PIP and refusing medical assessment

[Coppernob]

Has anyone refused an 'independent medical assessment' and still received PIP at the rate they think they should? I did this with my last DLA application and was successful, but now that I have to go through the whole ridiculous process again for PIP I'm wondering if I'll be able to do the same. I will have a wealth of expert medical opinion to provide...

[FRreedman]

I understand that if you fail to attend a F2F, then the sanction is loss of benefit, so I would say, if you've got the evidence you need and you tell the truth, don't tell it as you would like it to be but as it really is, then you will get what you are entitled to. It is not worth trying to score points against the DWP, they hold all the trump cards. Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to FRreedman]

Yes I’m sure that’s what I was told too, your claim is closed. You might not get called for F2F, a friend of mine wasn’t (although she doesn’t have RA)

[Coppernob]

Thanks. Actually, seeing as I am past retirement age, I'm wondering if I should be claiming this benefit at all.....

[BoneyC]

gov.uk/dla-disability-livin...

[weymouth321]

I received my PIP claim form one week ago ( conversion from DLA ( low rate care - nothing for mobility ), to PIP2 )

GP written me letter of support for a home medical assessment this time. As last time was kept waiting too long out in waiting room , when I eventually called in walked straight over to couch to lie down ( ignored assessor) as in so much pain and discomfort - and so angry 😠

[attatel]

Hi, unfortunately, you have to go for the assessment. I had a 'for life' award of DLA too, but had to have the face to face. I don't know when you last had a DLA medical, but be aware that the assessment is much more stringent now. I had mine in October and it took over an hour and a half. Make sure you are properly prepared - I recommend Benefits and Work website for really excellent advice. I would also suggest asking permission to record the assessment. The rules about equipment are really obstructive though - I ended up buying two old cassette recorders from eBay. Good luck!