Opening sentence by assessor I was well kept suitably and smartly dressed for the weather and obviously has no problem dressing. (Pull on clothes no zip no buttons) Please when has being nicely dressed mean your not well. ( the day my mother was dying she wanted her hair brushed and lipstick on)assessor was told in bad days my husband had to do up my bra and put my shoes on and off.
I could touch my toes while sitting down. Low seat and I have long arms.
I could reach the coffee table to get a letter. Coffee table was less than an arms length.
Could grip a letter. She was told I often drop the milk on days when hands are swollen and stiff. Grabbed my dog because she was terrified of dogs.(wish I let dog jump up on her)
Told her of chronic fatigue and days when I couldn’t leave the house or walk the dog especially on uneven ground. No mention of that in her assessment or the fact I can not work full time and now only work 1/12hours a day.
She said I was only bad 2 days a week or maybe 1day a month. I told her if I get 2 good days a week I was lucky most of the time I’m lucky to get 1 day a month. she said I could make eye contact and understand her questions. Didn’t realise being mentally incompetent was part of RA symptoms.
I could go on there were so many spelling mistakes.During my interview she kept going on and on about my address wasn’t on her sat nav and she ended up miles away. Oh and apparently I have a nice house.
I'm sorry. It must be so annoying to not be understood, or misinterpreted rather. Did you ask here for help, tips & do's & don'ts?
Well, next step is requesting a copy of the report & Mandatory Reconsideration from the DWP. You only have a month to do this, or if you can gather together further written medical proof & takes you near the cut off date you can request an extension, this is usually a couple of weeks more.
I wish you all the best in having this decision overturned. As a matter of interest how far off were you having either component? What were your points scored if you don't mind me asking?
Heck! Now I just can't believe the DM gave nothing. Definitely start by requesting a copy of the assessors report, this could, no, will reveal vital info for you to start your MR. It might be an idea to contact Citizens Advice to have them take a look at the decision letter & have their take on it. There's one positive in your result, zero points is most odd for a chronic disease. Those higher up know that RD is no picnic so will see through the fact that your reality was engineered such that you scored nothing for either Daily Care or Mobility.
If there's anything we can help with just ask. Lots of us have through similar unjust scoring, PIP needs a huge shake up. All the best. Just had a thought, you have been formally diagnosed by a Rheumy haven't you?
Yes nearly 4 years ago coped really well for the most part some bad days but always picked up. Since Christmas I’ve had may 1 or 2 days a week max where I’ve been ok. Started working extra hours but kept getting flares and got to a point where my body said enough and I had A series of really bad allergic reaction. Immunologist told me it was a storm and I needed to cut back on work now working one and half hours a day this documented and letter shown to assessor and sent with my claim form. Would love to stop work but even that little bit of money makes a difference.Had a steroid injection in feb helped with stiffness but not fatigue have been back to rheummy clinic they are trying to get me in sooner to see consultant (waiting since Easter) but can’t get in before August too late for appeal
I see. It makes the decision all the more wrong. As you're not seeing yoir Rheumy imminently & if you haven't already could you submit further info? Do you get copies of the reports from your Rheumy to your GP, or anyone else you see relating to your RD, Physiotherapist, Podiatrist, Nutritionist, your Immunologist or other medical professionals. If you don't you can ask your GP or Practice Manager for copies, if you haven't already requested them they don't charge for the first set of medical records/reports, further copies they can but not if you've not requested them before. Damn I'm so annoyed on your behalf... all is not lost though, keep fighting for what shouldn't be denied, it's so unjust.
Sorry to hear that, but don't give up - it's a long drawn out process but definitely worth appealing. Make sure you have letters of support from your rheumatologist, GP etc.
Lots of people who get turned down initially get their claim overturned at the appeal stage. Been there, got the t-shirt!
Thanks I’ve been waiting for Rheumatologist appointment since Easter as things are getting worse but can’t be seen till August. Need to appeal before that. Gp said I need to see my Rheumatologist for a letter Rheumy secretary said I need to see consultant as things have changed.round and round I go🙁🤬
Oh I see....well without a rheumatology letter it's going to be really hard. Mind you, having said that, I think they totally ignored everything my rheumy had confirmed! Yeah it's stress upon stress, this benefits system. But do persevere, it's easy to think "give up, why am I bothering". Especially as we're ill. Don't give up!!
Thanks will try but they just pass the buck to rheummy who is impossible to get hold of. Have appointment with GP Wednesday to update why my fatigue is getting worse and how by Achilles tendinitis and perineal tendinitis is doing had 4 days off work last week still limping .
I have a wee sheet I made up myself, it takes me under a minute to complete each day, I therefore have a record of my sleep, stiffness, aches, state of joints, general health, mobility which goes back 2 years. It shows a steady deterioration in my condition.
Also focus on your bad days when explaining, so 5 poorer days per week, rather than 2 good days, the assessors hear what they want to hear.
As for spelling, there was a government investigation a year or two ago, 1/10 DWP reports were so poorly written /had so many spelling mistakes they had to be redone. Further training was advised.
Frankly, in my view, if you can't spell and write a report , you are not fit to assess. I correct all mistakes; pronunciation, spelling, misinformation in letters...whatever....
At least you know what you are up against now and can tackle it head on. I wish you well.
Sorry to hear about your pip claim, it makes me feel so so angry 😡and that's an understatement, I find it absolutely disgusting 🤢 at what we have to go through, people with life long conditions, suffering not only with debilitating pain, but also the everyday battle that comes hand in hand with our disease, having to feel humiliated, and having to justify yourself for being born with this disease and how it affects your daily life, I got a copy of the report, like you, things in there like Average build. Does not look tired. Well kempt. Casually dressed. Looks well. Did not appear to be trembling. Normal complexion. And it goes on!! Can anyone tell me what trembling and my build and others have to do with RA, well I need to calm down now as I am getting anxious about it again,
I wish you all the very best, don't give up, I'm not gonna give up, I will fight it all the way.
Thank you for your support will let you know how things go .
It’s so personal your appearance etc I feel these assessors are jobs worthy. I know mine took an instant dislike to me because she got lost and was stressed.
My friend didn't get her PIP either, the assessor wanted to finish early as it was the departments Christmas lunch. She actually vocalised this ! She got it on appeal.
in reply to
I just wanted to add that I went for my pip I was unshaven for a couple of days and scruffy. If I cannot have a shave myself my new partner does it for me same goes for getting dressed and we have a full time nurse who is also a nanny/career and I am now smart most days. Better not let her dress me on my next assessment
Do t give up
Please keep us updated on your appeal
in reply to
Will have to leave the legs hairy next time 😂😂😂😂😂
in reply to
Yes do it
It makes me cross as I am sure people out there scam the system yet genuine people in need cannot get assistance
I agree its so annoying when people say how well you look when you feel absolutely spent..amazing what a bit of lipstick and smart clothes do when you make an exhausting effort ..only those who have this disease understand how debilitating it is.
J1707 dont give up and don't stop looking nice...my motto just cos you feel like crap you don't have to look like it..well most days anyways. All the best
These people make my blood boil !!!!😤😤they don't know the first thing about this bloody disease and how it affects EVERYTHING! in our daily lives😲 !!!! Do they think we all have to go around scruffy and live in pig tips because we have RD!! Seems to me shes judging a book by its cover! Shame on these assessors, they need to walk in our shoes for a day and find out how difficult everyday life is.
Good luck with your appeal!!!! Another battle to fight, as if we need all this crap! 🤗 X
I really know what you mean..I haven’t applied for any benefits....but apparently as my granny would have said “My looks belie” me. No matter what I go to my GP for they nearly always say....”you look very well” & try to hustle me out the door.
Of course I b...y well look well! Been up since 5 am washing hair etc....as no matter how ill I feel...my pride will not let me go out looking like a slob.
Please do try to calmly fill in the appeal form,& make sure you refute every slanted untruth the assessor wrote down. I believe the CAB have personnel to help you appeal.
Please correct me if I’m wrong...but wasn’t it stated here that assessors get a bonus for every claim they deny?
Maybe if I ever do claim...I will receive the assessor reclining on my bed, wrist splints in situ, coughing a lot, no makeup & packets of drugs lined up on the bedside table? Oh yes.... plus last night’s dinner tray on the floor......because I can’t bend down to take it to the kitchen. ( I am ashamed to say that has happened.)
I don't mean to make light of this subject...but with 90% of assessors seemingly knowing nothing about RD...what can be done to stop these applications being denied?
I wish you well with your appeal, please try not to let it get you down too much.
Thanks I like your sense of humour. I’m calming down. Next assessor I get I’m going to borrow my dads dog 🐕 who is a nutter nothing like my calm friendly greyhound 😂
Oh I live near a greyhound rehoming centre...I previously thought they were highly strung & snappy...but I now know they have lovely natures.
I’m glad you are able to calm down...... if you get an evil assessor next time I’d make sure she was sitting somewhere you don’t mind getting wet and manage to drop a cup of tea in her lap ...”oops hands just drop things you know” not too hot...or she’d sue you...just enough that she’d have a nasty damp drive home!
I think even the Minister responsible for the appointment of the companies who employ the assessors knows the whole system is not fit for purpose, but has B all idea of how to fix things.
I spoke to somebody thinking of applying for an assessors job...but on speaking to the private company advertising the post she said it was obvious their one goal was to deny applications ....they kept emphasising how many fraudulent claims there were....& how assessors had to be “vigilant”....but I understand government published figures put those claims at something like 3%!
Bizarrely, the people they appoint on the whole appear to have no idea how different illnesses/diseases/or age need very different kinds of help...one size cannot apply to all.
Although I don’t (yet) need to apply for any allowances I often wonder how people of 70+ ever manage to get an attendance allowance. I had a relative in her 90’s who was refused because “she could feed & dress herself” But how she was supposed to get the food to cook or buy the clothes to wear ..she had not left her house in over 10 years...was not considered on the questionnaire. The assessor was about 20 years old & very obviously didn’t understand the questions she was asking.
Sadly by the time my relative was actually granted an allowance...after the waiting period of 3 months she had to go into a nursing home,& never received a penny.
But I honestly can’t see things changing favourably in the near future.....so manipulation will become more necessary.
Doesn’t sound like her report is in any way representative of what you actually said as well as opinionated & ill informed about RA. I expect you’ll find the same if you request the full report when you go for mandatory reconsideration; I would put in a separate complaint if so as well. I did.
I included the short description of RA on the back of small nras cards. Also if you email pals rheumatology advice line & request copies of all letters sent to your GP, they should oblige as is your right. It’s your body & you should be kept informed.
Tbh I thought GPs should provide these under GDPR anyway (mine are good).The nras pip booklet has very good advice too, if you haven’t seen it. I did all the above, and yes it is stressful when you’ve already spent ages on an honest response but you’ve got nothing to lose. Don’t mean to sound terse, just trying to put what I found useful.
I really do feel for you: I spent first year of RA feeling awful as we all do, yet having to apply for ill health retirement, pip, and mandatory recon. for esa whilst my mum was terminal. I didn’t think i’d get any of them and can’t believe I coped with hindsight but so glad I did it now. Very very Best of luck xxxx
Sorry you're going through this. I know 1st hand that the assessors only write part of what is discussed and very selective. Mandatory reconsideration is a must, they are currently on a 10week turnaround from receiving letter...I'm currently 8weeks in😤.
I have recently just requested a pip form. My dad gets DLA and was telling me that initially they refused him because at the DWP offices, one of the official workers knocked his hat down deliberately and he gently leaned down to get it, so they refused him on that. He appealed and it was granted. My dad was advising me the other day to go to the DWP under dressed and looking unkempt. I told him that that sounded absurd and surely, the assessors wont be looking at what I wear! After reading your post, I am truly shocked and now reconsidering how to go about this?
I say appeal and see how far you can take it. It’s unfair that some people I know, their situation is not half as bad as most and yet, they get pip and without any problems too. I had a rheumy appointment 2 weeks ago and I mentioned my intention of applying for pip, he just said that one of his colleagues write up letters for a small fee. My Dr was a locum so I didn’t say much to him. A fee days later, I received a copy of my consult in the post which did mention that I needed help with jobs around the house- don’t know if that is sufficient though. Good luck and I hope you do appeal and it gets granted.
I had letters from physios chiropractor. Copies from consultations with an immunologist and when I had a large synovial cyst drained from wrist photo of said cyst
Photo of my hands so swollen that I had my rings cut off. My assessor never mentioned that or that my husband was with me and often chipped in when questions were asked if he felt I had left something out. None of my negative responses were recorded. I would love her job paid a good wage for doing sod all and making it up .
I once read about someone who had an assessment for some sort of benefit that he wouldn't wash or sleep for two days before his assessment and turn up in the most scruffiest clothes he could find so he looked really bad. He always got his benefits. They should judge people on how they look.
I applied last July and had an almost identical response to you.I asked for a re consideration and nothing changed but I decided to go to appeal because the report was not factual.
The assessor stated I could stand from squatting,that I could touch my shoulder with my ear....neither of which I was asked to do.
They said I was dressed well etc and that I walked 10 minutes from car park to work......I had actually said the car park was 10 minutes away and work had given me a temp pass to park closer.
What was more frustrating was that 3 days later I had an assessment for a blue badge.....similar assessment only more exams ,including squatting,ear to shoulder and actually walking with the assessor to my car. Awarded the badge !!
I have my hearing in July..over 12 months since my application 😡
Don’t give up,I know it’s stressful but you can see from here that the assessment certainly aren’t around individuals
You do not need a letter from your rheumy. If you are not seeing him for another two months, put on your form that you are waiting for a further appointment to see your rheumy because your symptoms have got worse, and he needs to examine you, in order to offer any form of treatment benefits, but, unfortunately, due to his pressure of work, he can't see you until August/Sept or whenever.
Further the fact that you have nil points, is actually an advantage rather than a hindrance!!! How can someone with a chronic illness receive zero points (It's a joke) Appeal, Appeal, Appeal.
I had the exact same thing. I was told because I was able to carry a handbag with me and I was able to communicate with the assessor I was fine. Even though I've had to start paying extra money for an automatic car, had to adapt my whole home at my own cost. Lost faith in the system completely. I appealed and still no help.
I became a member of the website Benefits & Work when I received my application for PIP, the help they provided was immeasurable. I think it’s £20 annually, but worth every penny and more. They are acutely aware of the issues faced and provide advice every step of the way to obtain a positive outcome. Wishing you all the best for your appeal.
What is PIP? Is it like Social Security Disability in America?
I know over here they hand it out like candy!
It seems they give it out if you have a hang nail! No joke!
After seeing so many people on just the Judge Judy show who are receiving Social Security Disability for the littlest thing when they can obviously do some kind of work blows my mind!
If there is THAT many receiving just on Judge Judy, can you imagine how many there really are?
It is insane on how many are receiving it!
1 in 19 Americans are on receiving taxpayer funded Disability!
The program is set to pay out almost $124 billion in benefits this year.
This is the reason why the aging population getting ready to retire will NOT have regular Social Security benefits available to them soon. The program will be broke by 2035 from so many takers & not enough workers contributing!
pip is a benefit that is supposed to help those with chronic illness. It is not means test and you can work full time and still claim. SUPPOSEDLY!!!!! You apply with proof of illness if you qualify you then have a independent assessor interview you. Mobility etc. My assessor could not have medical qualifications as she would have understood that the disease is not a constant mobility problem but the flares fatigue are what makes this disease and the fact my working hours are down to the bare minimum made no difference.
That’s really sad. It’s happening in Australia too but they have tightened up on getting disability.
It’s more based on mental health so there you go. So many with mental health issues and the people with physical disabilities are dismissed. People who have lost limbs in accidents are denied disability pension but someone with depression or traumatic stress or drug or alcohol addiction can.
This also impacts the aged pension hence it’s creeping up to 70 now. For goodness sake, can you imagine a 70 year old cleaner or carpet layer. Bloody disgraceful, the whole system stinks and people with disabling RD Should never have to justify their illness, like previous comments it affects every part of life and yes, who would take potent drugs that make you sick and maybe help you if they didn’t need too. Seems he who knows the system and cries loudest is heard.
Always add the affects this disease has on our mental health as it does.
So sorry to hear this, you must appeal. To get zero points is just ridiculous. Can you manage to get to the office of appeals rather than the new assessor coming to you, if so use your sticks or crutches to walk in very slowly that's what a friend of mine did and she laid it on a bit thick seemed to do the trick she got her PIPs.
I can't see why being turned out well and being compos mentis has anything to do with it, yes it makes your score lower but not zero, when I went to the assessment centre for mine I was the best-dressed one there I got 4 out of 10 points for it, and a compliment from the assessor. I had no covering letters sent in with my application as I didn't have any I just sent them my Drs and consultants details. I got minimum PIP, but I do have diabetic neuropathy which may have swayed it as my left foot has no feeling, as does my left wrist.
It's sad but, unfortunately, not surprising. I have been unable to work for some time due to RA and other health issues and I have been subjected to various assessments and investigations. My experience is that most of the assessors are just not up to the job, they don't listen, they misinterpret what you say, and, in some cases, their reports are a complete work of fiction. And then the DWP wonder why they lose so many appeals. I believe that the whole process is deliberately designed to wear claimants down so that they don't have the will or the energy to appeal but please make sure you do as, from the sound of things, you will almost certainly win. Good luck.
I had an assessment last year, my illness' had progressed and medication was a lot stronger. Regardless of this the assessor who visited my home (a paramedic on an ambulance who was doing assessments part time) mentioned that I looked well nourished, and well dressed! - my Daughter-in-law had helped me dress previously. He also mentioned that I drove a manual car a minimum of twice a week - I honestly don't know where that came from as neither my Daughter-in-law or myself mentioned that. We did mention that due to medication I couldn't drive very much, and was driven most of the time
Due to his assessment my money was reduced, because I looked well nourished - so obviously I managed to feed myself, and if I could drive, then I needed to use cognitive skills, and had control over upper and lower body movement.
I appealed a) because my Daughter-in-law is my carer and cooks etc. for me and b) because I didn't say the amount of times I drove a week, and my car is automatic with the gear change on the steering column. So I appealed. Needless to say I was refused the reinstatement of my money.
Because I needed the money that had been taken from me, I decided to take the matter to Tribunal I waited over a year to be heard and I must say I was so anxious about going to Court. I nearly cancelled the whole matter on numerous occasions, and in fact thought I had been forgotten about as I didn't hear anything for a long long time - so just left it. Then I received a Court date! Again I went into panic and anxiety mode. It went to Court and the Tribunal ordered in my favour. I was so relieved.
So again I say appeal! Go as far as you can, and remember - as I was told, you can claim as many times as you need to.
From reading lots of peoples appeals etc., and the statistics hitting over 70% in favour of people having the DWP's decisions over ruled. You have got nothing to lose, and a lot to gain. x
Good grief! Having a nice house should not have a bearing on your application. It seems as though that because you had a nice she formed the opinion that you are able to keep it nice and don't need PIP. She seems biased and made up her mind before she met you when she commented on your nice house. She made a judgement without bothering to listen to the full facts. It makes my blood boil!!!
I am absolutely horrified to read all these stories about PIP assessments.
I was fortunate that I applied for DLA at the age of 72, I was granted with few problems. My application contained a Consultants report that I had acute rheumatoid arthritis.
I am carer for my husband who has dementia so he is unable to carry out any household tasks other that make tea and toast and needs to be looked after. .My only daughter lives 125 miles away and no other family nearby to help.
I am incapable of doing housework other that simple tasks so I absolutely need the help to clean, iron and shop online for groceries.
May I suggest that ALL claimants complain vehemently to their local MP ( a letter of email will suffice), and ask them to go directly to Amber Rudd (minister responsible) to report your predicament.
I used to run a campaign on another issue for 5 years and know from experience how effective making a BIG FUSS can be.
This government is absolutely heartless and ruthless.
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Methotrexate on repeat gets rejected by the doctors
DLA to PIP the filthy tactics by the DWP 
