PIP and Lupus

[July_2019]

Has anyone managed to get on PIP with lupus? I put in an application in September 2019 and I had an assessor came to my home a week before Xmas. I couldn’t go to their allocated office ( I have just had an operation). The assessor seem very sympathetic and showed empathy, she asked to go to the toilet and came back and said ‘oh who did your wet room’? my husband replied we had builders did it for us to accommodate my condition (lupus). I have today (14/1/20) received a response saying they could not award me PIP because I am capable 😳

[Lupiknits]

Ask for a mandatory reconsideration, and a copy of the assessor’s report so you can check your points and know which ones you didn’t collect enough of, based on the assessment.

Then ( with the assistance of a Welfare Rights Officer if you can) go for a Tribunal.

It’s a long hard slog when you’ll be tempted to throw the towel in, but if you deserve the points on the system, then go for it. Add in every bit of evidence you have, which is possible right up to the day of the Tribunal.

I did, and it took well over a year, and less than 5 mins in front of the Tribunal, for the assessment and DWP decision to be overturned. All money owing was backdated and I know get more each month.

I haven’t got Lupus but do have a clutch of overlapping connective tissue disorders.

Best of luck x

[July_2019 in reply to Lupiknits]

Thank you so much, I will request for a copy of the assessment report. DWP said there’s no point for my lupus.

It’s a sham that we have to go through this.

[tiredmum]

I am lucky enough to receive PIP. I took a few weeks to fill out the form and listed how I was on a bad day and how I was on a good day. You need to list every minute detail because it all adds up.

You should ask to be reassessed and go to tribunal. I understand the process is daunting but if you feel you qualify then it’s worth it.

I found even though I couldn’t shower on a bad day or get myself dressed I only scored a few points for this. But because I cannot cook a meal when I am having a bad day or even get to the kitchen I scored a lot higher.

You should have been sent your points system if not ask for it.

The CAB will also help you appeal.

Good luck.

[Lupiknits in reply to tiredmum]

Thanks for adding about describing your worst day for them. I forgot to add that.

[Tbrz]

I had an assessor come to my house and was really sympathetic and so I could not believe it when I received the report as there were so many lies and exaggerations of what I could do. I went through everything on the report (over a couple of weeks, as I struggle with brain fog and shaky hands) and listed everything that was wrong and pointed out correctly what I couldn’t do. You need to ensure that you think about what you can’t do in a bad day rather than being positive, that’s not going to help you. As you know with an auto immune disease and a chronic condition, how you feel can vary greatly from day to day so your bad days are what you refer to. Good luck with it, it’s awful when you already feel horrible and a burden and have had your life turned upside down to be made to feel like a criminal for asking for some help, but that’s what happens when change the rhetoric around benefits, instead of referring to it as social security - sadly the times we live in.

[TM1970]

Well said everybody, I was going to write up my experience, lupus - turned down - tribunal, but all covered above. Good luck, and don’t give up, these assessors are paid £250 for each claim they turn down. Disgusting.

[July_2019 in reply to TM1970]

😳😡that’s shameful! Whilst people are suffering, so it is designed to turned you down?! campaign should be done for lupus to be recognised as a disability in order to put a stop to this nonsense. I have requested for a copy of the ‘so called assessor’s report’ today, they said I should get it in 10 working days. Thank you everyone x

[TM1970 in reply to July_2019]

Worse than that they work to targets..

[July_2019]

😳😡that’s shameful! Whilst people are suffering, so it is designed to turned you down?! campaign should be done for lupus to be recognised as a disability in order to put a stop to this nonsense. I have requested for a copy of the ‘so called assessor’s report’ today, they said I should get it in 10 working days. Thank you everyone x

[Krazykat26]

Agree with all the above!! People have died having to deal with DWP!! They're actually double dealing thieves n murderers in my opinion!! 😔

Having said that..stay strong n keep in touch if u have any questions regarding the process..you r asking for mandatory consideration..that is your right..then u will get a letter to tell u if u still r being refused PIP..n the reasons why. Be prepared for frustration n probably quite a lot of 😠😠😠😠 coz getting the assessors report will probably make u wanna punch that 'nice' lady who came to your home n was sympathetic n understanding!!

U will get PIP eventually..but be prepared to have to jump through hoops!! System sucks!! Rant over!! 😹😹

Kat 😽😽 xx

[July_2019 in reply to Krazykat26]

Thank you, it’s frustrating. From what I have been reading it looks like the assessor has to fail you in order to get paid. This is wrong, especially when dealing with vulnerable people who has a lot going on mentally, emotionally and physically. DWP needs to change that I shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get support.

[Jacko37]

You must ask them to look at your claim again. I got turned down and had 0 points. When I asked them to look again I got the enhanced rate, Don't give up, good luck, X

[svfarmer]

Hi yes I have Lupus, I had to give up work and now I get PIP- all I can say is you must appeal and just focus on the bad days with what you can and cannot do and not the good days - good luck and really hope they award you it xx

[Caramia1964]

I have my PIP assessment on monday, dreading it! I sent in loads of evidence along with my claim forms, focussed on the worst days , and I think its important to stress that you have more bad days than good! I am fully expecting to be turned down given the outrageous system is designed to fail you , but trying to be optimistic at same time. It is dreadful that so many people desperate for help are being denied it! Scandalous ! Fingers crossed! If turned down , like OP , should go for mandatory reconsideration and if still turned down , go for Tribunal! It sucks though that the process takes so long! My friend just got hers after tribunal! Good luck x