Rejected for Financial Help

[Melon365]

I posted recently about having a Personal Independence Payment assessment and I just heard that I was rejected. Although I am not surprised, I am so angry at some of the things used as basis for the decision.

"Medical evidence dated August 2019 shows scan findings were normal and expresses condition as mild." Firstly, I didn't have any scans in August last year so where are they getting this information? Secondly, IT WAS A YEAR AGO! Thirdly, this shows a gross misunderstanding of the condition and that they had no knowledge of endometriosis when making this decision.

"I decided you can stand and move more than 200 meters." So, someone who has never met me, or even spoken to me over then phone knows what I can and can't do? They have a good understanding of my physically abilities and how this condition affects my mobility. Yeah that seems fair.

“You are prescribed one form of medication that you said is effective.” What I actually said was I have to choose between the pain or the migraines. I will only take the medication if the pain is extreme because I know that the medication makes the headaches worse and I can lose a whole day when I take it.

I am too upset and wound up to decide now but my initial instinct is the burn the letter while cursing loudly. I will try and refrain from doing so.

[plotments]

Hi....You have to appeal this......PIP is hard to get but its possible I was awarded the lowest amount but have appealed this as a lot of things were overlooked that I would have scored points for giving me a higher amount of PIP.

Calm your self down and when your ready go through your letter writing down what they have said wrong or overlooked.....You need to ask for a mandatory reconsideration first this can be done over the phone and then you can send your letter to back up your request.

Please feel free to message me if I can help I will try.....PIP don't really need to understand the condition they just want to know how it effects you on a day to day basis

Keep smiling xx

[Melon365 in reply to plotments]

Thank you Plotments

I have noting some points that I thought I could argue and there things that have been overlooked for sure but I will do it more thoroughly.

I might just take you up on those messages.

They have no idea.

Xx

[AllthatGlitters]

Definitely appeal!

The benefit is there for a reason. You are right the assessors have no clue whatsoever, if they did they might have more understanding and compassion x

[endo_supportmanager Partner Endometriosis UK]

Hi Melon365, sorry you've had this experience. Sadly it is all too common for those seeking support for endometriosis. In our anecdotal experience, many are turned down at the first stage and can be more successful after an appeal. Definitely worth taking some time to write down a point by point response and looking into the appeal process. You can always approach Citizen's Advice if you feel you need support. Good luck.

Emma T, Endometriosis UK

[Melon365]

Thanks Emma

It does unfortunately seem to be the norm.