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personal independence payments

Arsenal1970 profile image
47 Replies

hello I’m new to this forum..But has anyone else claimed for PIP and been knocked back.as I have severe cardiomyopathy and thy don’t want to know ???

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Arsenal1970 profile image
Arsenal1970
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47 Replies
Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725

Hi and welcome to the forum.I have congenital heart disease which is quite complex but I was rejected twice. Did they say why they wouldn't accept your claim for pip? Did you score any points or not enough to qualify?? They award it based on how it affects you day to day life, I only know this because I tried and all 3 of my brothers are on pip but for different reasons. I hope your appeal is more successful. X

Arsenal1970 profile image
Arsenal1970 in reply toYumz199725

Thanks for your response didn’t have enough points but I’m still applying for my blue badge as I could really do with that hopefully be successful

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725 in reply toArsenal1970

Yeah hope your successful for that. Whats a blue badge and how do I apply and who is eligible?? X

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply toYumz199725

The. Blue Badge allows you to park in Disabled Bays and some other areas of it is safe to do so. We have a few around here who park very inconsiderately and are referred to as Disabled Brain parkers! You can apply on line but will need supporting documentation. I had to get a letter from thehospital to say they had chopped off my leg!!!

Thanksnhs profile image
Thanksnhs in reply toYumz199725

Hi a blue badge entitles you to use disabled parking spaces and council car parks free of charge you can also park on yellow lines without a fine. The local councils usually deal with the application for one ( I am in Scotland so not sure if England is the same) if you get pip it's automatically given as well. Char

in reply toThanksnhs

Hi, If only we had it so good in England 😂

Newcastle Council charge for disabled spaces in their car parks. Although they are generous enough to give an hours grace before issuing a penalty notice. (Similarly, I was in a York Council car park a few months ago and that was the same). Also three hours max on yellow lines and avoid streets with yellow kerb line markings, otherwise an automatic penalty notice will be forthcoming.

PIP will get us so far, but, is dependant on points scored in the Mobility 'Moving Around' section. Whilst I have a Blue Badge and PIP (Standard rate), when my badge goes out of date in 10months, PIP won't automatically entitle the badges renewal in my case.

I suppose the moral of the story is to know the rules where you park, and don't just assume parking is free in England.

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star in reply to

In London I can park for free in any council car park, or on yellow lines for 3 hours.

Thanksnhs profile image
Thanksnhs in reply to

Hi I didn't realise that the parking rules were so different in England we can park most places free for as long as we need to it must be so frustrating having to move the car, I am on standard pip mobility at the moment and when my badge needs to be renewed I have been getting an e.mail from the dept. of transport with a form to fill in and once they have a copy of the DWP entitlement letter they approve it. I hope you get yours renewed ok. Char

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply toThanksnhs

YOu need toget higher rate mobility to get a blue badge inless you can persuade yoru council you need it. ALso parking is now not always free. Our hospital started charging for disabled spaces but there was uproar and it's now been stopped

Thanksnhs profile image
Thanksnhs in reply toQualipop

It's shocking free disabled parking is a must no matter what country you live in. I got an email from the department of transport before my badge expired and they approved it before it went to my council. I am on standard rate for mobility. I attached a copy of my entitlement letter for them. Char

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply toThanksnhs

That was really helpful

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

You need to appeal but speak to the CAB first as it needs to be tackled in the same way as applying for a national lottery grant! A few years ago I was moved on to JSA from ESA when ATOS (what a load of scumbags) overruled my GP and consultant about fitness to work. Good luck!

Arsenal1970 profile image
Arsenal1970 in reply toMichaelJH

Thankyou much appreciated

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star

Hello,

I am sorry your application for a Personal Independence Payment was unsuccessful.

Have you asked for a Mandatory reconsideration ?

Then the next step is then to appeal.

About 60-70% of applicants are awarded a PIP on appeal.

Applying successfully for my PIP was one of the most difficult and stressful things I have had to go through.

The whole process is awful.

I had an angina attack during my first interview and it had to be stopped.

I was admitted to hospital soon afterwards.

Did you get help to complete the form?

There is a definite art and skill to getting the wording correct in your replies.

I used this organisation to help me.

benefitsandwork.co.uk/perso...

Alternatively I suggest you contact Citizens Advice.

I was awarded enhanced for both sections indefinitely when my PIP was reviewed a couple of years ago.

I sent in copies of relevant clinic letters, discharge summaries, test results, prescription details and a copy of my careplan.

I drowned them in paper work.

Good luck! I hope you have a successful outcome in the future.

Arsenal1970 profile image
Arsenal1970 in reply toMilkfairy

Thanks 👍🏻

Noodlesalad profile image
Noodlesalad in reply toMilkfairy

HiI too had a very stressful journey applying for pip. I ended up going to appeal and with lots of help from CAB who came with me to my appeal I was awarded both higher rate components. Then at a two year review they decided to downgrade me to both components but the lower payment, stupidly I didn't appeal. I was going through a really bad time at home ie leaving a 37 year marriage, my young brother dyeing tragically whilst out in Uganda as an aid worker, moving in with my mum as I had nowhere else to go when I left home and physically worse and mentally a wreck so the thought of an appeal was too much for me to handle. Looking back now five years later I was stupid and my health is much worse.

They sent me a light touch review form 6 months ago still not heard anything, I did phone to ensure they had it the person said they had but it can take up to 12 months which means I'll be 66 when they reach a decision which means I'll have to apply for AA. I also each time write a book to apply and send plenty of reports and consultant letters to support.

It is as many people say the most stressful, dangerous to life event one goes through. Just thinking about it makes me feel sick. Why are they allowed to get away with treating sick and disabled people in such a draconian and appalling way, if you want the definition of a bully look at the DWP and PIP organisation they get away with what many people can be prosecuted for.

I'll stand down now off my soap box sorry to go on.

Thanksnhs profile image
Thanksnhs in reply toNoodlesalad

Hi I was the same when after a review they dropped me to standard for both the interview if that's what you would call it was horrendous she was nothing but a bully I was actually traumatised and tearful for days when I came off the phone the result being I didn't appeal, I couldn't face it and I assume that's what they are aiming for how can people treat the disabled like that I will never no how they can sleep at night, my occupational therapist is fuming to say the least and says she will back me to the hilt to get the higher amount back as I can't afford the things I need for my athritis. I live in Scotland and in February I am being moved over to social security Scotland so I will need to seek advice about applying for it again. I am 66 next year time is tight for me to get it, if I do this time char

Noodlesalad profile image
Noodlesalad in reply toThanksnhs

Let's keep our chin up and be grateful we don't live in Ukraine.Please read my rant in response to Milkfairy, if I took my blood pressure right now it's probably sky high.

Everyone on here is so understanding and supportive and I for one appreciate all of you and this platform.

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply toThanksnhs

Join teh website called Benefits and Work. I'm amazed more people don't know about it. There is a small charge to join but trust me it's more than worth it. The advice is incredible; how to phrase things, how to explain, how to appeal, what extra information to send. I had 11 extra pages of doctors reports, 7 of things that wouldn't fit in the boxes and 2 pages of doctors details. Over 30 years I've been to and won 6 out of 7 tribunals. Don't give up; that's what they hope for. It's a horrific system and due to get worse. I Used welfare rights just once and they were no help at all. Don't do reconsiderations or such by phone. EVERYTHING in writing then you have p roof. If you can get to a face to face assessment at all,then do it rather than by phone or online and take a witness with you. You are allowed by law to record phone assessments as long as you tell them. Please look at benefits and work.

Thanksnhs profile image
Thanksnhs in reply toQualipop

Brilliant advice thank you, I honestly thought I would end up back in hospital after speaking to them it was awful. In January I am being changed over to social security Scotland and at the moment I have no idea if the rules etc will be the same it's a total mystery to us all at the moment, I am going to phone the advice works and see if they can help me. I am 66 next year and I will need to try and do something about it before my birthday. Char

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star in reply toQualipop

I have already posted a link to Work & Benefits in my response.I wouldn't have got my PIP without following their advice.

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star in reply toNoodlesalad

I could easily join you on your soap box!Your innocent until proved guilty in this country until you try claiming a PIP!

I felt as though they thought I was lying, the lack of compassion is ruthless.

Noodlesalad profile image
Noodlesalad in reply toMilkfairy

Absolutely right. Why do we brits put up with being treated like this if we were French we would be holding rallies and make the government take notice of us. I even read once that one claimant took a tape recorder in with her and it wasn't allowed, one person even took a solicitor with her and that wasn't allowed either! What happened to basic human rights.I was made to feel exactly the same as you.

It's for me a financial nightmare being a WASPI woman and not getting my state pension till January when I'm 66 has and is a miserable existence.

I haven't put my heating on for 3 years. I eat salad five days a week because it's the cheapest healthiest option on a small budget, requiring no cooking which would mean using my electricity. I go to the local launderette once a month with one huge load which would be four used of my washing machine at home. I only put my hot water on once a week because of the cost. I don't eat out, I can't afford takeaways, in essence I totally rely on a tiny NHS ill health early retirement pension and my pip just to exist, and because I own my tiny apartment that closes other doors of help to me, oh that and my less than 5k in savings for emergencies.

Sorry to go on.

Thanksnhs profile image
Thanksnhs in reply toNoodlesalad

Being a fellow waspi I did hear we will get some compensation but nothing like the amount we have lost the question is when? 😥 it's October next year before I get my state pension and it can't come quick enough, talk about wishing your life away! Char

Noodlesalad profile image
Noodlesalad in reply toThanksnhs

I totally get you. Wishing our lives away haven't done that since I was a teenager or was it when I had my first child or it might have been when said child became a teenager or it might have been when I was fighting for my NHS pension or it might have been when child number one decided she wouldn't speak to me anymore because I dared to say how upset her parenting skills made me. I could go on but I won't.Let's hope and pray we both make it and get to enjoy what we paid into for years.

Thanksnhs profile image
Thanksnhs in reply toNoodlesalad

I hope so we have paid into it long enough. I left school in 74 and have paid the big stamp since then, I hope I can at least get some of it back. Char

Noodlesalad profile image
Noodlesalad in reply toThanksnhs

You and me both. Let's keep in touch.

Thanksnhs profile image
Thanksnhs in reply toNoodlesalad

Will do. Char

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star in reply toThanksnhs

I won't be able to claim my state pension until I am 66 years, along wait.

Because I was forced to retire early due to ill health.

I stopped paying National insurance. I am now a few years short so will not receive a full state pension unless I can find the money to top up my missing years.

Thanksnhs profile image
Thanksnhs in reply toMilkfairy

I was 58 when I had to leave work. I get paid ESA and that pays my stamp as I am not 66 till next October char

Jackiesmith7777 profile image
Jackiesmith7777 in reply toThanksnhs

yes my retirement age is 67 another five years for me . My husband has had to give up work because of his stroke and AF so I have to keep working until pension age . We are currently awaiting the verdict for pip

Regards

Jackie

Thanksnhs profile image
Thanksnhs in reply toJackiesmith7777

It's awful having to wait so long, I hope your PIP application is successful. Char

Noodlesalad profile image
Noodlesalad in reply toMilkfairy

I totally understand. I was forced to take ill health early retirement but luckily had started paying for extra years from when I was 40, that was a great birthday present from HR! However when I checked my pension with DWP two years ago I was still short by about £8000 so into the savings pot again I didn't want to pay the full shortfall as I needed the savings for emergencies so I paid £3500 it's not made a huge difference but it's something.

Palpman profile image
Palpman in reply toMilkfairy

If you earn less than £825 per month then Pension Credit will top it up to that amount. The application process is long as I've been waiting 8 months for mine.

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star in reply toPalpman

That's a ridiculous time to wait!

hi definitely appeal and refer to good pointers above.

one thing from my experience DO NOT ask for a reconsideration over the phone as whatever you say is what they take into account in their reconsideration of their decision - they write it down verbatim. And nothing more. But that was my experience - after my application, assessment and rejection - my next step was a reconsideration within 30 days I think.

If they are saying you can ask for a reconsideration, ask for a reconsideration within the stipulated timescales IN WRITING. I’d send secure / recorded delivery so get there in allotted time and you have a record you sent it.

CAB has advise I think on how to do a reconsideration request and I believe they recommend do in writing.

Good luck. It’s hard work without any doubt.

Ascb profile image
Ascb

Urgh, in my opinion applying and getting PIP seems to be designed to kill the person off through stress to be honest. It's a terrible system. I was rejected when I applied after being diagnosed with spinal stenosis and my mandatory reconsideration was knocked back too. Apparently they have added MR as a stage before appeal as more people give up if they're rejected twice, but if you make it to appeal you're more likely to have it awarded. I am being hypocritical when I say don't give up, as I did give up! But I'd apply again if things flared up and affected what I could do in a day.

tracyball1 profile image
tracyball1

You need to go to tribunal get benefits resolution a page on Facebook or welfare rights to help you. Remember its not about your illness but its how it affects do you struggling walking, dressing yes and yes xx

HeartyJames profile image
HeartyJames

Yes was refused

Deejay62 profile image
Deejay62

Hi welcome to the group. All you have to do is say how it affects your life and the help you need, use examples of your worse days. If your heart function EF is 20 or below you need to let them know. I think there’s a government rule on that regarding automatic disability. I haven’t checked it out but I was told that by a friend. In your appeal state your heart function and the daily help you need. You probably take loads of diuretics and tablets that lower your blood pressure which might cause dizziness, your memory probably isn’t very good. If you’re going to be cooking, showering/bath shopping tidying up etc you need help day to day etc. All the best

Masters69 profile image
Masters69

yes i have been declined pip. i have catlogue of illness including enlarge heart dilated aorta at 5.1 fibro malagia the list goes on and on. waiting for tribunal conatct a welfare officer to help with your claim.

Thanksnhs profile image
Thanksnhs

Hi I received it when I had cardiomyopathy, severe heart failure and lVSD, it is a long difficult processThe best thing to do is seek advice re the form from an advice centre (my council runs one) citizen advice and there are some good online sites that will help I wish you all the best in getting it as it makes such a difference. Char

Curryandchips profile image
Curryandchips

I was told to remember that its not the condition that counts but the effect it has on you. If you get breathless when walking, unable to stand for long periods, unable to work etc.

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

Perfectly normal. PIP isn't about what illness you have but about what it prevents you from being able to do consistently, repeatedly and without pain. You need to appeal the decision but first get advice from the website "Benefits and work". There's a small charge to join but it's invaluable. It tells you how to phrase things and how to explain the effect your illness has on you. I've been severely disabled with spinal problems for almost 30 years and until I turned 65 they would only ever allow it for 2 years at a time then I'd have to apply again. I got as far as going to 7 tribunals which I won every time but once. ( hat time I got citizens advice to "help" and they made a real mess of it.) I then found Benefits and work and never had another problem. You really have to be very clear about what you can't do. As an example I helped my son's girlfriend's mum apply for carers allowance for her mother. One question asked if she could get upstairs to bed. She put yes. What she didn't say was that her dad went in front to pull his wife up each step and she went behind to push and lift her feet up each step and it took 20 minutes. That is NOT being able to get upstairs to bed. The last time I had to do the forms I had 11 extra pages of information from consultants and doctors; 2 full pages with doctors' details and 7 pages of extra information that wouldn't fit in the boxes all cross referenced back to the form. They still tried to say that because I can still drive, I could also walk. I've used a wheelchair or scooter for 20 years but I have to have someone push the chair because my shoulders are too badly damaged with arthritis. I can just about walk 6 steps into a shop but then have to sit down. I can't get round the shop or stand in a queue or even get back to my car. Remember repeatedly, consistently and without pain. Explain in great detail what you've tried and what didn't work and why and any help you need. Detail and more detail.;

Jackiesmith7777 profile image
Jackiesmith7777

We’re waiting for ours ? How quickly did you hear back ?

cappachina profile image
cappachina

Hi all above advice is excellent Youhsave to have help if you don't know what they are looking for appeal and get the advice from work and benefit site and don't do it on the phone as they will suggest Get the help put everything in writing photocopy all helpful medical records and send it signed for delivery Good luck

wilsond profile image
wilsond

Ask for a mandatory review. This has to be granted on request. 9 times out of 10 the second assessor will agree with the first. Then you tell them you choose to go to Tribunal . Its likely you will be then receiving a call from DWP offering you settlement and PIP.( 99% of tribunals find in favour ifcapplicant and it costs DWP money in costs which they want to minimise) Sometimes they ask you to attend in person. Its not a Court,just an interview with a Dr,DWP rep present. You can take a friend or supporter. Citizens Advice can tell you if advocates who volunteer to support.

In other words keep on going,do not accept their decision. I assume you have provided as much evidence as you can highlighting your condition? ( NOT just appointment lettes,but reports,prescriptions, letters from medical persons)

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