DLA/PIP

[RobertPicken87]

Hi guys,

So this week coming I’ve been informed that I have to go for what they call a PIP “face to face” assessment, as i get mine for my Hydrocephalus. I’ve been receiving PIP ever since i was a child even going back to when it was known as DLA (Disability Living Allowance), and 5 years ago (as it’s reviewed every 5 years allegedly) I went through hell..

The clowns at DWP (I’m not going to hide my distain for them) did a face to face and the woman doing it told me “You look fine” and they tried to take away my PIP.. which then ultimately snowballed and got real nasty really quickly. Anyway to cut that story short, there was a lot of medical experts on my side and the judge awarded it me telling me I shouldn’t have had to go through all that

Fast forward 5 years and here we are again, although i am prepared and my wife is coming with me with all the previous evidence from Neurologists, my consultant at Southampton and SHINE Hydrocephalus.. I’m still uncomfortable and stressed about this. The judge was right last time I shouldn’t have to go through this and although it’s no until Wednesday it’s stressing me out. I’ve got to cope with my Hydrocephalus for the rest of my life and DLA is my main source of income, so without it I’m screwed. I just don’t want to go through what i went through last time, it really took its toll on me with the appeal, the waiting, the judges and courts etc it’s really not a nice experience and it destroyed me mentally last time.

[BenjiB]

I’m sure it will be fine. Try not to worry. I had to take my son for a face to face too and he’s completely non verbal and doesn’t even understand basic questions so I do believe it’s random who they choose.

[RobertPicken87 in reply to BenjiB]

Hopefully.. I think it’s just how bad the process was last time that’s worrying me. They didn’t even know what hydrocephalus was, and it was really upsetting when they took the pip off me and i had to fight for it

[BenjiB in reply to RobertPicken87]

Agree it's difficult. Had many tribunals not with PIP but with education and getting things funded. Pip is assessed on how a disability affects someones life rather than the actual diagnosis and everyone is different so they do have to reassess periodically.

[Mybestfriends]

I wouldn't worry, apparently things have changed, actually assessors should now have medical knowledge, be in the health care employed system, I believe they were just anyone years ago, when my adult Son first got assessed for PIP, we also had "you look fine & can talk" we appealed & then had to ask for a Mandatory Decision. Got his PIP in the end. So many of us complained. Good luck & I would say, I hope you have knowledge on this before we start.

[RobertPicken87 in reply to Mybestfriends]

I’ve got plenty of aces up my sleeve if it goes south.. I’ve been in touch with my neurologist who’s drafted me a letter in the post and been speaking to SHINE Hydrocephalus constantly, so I plan on taking the medical letter with me

[Mybestfriends]

Well done, Preparation is Key. You'll be fine. Keep strong💪 lol

[RobertPicken87]

morning everyone just thought I’d send a quick update this morning now I’ve had some time to decompress and process everything.

It wasn’t a great experience and the “healthcare professional” didn’t even know what Hydrocephalus was🤦🏻‍♂️ and when my dad asked them if their case manager (who makes the decisions) was medically qualified, she said “I can’t give you an answer on that I’m afraid”.