Going further than a mandatory decision

[annie0261]

Hi all,

I recently had my PIP assessment, and it was a year early?

I have now been awarded the full Mobility allowance, but the lower rate for living allowance. I have been on the higher rate for about 7 years now, and as my condition has worsened and I take even more medication, I don't know why they have done this.

I applied for a mandatory reconsideration and they stood by their first decision. I wasn't going to take it any further, but that little bit of extra money pays somebody to do something for me, that I can't do myself. The only problem is, I've been told I might lose my Mobility allowance if I appeal, and although I don't actually drive that much anymore, my car is my little bit of independence also, I don't think I would be able to stand up in Court and defend my right to this money, as I get extremely anxious and I shake! In these circumstances, I feel like I am going to have a heart attack!

Has anyone who has taken this appeal further got any advice to offer?

Has anyone taken it further, and lost their mobility allowance or visa versa?

Would it make a great deal of difference if I didn't make an appearance?

I have tried to contact the CAB but unfortunately both offices have closed in the surrounding villages, and the closest one to me is Shrewsbury - and it's quite a distance away.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Hidden]

annie0261, where do you live? As I'm in Telford, my nearest CAB is in Wellington, open 7 days a wk. One day a wk they have a drop in, no appointment needed.

Ruth

[annie0261 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I've just been talking from someone at 'Scope'. I was told that if I take it further to a tribunal, then all my points are taken away, and I start from 0. Then it's a chance what I will be awarded by the tribunal, and I may be awarded even less than I have been by the DWP. It almost feels like blackmail. Again, thank you for that x

[Hidden in reply to annie0261]

Mind boggling it really is 😩

[annie0261]

For the next 3 years although, I only had the last award 2 years ago - they assessed a year early, so potentially that 3 years could be 2!

[Junebee]

I was given full care but standee mobility as I can't get past the 20 meter rule even with doctors letter I took advice from dial and was told they could reduced point on both so l left it till my next medical in two years but again it will be done s year early I don't know how this system is fair I know someone that can dance a jigg and walks every day but gets full help and care

[annie0261]

Thank you.

[annie0261]

I don't think it's fair either. I too know somebody who says he has back pain and can hardly walk, he gets his medicine monthly, but never takes it! My Son has a caravan and he takes me there sometimes. The person in question goes out drinking every night, and I'm told he's up and down to the bar, and jigging on the dance floor. He filled in his forms, and they extended his benefit for 5 years, and he didn't even have to have an assessment - now tell me how that makes the system fair? I probably haven't filled the forms out good enough however, I provided lots of medical evidence to prove how my illness is progressing and it still wasn't good enough.

[Lamps]

Cold hearted tories !!

[Spooky]

Hi Annie, well I was awarded enhanced care which I didn't get on DLA and standard mobility where as I got the full amount on DLA. I went through the mandatory recon and then appeal. Yep like you upheld, I did go to tribunal, paper based not oral, I was going to do that but the friend who was going to go with me wasn't available so I switched. The hearing went ahead on the 23rd of last month I think, they decided 'in the interest of justice' that they should, about a week later I got a letter telling me that they had found in my favour so now on the enhanced level for mobility too. Nerve wracking I know, 12 months of it as it doesn't happen quickly, and I was tempted many times to back out I won't lie lol, but sticking with it definitely payed off!! Whatever you decide to do, all the best Annie, we shouldn't be being put through all this stress!!! xxx

[annie0261 in reply to Spooky]

Thank you x