I'm Devastated - PIP

[jess07]

It has taken over a year to sort my PIP out had a Tribunal hearing on Thursday and just found out my request for PIP has been refused. The tribunal was held over telephone conference call. Absolutely feel gutted and drained with the whole process. I've had a BI for over 15 years after being assaulted. I come across quite articulate to people and appear quite normal but I suffer a lot from fatigue anxiety depression mood swings etc everything you expect from and invisible disability. I found it extremely hard to get that across in the hearing. I just don't know what to do now!

[sospan]

Sadly if you loose the Tribunal hearing the only way to challenge the decision is to prove some procedural or legal error.

It is quite though, I guess the only thing to do is wait for a few years and reapply stating some change in circumstances

[Marnie22]

Hi. I am so sorry that things have been so tough. On Monday, give the Scope helpline a call. They helped me a lot. Their advisors know a lot about this whole area and they should be able to give you some guidance. I do wish you all the best.

🤔🌸

[bexx87]

this is what im scared off and im running around trying to get legal rep but everyone locally is so busy *cries*

I swore so much in the bit that said "why do you want to appeal". I quoted the person who interview me said I was calm HAVE I GOT TO RAISE MY VOICE AND SWEAR DOWN THE PHONE TO GET YOU TO UNDERSTAND I HAVE THE ABLITY TO LOSS MY SH*T and then immediately emailed my local MP, brief explained everything (cc'ed my local headway) and they said just send us everything they have sent you and will can deal with it buuuuuut I havent had chance *twitch*

[guitarlady]

Hi jess07,

I've just read your post and I know it involves cost but an old friend of mine is a solicitor and runs his own business representing people with PIP tribunials. I think his business is called Personal Independence Help and he's based in Wales but travels all over the U.K. His name is Glenn Brooks. Like I say he does charge but from what I've read from the people he has helped he's very nice and helpful and professional. Good luck, just thought this might be of help. Best Wishes, Brenda.

[Pairofboots]

The only way to fight the final result, because that is what it is for many, is to engage a legal representative that knows their way round the PIP system. This will inevitably involve money and a lot of it, great if you win, you can add costs to the other side, but the same counts if you loose, you could end up with their costs.

When I first applied for DLA as it was, I failed, I was advised to start over from the beginning. Second time round I got an award at the lowest level, six months later the social worker requested an urgent review, and the award was increased. Unfortunately social workers no longer have that in there remit.

[Merl1n]

You NEED legal representation. It's a MUST.

DO NOT try to do it all yourself. They will have you burnt out in a second.

Why do I say this? Because I tried to do it all myself. They had me running around seeing dr's, getting tests, scans ETC and then they still said 'No'.

I then appealed with a lawyer, and yes, it cost, but it saved what little sanity I had left AND...

...It was approved.

My lawyer was on a 'No win, No fee' basis, which did cost more when we won. But if I'd used a regular lawyer and I'd lost, I'd still have had the fees to cover and no money to pay.

[stripybutterfly]

Contact the Citizens Advice Bureau ASAP.

They got me PIP in the end.

I also got a report from my Neuropsychologst, that helped a lot.

Don't lose hope, you can try again. But totally understand how devastating and invalidating it is. I'd like them to spend a day in the shoes of someone with a BI.