Duped at PIP Consultation.

[mole147]

I went for my PiP consultation and I told the interviewer how my condition affected me on a daily basis. She was a very slow at typing and had to keep stopping me to catch up, I am sure she was not taking in everything that I was telling her. At the end she asked me if I was prepared to take a physical examination and that I did not have to if I didn't feel up to it. She also told me that the physical examination would not affect my PIP claim in any way and was only to give her a better "picture" of my condition, this I am afraid to say was a total lie. I explained that my main problems were my ankles and wrists. I can use my wrists with some discomfort but it is impossible to put any load on them, lift anything or move them at certain angles. I cannot cut hard food up or lift a kettle safely. I cannot walk that far but can do more than 50 metres. I was only seeking to claim the daily living allowance and not the mobility allowance.

My claim was turned down mainly on the physical examination, stating that my pinch grip was adequate and that I was observed handling some documents and signing my name. I could also touch my shins which meant I could wash myself adequately. I did not use adaptive cutlery which meant that I could cut up my food, I either have stir fry type meals or my Wife cuts it up for me. Anyway I could go on and on. I asked the DWP to reconsider explaining my reasons by letter and going through all the questions and the points I should have been awarded which was a total of 16. I have just received a letter saying that I will still not be awarded anything and if I want to pursue the claim I will have to go to a tribunal. They are basically saying that I am a total liar, they do not seem to grasp the concept that the problems I have, concern any pressure or load on my wrists which makes certain actions impossible. I am 64 years old and I have never claimed any benefits in my life before. I know that my condition is not as bad as some other people have to contend with but it does affect my daily living. What do I do now? Should I go for the tribunal or give up?

[bella-bailey]

Hi mole47 I haven't had a pip but I would think it is on the way at some pont, I already have disability allowance and mobility and have all that to come. My only advice I can give you is maybe to go and see Citizens Advise to see if they can help you at all, but I certainly wouldn't give up x

[bella-bailey in reply to bella-bailey]

ps I had to go for an ESA Assessment.I was retired from NSH 18 years ago through ill health now they want to see if I an am fit for work. I am now awaiting to see what the outcome is. x

[andy9131 in reply to bella-bailey]

Hi if your going for this and can walk and talk then your fit for work. I had this after I was given medical retirement from my employer, I had a letter from consultant, gp,works doctor and an independent doctor all of which they ignore take all AIDS with you or even put them on its an absolute disgrace the way they analyses you it's as if your lying be prepared

[bella-bailey in reply to andy9131]

Wow ty for that i have already had mine so will have to wait for the outcome.Did it take long for you to get an answer? Andy.x

[andy9131 in reply to bella-bailey]

Think I got reply within 10 days stating you are fit for work

[sylvi]

Go for a tribunal and get some legal advice. D.I.A.L will take your case on if you go to them. I got turned down and thats the route i went and it didn't even make it to court. so best of luck.xxxx

[mole147 in reply to sylvi]

I am sorry but who or what is D.I.A.L.?

[sylvi in reply to mole147]

They are an organisation that help people like you who needs help,sorry i can't remember the proper name. Look it up in the phone book darling.xxxxx

[Barrister]

Many years ago I was turned down for DLA and I went to tribunal where I was seen by an actual doctor. It was chaired by a lawyer. I was awarded DLA at that tribunal with no problems at all. I know that was a long time ago but I reckon you've got more of a chance at the tribunal. I was one who was told that my award ( given for life!) would be reassessed for change to PIP early in 2012 but as I was coming abroad I just told them I didn't want to claim any more ( my NHS ill health retirement picked up the slack) so I haven't had to go through the PIP issue but I may have to when I return for good as my problems have increased. Good luck and go for the tribunal. Clemmie

[smithfield]

Yes, you have been given good advice.

I would not give in take it to tribunal after seeking some advice from CAB or as Sylvie says DIAL.

Good Luck.

[Caspiana]

Hello. I'm sorry things didn't go well. As you've said, you're 64 and have never claimed benefits all your life , but I assume you've done your fair share of work and paid your taxes. Now, in your time of need if you feel you need this help for your life, you are well within your rights to pursue it.

I hope things work out. Please don't give up.

Cas xx🌸

[Hidden]

Hi

DIAL stands for the Disability information Advice lines, you can find out more about them on this link:- scope.org.uk/support/disabl...

The most recent statistics suggest that half of the tribunal cases are successful so well worth pursuing - you can see more about this on this link:- disabilityrightsuk.org/news...

Best wishes

Lorraine

[saskia15]

I have had dealings with similar situation. My Husband was dying of Cancer and we had to go to tribunal in the end to get help. Go and see you local CAB OFFICE they can put you in touch with an advisor whole will be able to help you. we got over £4000 back payment don't give up.

[CloudTreeDrive13]

It makes my blood boil to hear how badly you were treated. I bet the interviewer had nice straight fingers wearing shoes from a normal shop and not issued from the hospital. In no pain with a total lack of any comprehension as to how your condition effects you even trying to carry out the simplest of task. Please go for the tribunal - you owe it to yourself. Take care.

[mole147]

Thank you.

[Hidden]

I would take the advice above or you could complain about your medical being misleading or reaply for it get help with the forms stick to your guns i did and got my award

[MrsBones123]

Another source of help too, might be your local Council.

I had a problem with DLA following a back injury a few years ago, and rang the Welfare Officer in the Social Services dept. who helped me a lot.

Just another option if you need it.

So many people these days having trouble with these medicals, grrr! it's not on. Don't get mad, get even as they say.

Keep fighting and the best of luck to you. xx

[mole147]

I know these posts were a few months ago but I went to the tribunal today and was awarded DLA at the standard rate. Quite a traumatic experience but I think it was a fair outcome.