ATOS pip came through but only received 10 points.......

[bren876]

Hi all hope you may be able to offer some advice on what to do now..

Good news is that i've been given the lower rate of £53.00p/w but cant work out why atos person has said that i can walk over 200 meter's without a problem and also said that i'm happy to use the check out with an assistant so i can communicate with people without a problem..

I did ask if he knew anything about fibro and he said that he knew about it but was'nt qualified on it....

No where on the assessment is Fibro even mentioned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Firstly i explained that i use a checkout with an assistant because when ever i use the shelf checkout i get confused trying to follow the instructions, which ends up with me feeling stupid and getting myself all worked up and leaving in tears,

I then added that i dont very often visit a local store because i fear bumping into people i know, I always shop with my son or my neighbor as i dont feel comfortable on my own.

I also explained that i cant walk more then 25 metre's without pain and that i have to hold on to the shopping trolly as support because i trip over alot, i was also honest that i find it hard to use a walking stick as hurts my hand which leads to arm and neck pain yet again this is not mentioned..

Sorry for the long message!!!!

I just received a letter today from the primary healthcare where i was given 6 sessions for PTS, it clearly says that i found the sessions helpful but due to my constant pain i still have low moods and i'm anxious,and i cant leave the house without someone being with me....

I feel another fight is on the way to yet again prove that i have fibro and other illness's,

I'm fed up with there games and the stress these people cause because if i'd had more points they would've had to pay me what i should be getting..

Thank you for reading my life story.

Big sunshine hugs to you all viv xxx

[kmc-cudsleepforaweek]

Morning bren, I known exactly how frustrated you feel. I was doing to apply for PIP until I spoke to a welfare officer who told me the criteria that needs to be met and decided I'll wait until the condition worsens. I then applied for a travel pass and was refused because unfortunately I was having a 'good day'. I finally had to go cap in hand to my dad for money to get me a car!! I'm 45 and it was humiliating and another stress in my life that I could do without. Anyway my dad said yes so at least now I can go to appointments without having to wait for and walk to get the bus. I am lucky to have the lifeline I do, there are so many who don't and having to make people believe the levels of pain we suffer in order to get help is not only debilitating but so emotionally draining. I think the system is diabolical and should definitely be reviewed. Sorry for the ramble but subject is very close to my daily life at moment. I wish you all the very best Bren and anyone else in this crummy dilemma and hope you find the umf to not accept it, appeal and play their game!!!! x

[bren876 in reply to kmc-cudsleepforaweek]

thank you for your message i think its very close to all our hearts...

You did'nt ramble you said everything we all think, i hope you apply for PIP because everyone that lives in constant pain deserves to be helped and supported. xxx

[fibro10]

HiBren876 so happy you was rewarded somethink its wrong when they only hear what they want to an mix it up what u say they should look at this site then they would understand what we are going through as we all carnt be making it up I had my e s a medical last june scored 0 had tribrual scored over15 after 10 mins and getting upset they didn't let my daughter have here say which they said they would .then put me in activity group didnt know what it meant untill c a b explained as never been out of work before appealed again so just filled in form to get in support group as not had any think since dec13 which is making life hell as only got hubs wage to live on which makes me very stressed pannicking when bills come in as I was on very good wages an loved my job I would love it for a few of them could change bodys with us for a few weeks an feel the pain 24 hours a day 7 days a week itmakesme so angry fibro10

[rosewine]

Hallo everyone who is having to fight this absurb system. I hate the criteria for the new PIP and that the care has only two levels. I think alot of people like myself were quite happy to recieve the LR of DLA as it enables us to have a bit of independence and run a car. On looking at the criteria for PIP I think I will miss out next year by about a point unless my condition deteriorates. I wish that I lived in an area where the PIP has been delayed. I'm glad that you got PIP Bren but I wish you did not have to go through another fight to get the HR which from what you have said in your post you seem to qualify for. It is awful when you feel that you are not being heard I know when my husband and I both applied for ESA it is as though the report was taliing about an entirely different individual. It took my husband 2 years before he eventually won at a tribunal and got his money backdated and it was stopped within a couple of months because of the 12 months rule that came in so we know what you and others are going through.

I am glad your Dad could give you the money for a car KMC is sounds as though it has been a marvellous lifeline for you. I know that if I didn't have mine my trips to the pain clinic would be very awkward, I would need to be fit to get to them! Big hugs to everyonex

[TheAuthor]

Hi bren876

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? I am so sorry to read that you have not been awarded what you fully deserve and I hope that you can appeal?

I want to wish you all the best of luck with this.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

[Tinkerjack1912]

Hi Bren, I too am glad you have had some luck with pip although you deserve and now have to fight for the HR. I am just starting my journey and tbh I'm dreading it, I guess we have to try and keep strong and fight for what we deserve. Wishing you all the luck in the world. X

[shazzap12]

Well done Bren876 for at least getting an award. I had my assessment on Friday and must say I will be satisfied if I get the standard rate, even though I know I meet the criteria for the enhanced, as long as they do not take away my recently won high rate mobility. When I went for my appeal I had a disability lawyer to represent me and he said this whole process is part of the governments ploy because for every 10 people who start the process only 2 see it through because the whole process is so stressful and disheartening. I was his 499 case and all had been won at appeal including mine, so it goes to show the decision makers are clearly making the wrong decisions. He also said there should be legislation put in place to sanction the DWP £5000 for each case that is won at appeal, which would make them start doing things properly.

[bren876]

Good morning everyone,

Thank you all for your lovely messages of support, lol shazzap maybe i'll be your disability lawyer's 500 win!!!!!

sunshine hugs xxx

[Offcut]

I do not use a stick as I was advised not to by my physio because I have compression fractures in my back also I would cause myself even more damage if I had a manual wheelchair. Changing the distance to walk to 20 metres is a farce. I was told I had 6 points with my ESA but once I won my appeal I have 21 how does that work? That is some mistake to not notice!

Be Well

[bren876]

Thank you for sharing your appeal with me....

It gives me hope that i'll find the strength to fight on..

[rowantree]

I've just submitted my form. Determined not to be stressed by it, but I'm already dreading the meeting. I have Ehlers Danlos syndrome which is even less understood than fibro! So I'm expecting a difficult time.

[fibro in reply to rowantree]

I have just been in hospital where i shared a ward with others who have Ehlers Danlos syndrome.

Although i was born with a physical disability and I have most probably had Fibromyalgia most of my life, but without a 'name' for it......I can positively say that Ehlers Danlos syndrome can at times be far worse than either of the conditions I have, my heart goes out to you xx(((hugs)))xx

[dobie62]

Hi there

they have changed the rules about how far we can walk. they do this so that fewer people apply for this benefit. just wish they could be forced into a day in our lives to see how they manage. i have not yet appled for PIP and i am thinking hard about it. however i have my appointment for my ESA medical on the 22nd and i am dreading it as not many peole are being succesful. i am taking my daughter with me and she does not suffer fools gladly so they will have their work cut out with me.

janet

[davy147]

Hi all. Ive been waiting for my PIP results for 10 months. Eventually ive got them back today. Unfortunately I've been unsuccessful  The ATOS examiner did NOT include all of my symptoms. He seems too have missed a hell of alot out of the report. He also says I was in the examination for 45 mins when infact it was 15 mins. He also suggested I claim my travel expenses for a taxi fare. He said " I'll say I seen your receipt for this fare". Can anyone please advise me on which route I should take next please. Anything would be much appreciated. Thanks

[bren876]

Hi Davy47

I've looked at everything they missed off and called the DWP to tell them that i dont agree with everything and i need it to be reassessed, i was told that they would call me with 5 working days, i called them on monday so everytime my phone goes off i turn to jelly.

My doctor has said that she will write a letter confirming my illness and i've also had my 1st visit to the pain clinic today so i've also got that to add to the missed information.

Please spend some time really looking at what was written on you assessment and write it down so when they call you you can refer to your note's, im hoping that by writting it down it'll calm me down also it will help to have the information in your head.

keep in touch and let me know how you get on..

Keep fighting, sunshine hugs viv xx

[emjane4465]

Firstly congratulations you have got some money. Be positive about the fact they have awarded you it when they don't to so many. I know your frustration. If you do not get anywhere think about writing to people higher up in ATOS. I have filled out my pip form the other month I am not expecting to get anything. Luckily I know one of the top directors at atos so I can talk to them about the process.

If your positive it will help the pain too. 53 per week is better than nothing xx chin up