💔☹️ Absolutely devastated - British Heart Fou...

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💔☹️ Absolutely devastated

Yumz199725 profile image
47 Replies

Didn't get pip again 💔😪.

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Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725
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47 Replies
Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star

I am so sorry to hear this.

Applying for my PIP was one of the most stressful things I have had to do.

Can you ask for a mandatory review and appeal?

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725 in reply toMilkfairy

They said in my assessment that I had 8 weeks to send two more pieces of evidence to them, which I will do but what's the point 💔😓.

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star in reply toYumz199725

I acknowledge that you feel disheartened. It's worth trying to appeal as about 70% of cases win on appeal.

I used this website, they do charge a small fee though.

benefitsandwork.co.uk/

An alternative is this charity

Turn2Us

turn2us.org.uk/#:~:text=Tur....

Good luck.

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725 in reply toMilkfairy

Thank you x

Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed in reply toYumz199725

It's worth it and add an additional letter summarising your daily issues again in luding the additional symptoms and mental stress that the application process is causing you.Most people get turned down on first reading of your application and need to have it appealed, unless they've learned the skills of filling in the forms and sending evidence for absolutely everything.

It's the system , they know people will be too tired or too stressed to cope with the process and give up saving them money.

If it sounds callous that's because it is.

More than two thirds of the time on Mandatory Reconsideration when you send the information the application is approved.

Also point out in that covering letter that you will move forward with a final appeal and will be contacting Citizens Advice to assist you in that process if you are denied your claim under Mandatory Reconsideration. Often if they know you won't give in that nudges them to honour your claim.

Good Luck , Bee

Milmol14 profile image
Milmol14 in reply toYumz199725

Don’t give up - my son just got it after several knock backs

WardijaWardija profile image
WardijaWardija in reply toYumz199725

I feel for you and can hear the despair in your posts. Yes, give them the outstanding evidence. I know it's a faff, I've been through it myself, and its beyond frustrating.But it could be the difference between getting the PIP or not, so dig deep.

If that doesn't satisfy them, appeal, appeal and appeal for as long as it takes.

🤞🤞

Digger0 profile image
Digger0 in reply toMilkfairy

Did you fill the forms in as if it was your worst day? They want to know if you can lift a pan of water with veg in etc, See citizensadvice.org.uk/benef...

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star in reply toDigger0

I wrote how my heart condition effects my day to day living.

I described how my documented debilitating symptoms impact on my life.

I also sent in copies of my test results, clinic letters and discharge summaries from my numerous hospital admissions

Digger0 profile image
Digger0 in reply toMilkfairy

I'd still appeal. good luck

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star in reply toDigger0

I think you mean your responses to Yumz the original poster?

I successfully applied for PIP many years ago.

I was given an enchanced award for both sections indefinitely.

Bramble2000 profile image
Bramble2000 in reply toMilkfairy

Don’t write it as though it’s your worst day, that’s very bad advice. Did you write hire it affects you referencing the descriptors? That’s ALL they’re interested in. Feel free to message me.

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star in reply toBramble2000

I think you mean this comment for Yumz the original poster?

I already have an PIP enchanched for both sections, indefinitely .

Cat04 profile image
Cat04

Ask for a mandatory reconsideration. Sending 🫂 xx

Turnipgirl profile image
Turnipgirl in reply toCat04

It's not fair is it when things like that happen?

Turnipgirl profile image
Turnipgirl

Put in an appeal and a complaint as that's not fair!

When I was getting evicted I had asked for extra time to move for exceptional hardship and was told no!

I said to my solicitor in their view same as with PIP exceptional hardship is having your arms and legs falling off!

Suebedoo profile image
Suebedoo in reply toTurnipgirl

Slightly different issue but my now husband worked for a company that went into liquidation on pay day. So he was left without any money, no means of paying for his rent etc until he got a job and got his government redundancy pay out. He was told to ring social services and get a hardship loan which I think went up to £100. He was asked if he had any food in the fridge and he replied that he had a loaf of bread and a couple of tins of beans. The hardship loan was reduced to £50 because of that comment.

Happyrosie profile image
Happyrosie

please seek the help of the citizens advice bureau, they might have a bit of a queue but it’s worth it. In the meantime see their website if you haven’t t already

Turnipgirl profile image
Turnipgirl in reply toHappyrosie

There's always a queue isn't there at citizens advice as there's always one at our local one!

Nanny1971 profile image
Nanny1971

why not poor thing I’ve applied for it and still heard nothing after three months can I ask do you take many medication I have to take 15 a day which affects my daily living which is why I applied for pip xx

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725 in reply toNanny1971

I take, asthma medication, gastro heart meds, and anxiety and depression medication x hope you hear back soon about the descion. I'm definitely fighting my decision I'm not giving up.

Nanny1971 profile image
Nanny1971 in reply toYumz199725

Yeah can only try hun good luck x

Nanny1971 profile image
Nanny1971

do you get universal credit Lwrca and carer allowance for your brother you would be entitled to all three x

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725 in reply toNanny1971

I get universal credit and carers allowance but I will have to stop claiming carers allowance soon not upto being my brothers full time carer anymore x and I'm not giving up on claiming pip.

sandandkev profile image
sandandkev in reply toYumz199725

Unfortunately you have to be near enough immobile to get pip,being on loads of meds doesn't count

Turnipgirl profile image
Turnipgirl in reply tosandandkev

I reckon to get pip you have to have your arms and legs come right off myself!

It feels like the end of the world when things like this happen!

Bramble2000 profile image
Bramble2000 in reply tosandandkev

That’s simply NOT true. It’s based around the DESCRIPTORS and nothing else.

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star in reply tosandandkev

Not true,

I have an enhanced award for both sections indefinitely because I live with intermittent debilitating symptoms.

Zobo83 profile image
Zobo83 in reply toMilkfairy

This is me to a tee!

I'm currently appealing the decision to not provide me with PIP I had a message to say that I will hear back by 21/21/24.

Can I just ask if you had to appeal too?

Welb profile image
Welb in reply toYumz199725

Morning Yumz. I’ve been reading your problem with claiming PIP and wondering if your claiming carers allowance for your brother isn’t helping your claim for Pip. It’s just a thought. Good luck going forward.

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725 in reply toWelb

Yeah I had the same thought, I'm not well enough to look after my brother any more so I will be phoning up to cancel my claim for carers allowance last payment today x

Wooodsie profile image
Wooodsie

That's a shame, they seem to be making it harder. When we applied for my daughter I looked at the scoring criteria and built her case around them. We won on appeal and it was backdated to the date of application. So hopefully, if you do get it, they will backdate yours. Milkfairy has pointed you to a couple of good organisations, I would highly recommend you try them 🤞🤞

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn

Hi Yumz, I can understand how "unfair" you see this. But the other side do not look at this emotionally. For them it's a tick-box affair. There is certain criteria where you need to tick the box. They set the obstacle course. It's clear to me that they put the "squeeze",on claimants, in an effort to save Govt money. And yes, that's unfair certainly. The obstacle course is set by them. They have given you time to submit evidence on two of the hoops you have to jump through. So look again at these two tick boxes. Don't give up. What is it that will satisfy them? What evidence will tick the box?

You need to demonstrate what you cannot do. You've been given some very good links here, specialist links where advice can be given to construct your argument in such a way that it demonstrates how or why you are unable to do specific activities.

So please try not to think of the process as unfair, even though it is! Think of yourself as a detective trying to solve a problem. How do I demonstrate that I meet the criteria to tick this particular box? Good luck

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn

Wooodsie's reply sums it up well.

Sambobs17 profile image
Sambobs17

hello Yumz just to say hope you get sorted soon, I’m not much help in this department but as everyone on here has said don’t give up it is a tick boxing exercise I think they hope people will give up please don’t, you could certainly do without the stress but keep up the fight take care 😊

Scotsman53 profile image
Scotsman53

It's been mentioned already but it's worth repeating, from personal experience, the Benefits and Work website is invaluable for people in this situation: benefitsandwork.co.uk/

Quesswho profile image
Quesswho

Labour intends to gets you back to work. They need the money to keep the unions happy.

Murderfan58 profile image
Murderfan58

I tried for 35 years to get disability benefits. Turned down every time because of no diagnosis. But finally had my diagnosis April 2022 as my neurologist sent me the appointment and says he knows what wrong with me . Asked for PIP forms because I can't write very well as my hands tremble my daughter filled it in . Had phone assessment for hour and 46 given zero on everything. MRN letter the Roman just copied PIP decision just altered the sentences around as if I was to stupid to realise. Found out about the Brain Charity they got me a solicitor pro bono who put in the paperwork for tribunal. She told me to claim universal credit I didn't know I had been entitled to it for years. My caseworker was wonderful at the job centre and sent for the health forms but I waited for face to face assessment. The woman I saw was lovely and couldn't understand why my PIP was turned down .

Went to tribunal 29th August last year with support worker from Brain Charity the tribunal panel where kind and asked all the right questions. Had my decision within 10 mins . The judge apologised for how I had been treated was awarded enhanced PIP for living and enhanced PIP for mobility indefinitely. As the decision comes on crown court paper they buggers at PIP can't take it off me . And they back dated payments to 7th March 2022 when I asked for the forms. Judge said he was sorry he could back date it further.

Don't give up hope. Did you fill in the forms yourself? If so ask for the forms again and get Citzens advice or if there is heart foundation place near you that can do it let them . They know exactly how to word things and they will help you go to tribunal if you need to . Make sure you have all appointments,letters from GP and consultants .

Took me from 1988 until 2023 to get the help I needed .

Good luck but don't give up . 💐

Suebedoo profile image
Suebedoo

I have a similar problem with an older friend too. She is able to do stuff around the house but can’t walk far enough to go anywhere of any use to her. She struggles with the money she does get so can’t afford taxis and so is relying on people like me to take her out or bring food in. She is now becoming more and more lonely and isolated. If we could just get her a bit more money that would help with her independence or even with a blue badge so I could take her more places

LunaHarvey profile image
LunaHarvey

Hi. I’ve just been turned down for PIP. I was two points off as I hadn’t had one appointment for mental health health. Since had one so have reapplied on appeal. Fingers crossed for you.

Scho1 profile image
Scho1

Have you taken it to a tribunal?

Shazzy46 profile image
Shazzy46

I was told they nearly always turn you down the first time. Appeal and if that doesn't work appeal again. My mum had Parkinsons and was turned down. We appealed until the independent review and she got it. The CAB will be able to help and sometimes go to the appeal.

L8Again profile image
L8Again

My daughter lost her PIP last year on review. She has a congenital heart condition and her heart is now fully paced. Rather than go down the convoluted appeals process she was advised to submit a new PIP application (based on her previous submission along with an updated consultant’s letter). She got a call a few weeks later from the DWP and she was re-awarded PIP on the basis that the DWP had accepted her previous application; the qualifying criteria had not changed and her consultant had confirmed that there was no change to her underlying heart condition. Her PIP award was back dated to the date that PIP was rescinded.

cariad67 profile image
cariad67

my husband had stage 4 inoperable head & neck cancer which had spread to his lymph nodes , he was nil by mouth & tube fed , he had lost nearly 6 stone in 4 months & could barely put one foot in front of the other because of muscle loss & was having 24 hour chemotherapy & radiotherapy & was denied pip .... I fought against theyr'e decision for almost a year!! they eventually gave it to him for 1 year !.. he now has swallowing difficulties & chokes constantly because of the intense treatments he had , hes had aspirated pneumonia twice & he cannot eat proper food & has lost part of his hearing , his neck has a condition the consultants call "wooden neck" & believe me it can be knocked like wood! .. his shoulder doesn't move & when the review for pip came up we tried to have PIP & he was denied it ... the assessor on the phone even put down "no choking risk!!!..after we told her he chokes every day sometimes to the point of turning blue!... anyway I fought that decision again! & they awarded him the lower pip 🤦‍♀️ , im exhausted & fed up!! so we just gave up & excepted it , so its been a year & its up for review yet again & Im awaiting the forms 😭😭 .. there's just no common sense left in this world!! .. especially as i have a neighbour who blatantly told me how she plays on her mental health & has PIP & a brand new car & holidays abroad at least 4 times a year & works !!! 😳 just how ???🤷

Cosychair profile image
Cosychair

I would contact citizen advice. I have a friend who volunteers at our local office and helps many people with this type of form. Good luck.

Tos92 profile image
Tos92

Sorry to hear this Yumz. I have not gone down the PIP route myself but I’ve helped a number of people apply for PIP successfully and there is a certain way that the answers and responses need to written and given when assessed over the phone as well.

Bee has given you some good advice on contacting the Citizens Advice Bureau. Make sure you contact CAB before submitting your Mandatory Reconsideration if you feel their advice will be helpful in your next submission. If you get turned down again, before submitting the appeal for your final submission, contact CAB again for their input. If you submit your appeals or forms before contacting CAB, and contact them after, they cannot help with filling out the forms so do remember that.

Usually, if they reject at every stage and you take it to tribunal, I believe the last time I checked, it has over a 70% success rate and claimants are awarded PIP. It just means that going down the tribunal route can take much longer and you will have to wait it out.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

You’ve been given good advice by lots of people but if you want to chat some more about this, feel free to PM me on here or IG x

Redactrice profile image
Redactrice

I help with disability applications as a volunteer for a small charity. We have a high success rate even though the DWP makes it difficult for everyone. Don't give up at the first refusal.

Ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration. Give them a point by point list why you disagree with their decision. For example (this may not apply to you, but it applies to a lot of people I see): "The decision maker states that I can wash and bathe without difficulty. In fact, I do struggle, and I may go as much as a week without washing if I am having a bad week, or I have to ask a family member to help. I often lack motivation to wash because I have cut back on so many daily activities due to being unwell. I rarely leave the house, so I feel there is no point in washing..." Etc.

If the ManRecon is rejected, appeal to a tribunal. The courts are independent of the DWP and are more likely to give you the award if you have medical evidence. This includes evidence for mental health issues. Please note that appointment letters do not count as evidence.

Get help with the form from someone who knows the process. CAB is free. Benefits and Work (benefitsandwork.co.uk) needs a subscription but will walk you through it.

Use the words 'safely, reliably, repeatedly, to an acceptable standard and in good time' to describe the difference between what you can do on a good day and a bad day. And yes, they need to know what it's like on a bad day. If you have at least 50% bad days, you should be entitled to the award. If it's only 25%, probably not.

For example, if you have mobility issues, on a good day you might be able to walk 200m on the flat without stopping to rest, but on a bad day you might not be able to walk 50m safely, reliably, repeatedly and in good time.

If it takes you an hour to get dressed, and then you have to rest for 30min afterwards, that is not reliably and in good time.

Good luck!

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