Pip awarded

[Smithy32]

3 weeks ago I recieved a text confirming I had been awarded PIP and that I would get a letter to explain the award. Yesterday because of postal strikes I finally recieved my letter. I was awarded the standard pip living payment and the enhanced.

Apparently because I could speak correctly, answering all questions, had no one with me....because I only have my daughter and she was at work and again because I attend appointments alone because my daughter is at work. I attend my appointments as stressful as I find them out of desperation to get my pain management sorted. I scored 2 on meal prep because I can operate a microwave to cook meals my daughter has prepped for me.

I find some of their scoring bizarre. Should I appeal?

[CM1EDSUK]

Hi - the decision to ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) is really a personal matter, tho you could get some advice that's local to you from a Welfare Rights Office/Citizens Advice by looking here: advicelocal.uk/ choosing 'Welfare benefits' from the drop down menu.

You'll not be the first to find some comments & allocation of points bizarre! What you should think about if considering a MR (where another decision maker will look at your whole claim again) is whether you feel you could get sufficient points to change your standard rate award for the daily living part to an enhanced one.

A score of 2 points for being able to microwave a ready prepared meal sounds correct:

a. Can prepare and cook a simple meal unaided. 0 points.

b. Needs to use an aid or appliance to be able to either prepare or cook a simple meal. 2 points.

c. Cannot cook a simple meal using a conventional cooker but is able to do so using a microwave. 2 points.

d. Needs prompting to be able to either prepare or cook a simple meal. 2 points.

e. Needs supervision or assistance to either prepare or cook a simple meal. 4 points.

f. Cannot prepare and cook food. 8 points.

With a MR you should put it in writing, saying where you feel you should have gained points, & why. Put your name & National Insurance number on each page. It will take about 12 weeks to get a decision about this, tho you may get a phone call asking further questions after the DWP have received your letter.

[Smithy32 in reply to CM1EDSUK]

Sounds like you know what you're talking about. I should be grateful for what I have been awarded. The enhanced mobility is a great help to be sure

[Smithy32]

Thanks I'll take some advice but think I'll probably leave it

[CM1EDSUK]

There's little risk of any current award being reduced, tho unfortunately the success rate of getting any change with a MR is low. However, if you then appeal, the success rate is about 70%.

[Maud-ie]

I take your point but I would personally leave it at that.

[Queenielot]

Hi to you I would leave it alone has CM1EDSUK its stressful going through an appeal and we suffer enough without adding to it merry Christmas to you x

[Smithy32]

Thank you I have decided to accept the award as is, I haven't lost my marbles yet and won't pretend I can't do what I can as I'm not like that. It's the mobility award that I needed most.

Thank you, happy Christmas and all the best for 2023

[Puddywoods]

Yes you should appeal, I can prepare my own meals sometimes with aids and got the enhanced, I have very weak hands due to the Fibromyalgia and CTS but I will use things like gloves with silicone grips on them , think of everything you have to do to get that meal out of the fridge, transport to microwave, open the door, put meal in, close the door, press the buttons, open the door then get it out, it is about the aids you may use and how it can make you feel ie can you stand at wait for the microwave to finish or do you have to sit down, do you feel vulnerable using the appliance when your alone etc.

Good luck.