Failed PIP: Well the brown envelope... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

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Failed PIP

S840 profile image
S840
34 Replies

Well the brown envelope arrived today far quicker than expected.

Nill points for everything and full of a lot of lies.

I was kinda expecting it to be honest as I didn't think the assessor was really interested on the day.

Anyway I will take it further though dare say I got a long battle ahead. Hey ho.

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S840 profile image
S840
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34 Replies
Jackyb-69 profile image
Jackyb-69

So sorry to hear this. The whole process just isn’t fair. Thinking of you xx

Dizzytwo profile image
DizzytwoModerator

I am sorry you had a bad decision. I hope you will have better luck with the reconsideration. It is stress everyone could do with out when they are battling any kind of illness. Please keep us updated and know you will always find support here from our great group of members xx

Momo

Miss68 profile image
Miss68

Hi Hun, I’m so sorry you received a decision you didn’t deserve. I wish you every success when you appeal against it. Take care xx

chloe391 profile image
chloe391

hi, we just been turned down again on mr,we scored 4 points on daily living nothing on mobility, it is so stressful for my husband(he suffered a stroke last year),just wondering how the nurse that did the assessment seems to be more qualified than our doctor as to how it has affected my husband health,It seems to me that the assessors are very good at wording your answers so that they can tick the zero point box

twinks profile image
twinks in reply to chloe391

It's so wrong that ill people can't get the help they need,

They ask you to say in your own words then alter what you say to not fit they're stupid tick box.

Common sense and decency gone out of the window.

It's so sad these cuts to the vulnerable

I am getting the impression that no-one gets help the first time, it is a disgusting system. I also wonder if the time of the year has a bearing on your case. March may be the time to try when they have some money in the coffers. Take care everyone and I hope your fights aren’t too long and hard.

Jan101 profile image
Jan101

Hi truly sorry to hear yet again about this awful assessment. It truly makes me wounder how and why these people are getting away with writing ✍️ down lies all the time. I wish you all the best of luck in fighting your case for what you truly deserve. I am seeing more and more of this type of thing happening all the time. It’s really disgusting that poorly people have to go through all this stress. Take good care and I truly hope that you get what you truly deserve. Love and hugs 🤗🤗🤗🌹🌹🌹xxx

YASMINTINA profile image
YASMINTINAFMA UK Volunteer

Sorry to hear this il post this link there is also a help number available healthunlocked.com/fibromya.... Always disappointed for people to have to go through this but I hope you can push forward and get somewhere eventually . Wishing you the best of luck xxx

So sorry to hear that. Ring them up and ask for a copy of the assessors report in detail. Then get help with the MR. Hope things go better for you xxx

alan381red profile image
alan381red

i have trigeminal neuralgia and i was told i am fit for work i also have Arthritis all over my body i found the greater Manchester law centre 159 princess road M14 4RE 0161 769 2244 THAY fight for you you get a solicitor and a barrister fighting your case its worth a try and its free good luck

60Chrissy profile image
60Chrissy

Hi sorry you have been let down by the system! Someone told me off the record "They always turn people down first time of applying" it puts people off as it is so stressful going through the form all over again!

A mental health organisation called "Re-think" has a filled out form on their web site with all the buzz words/comments that will support you in filling out your form. Also find out if there is a local "walk in" CAB session going on where you can get advice and help. I could not get to speak to anyone on the phone but found out about them in my local community magazine. CAB gave me a contact name in local services and they gave great support and they even came with us to the tribuneral appeal for our daughter.

Make sure you have all the support from your doctor! I was finally diagnosed from 2003 and for years my doctor encouraged me to get a blue badge because if I went out I would get easily exhausted and distressed trying ro get back to the car. Because PIP turned me down the first time I didn't think I would be given a blue badge but thankfully they did! Two years ago applied PIP, sent copy blue badge and various medical letters and thankfully was awarded mobility only but I was very thankful for that.

I asked for assessment at home but it seems first lady that came did not take down enough information so DWP sent a second assessor!!! Of course all this delayed the process!! Finally accepted and given backpay from the date of my application. When she left she said "Please don't get up I will see myself out" I am sure this is all part of the assessment to see how you get out of the chair, walk to the door, stand at the front door talking.... I insisted as I had to lock my fromt door. I struggled getting out of the chair and stood on alternate legs whilst stood at the door as I was in so much pain in my legs.

Someone else advised me too that if you attend the assessment you are watched from when you get out of the car!! It all sounds so suspicious to try and catch people out and stop anyone asking for help!

What's even more tragic is that there are many people who need help but don't have the capability to apply. It is so long winded and sooo stressful asking for support and yet wastful millions are spent by the government without blinking an eye!!

I would encourage anyone who has been rejected to appeal and keep trying until you get the support you deserve.

I wish you every success for the future!

alan381red profile image
alan381red in reply to 60Chrissy

hi yes its true thay do watch you as soon as you give your name thay watch every move you do and YES THAY DO TELL LIES

Thunder1 profile image
Thunder1

Hi there im sorry it didnt go well for you. However dont let the long battle put you off. Explain that you didn't think the assessor was interested on the day and that you want a fair chance, explain your needs your walking distance your memory all those things you get and more be assertive as you matter, and good luck.👍X

Mpalgal profile image
Mpalgal

Sorry you got nil points. Get a copy of your assessment then go through it point by point with the Assessors lies, Sorry version to match the descriptors as this is the key. Matching your needs/abilities and lack of to the descriptors !! Have a look at Benefits and works website they have test you can do to assess what points you should get therefore you can match how your needs match the drscriptors(points) and use this to point out what the assessor has said against it . Using their own points descriptors against the Assessors version pointing out their lies.. Hope that makes sense. I have been successful myself and happy to help. Please PM if you would like more specific answers or help. God Luck. Take care M x

sunshineonarainyday profile image
sunshineonarainyday in reply to Mpalgal

Hi,

I'm so pleased you got your claim through, but I just want to warn everyone.

I spent nearly a month, and all my energy going through the report point by point and cutting and pasting replies and evidence to counter every cut and pasted lie and fabrication in it. This was taken as me actually proving that I'm fit for work 😠

What are you supposed to do??

Best wishes to all, I joined just before Christmas but unfortunately I'm still in the thick of it all. I will get back as soon as it's all over one way or another . . .

Mdaisy profile image
Mdaisy in reply to sunshineonarainyday

Gosh I am shocked to read this ! Yet they got rid of legal aid and know we cannot afford representation. I guess this is why Fightback came to be to help people in this situation. So sorry this happened to you, have you spoken to anyone regarding the next steps to take?

sunshineonarainyday profile image
sunshineonarainyday in reply to Mdaisy

HI Mdaisy,

Thanks for your reply. The truth is, you wouldn't believe what a nightmare this last 14 months have been, and at every single stage of the process, including the F-t-T Judge, the CAB and the Legal Advisor I FINALLY found, who was beyond a joke, literaly hours before the appeal deadline told me I could do it myself!

I am now resigned to going it alone, I could tell by his attitude on the first meeting - even saying he wouldn't get as much for Legal Aid. In the event I decided to prepare something 'just in case'. I've every intention of disclosing everything when this is over. To be refused with proper reasoning is one thing - but the twisting, the fabrications and the downright lying that's now going on in many cases , it's just scandalous from start to end. That's NOT to say ALL Tribunals are bad. I can only thank EVERY disability forum for their efforts to help and inform, and by the way - reading forums is apparantly viewed as 'having the abilty to analyse information' . . .!!!

Mdaisy profile image
Mdaisy in reply to sunshineonarainyday

Might be worth speaking with the FMAUK Benefits Advisor for what to do next in this situation, here's a post with the contact information;

healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

All the best

Emma :)

sunshineonarainyday profile image
sunshineonarainyday in reply to Mdaisy

That's brilliant, Thank you for the link!

Anita_1 profile image
Anita_1

Hello... So sorry to hear this, You must feel so let down.

This system is such an abomination and the government should be totally ashamed on allowing these so called ' Professionals' get away with it. I hope you are aware... That if you are unhappy with your assessment... You can complain to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) if it was a nurse that performed the assessment.

These assessors should not be allowed to get away with this, as it is a massive contravention because as Health Professionals, they have to adere to a Code of Conduct.

I wish you every success with your appeal xxx

tas69 profile image
tas69

This is disgusting, I hear more and more cases where lies have been told, it makes me so 😡. I really do hope you get somewhere with your appeal ☹️xxx

9661 profile image
9661

They do that to almost every one first time thinking they won't bother appealing. Just make sure you have as much paperwork from docs and hospital as you can try and get someone to go with you don't do everything they ask you to do at appeal take your time and think what you would be like on a bad day. I didn't take my meds on day of appeal and could hardly walk so I went in my wheelchair with a friend as I was in a lot of pain i couldn't do much and didn't try to much when they asked me to do things. I won my appeal but it wasn't easy.

Will1 profile image
Will1

Hi S840

I haven't been diagnosed with Fibro but I have numerous health conditions. Not only do we going through so much day by day, we have to deal with the constant chasing of hospital appointments, consultants who don't see you as a person. Have no idea what you go through on a day by day basis. Because they see you for about 20minutes every 6\8 months if you're lucky.

Then you have the DWP what a stressful nightmare!!!!

These assessors should be assessed themselves and let's she if they like to read the answers they get back, when there are lies and twisted accounts of what you've said. On one PIP assessment which my sister attended with me to physically support me.

The remark back was 'you were observed walking from the main entrance to reception using a 'walking stick'!!!!

As for filling in the forms that another minefield with the questions out to trick you.

The first time someone came to my home to fill it out for me Nil points.

Then I was advised to contact Disability Solutions who subsequently has completed my forms for me on two other further occasions. This has made a huge difference for me personally , their help has been invaluable.

My journey and fight Medically /DWP has so far taken 4 years. Still very much ongoing. So I can completely understand everyone's frustation, anger and dispair.

Dorimori profile image
Dorimori

So sorry to hear this! It is unbelievable that we are assessed by people who have absolutely no understanding of our conditions, but who can consequently devastate our lives so completely in the process! Chin up and carry on with the fight hun, don't give up!!! Take care xx

Jenonnet profile image
Jenonnet

So sorry to hear your news. I too got the dreaded brown envelope today and like you, my application was rejected. Mine was for Attendance Allowance, as I can't apply for PIP because I'm over 64 so have to apply for AA instead.

It makes me really angry that we have to fight tooth and nail for every little morsel that we're actually entitled to in the first place!! I've worked all my life, from 15 to 64 years old, I'm 67 now and in all that time I've never claimed any benefits. I've worked and brought a family up, paying my taxes, National Insurance, etc., yet when I need a little help I get it refused!!

Hope you appeal and get the result you want. I haven't a clue how to go about appealing mine but I really would like to see others win their appeals, some of us have to come out on time sometimes! :)

Will1 profile image
Will1 in reply to Jenonnet

I also worked since I left school until 4years ago, I'm 54, single parent two children, , 25 & 11. 25 yr old flew the nest 3 yes ago. So like yourself and many others , had to claim benefits for the very first time. Which I truly hate, being unable to work has a huge impact too.

I would ring your local Disability Solutions Office to see if they will help you with your appeal.. My local office have their own legal rep who works with you to appeal.

Jenonnet profile image
Jenonnet in reply to Will1

Thanks for that suggestion Will1, I didn't even know there was a Disability Solutions office. I'll have a look and see if I can find the details for it. Your help is appreciated.

Will1 profile image
Will1 in reply to Jenonnet

I didn't know for the first two years of my illness but I wished I did , because it would of saved me so much stress and upset dealing with the DWP and they have so much information to help too..

Emma16 profile image
Emma16

If only they could live a day in our lives they'd see what it was like!

Jenonnet profile image
Jenonnet in reply to Emma16

Amen to that Emma 16!

alan381red profile image
alan381red in reply to Emma16

if only emma6 i have trigeminal neuralgia on the right side of my face and pain is really bad i would love to see how thay cope with it 26% of the sufferers who get it commit suicide

PAULINE15 profile image
PAULINE15

I’m finding work getting harder and harder, lost my husband year ago and full time work and house work,( well housework isn’t getting done ) also problems with the landlord to get work done, but when I hear how some of you struggle to get help I feel it’s not worth the hassle and upset to even try,x

S840 profile image
S840

Thank you everybody for you coments and positive advise. I was upset when I seen the letter but I gonna fight back now as I can't stand liars. Been gathering doctors letters regarding my widespread arthritis fybromyalgia and pain med I take regular. Because in my assessment report I do not suffer from these conditions or even take any pain meds. She stated she exaimined me which was a lie because I sat throughout with my coat and scarf on as was a very cold day. Plus she kept fiddling with one of her long painted false nails that was coming away so examine me would have made her nail fall off. She said I walked at normal pace with normal gait. She was down the corridor almost trying to rush myself and my husband but I shuffle when I walk now because of feet arthritis and dropped arches plus I now got a limp due to bilateral hip dysplasia and arthritis in hips also. She asked me if I was on DLA and transferring over to PIP. No was my reply. After that I think she thought got ya as I was gullible and didn't no how system works. Well I do now. I will keep you all updated as and when things happen but I gonna be phoning DWP tomorrow.

Lizziedrippin profile image
Lizziedrippin

The same thing has just happened to me. I appealed and still 0 points. Seems to me because I work but struggle there, like today I’ve come home early in terrible pain, they can’t see the pain so don’t believe anything wrong. Shouldn’t say this but hopefully these assessors will suffer with Fibromyalgia themselves sometime then they’ll know what we have to put up with . Xx

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