as much supporting medical paperwork as possible and stick at it!
All in all, apart from the ridiculous amount of time it took, my experience with PIP has been quite positive.
As others have said, before going through the stress of appeal, go for the mandatory reconsideration. Just say you are asking for the reconsideration because the assessor did not take into consideration............and list everything he did not take into consideration despite you mentioning . I did this for my brother and because we hadn't received the verdict in time to do the reconsideration according to their time frame, I rang and asked for more time, which a very understanding person said not to worry, go ahead anyway . Good luck, don't give up x
When you do receive your reply you are very likely to be refused I'm almost convinced everyone gets refused ... ring and ask the reasons why .. and ask for a mandatory review ... .. at the time I applied I was refused and was very disappointed ... I was told to do that and was awarded PIP BUT yes definitely write and complain... that person doesn't seem fit to work with vulnerable people
I’m so sorry you had to experience this especially with your own issues both physically and mentally. I think there is a body where you can complain but no idea of where
This is terrible, so sorry to hear you had to go through this. You must pursue and write an official complaint asking to be assessed by someone else. Are you able to ask a family member or friend sit with you whilst being assessed? I really hope you manage to sort it out, the process is very stressful having to prove that one is so unwell and how it impacts so many other strands of one's life!!! 🌺
I pretty sure you will have right of appeal should your application be refused. You should be made aware of how to appeal decision (if it’s unfavourable) I think there is a time frame to appeal. Keep all your evidence together in readyness, should you need it. Maybe ask your GP for another supporting letter of your health issues and any other evidence that has become available to you since your phone assessment
Hi, as a Case Worker for a charity I hear this a lot! Sadly, this is usual practice. I hope you get it approved but if not then please appeal. But next time get a support worker to help and support you with it. There will be a charity local to you, either google or look on notice boards in your gp surgery.
Plus if appeal is declined then go to tribunal stage, again with support.
Topgunele
Do you have paperwork confirming diagnosis and treatment?
Get it and stick it under their noses.
I personally am a pain in their rear, I copy and send every little bit of medical notes to them
THEY DON'T LIKE IT UP EM. Asone of Captain Mannerings soldiers say.
Sorry I was taken to hospital for a holiday.
That's the way to do it, they pee you off and you reply in kind 😏
You know, the addiage of do unto others as others do unto you!!!
Don't they realise we would love to be able to hold down a job , they don't have a clue until they experience an issue themselves
Wait and see - if you are turned down. the next step is simple. Ask for your claim to be seen again.
You may well be worrying about nothing - In case you are turned down make note of what is correct and what is missing.
If after you ask for it to be looked at again, and it's turned down - no worries APPEAL and most appeals have success. Also even if you have to appeal, you will get back pay if you win. from the date you submitted your claim.
I got refused so I’ve handed my case to a 3rd party company to try mandatory consideration as I have found the whole process too distressing and was making my conditions worse. I will let you know outcome, know these things take time x
I'm waiting for a face to face appointment, they said a health professional is looking over my claim and will contact me if they need to so I'm stressing about it x
They're not very efficient there are they in how they handle themselves?
Good luck x
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