Yesterday the post brought me a brown envelope and the dreaded initials DWP on the back quite a thick envelope and I thought that's it application for PIP refused. Imagine my delighted surprise when I opened it and read the letter I had been awarded PIP for both categories. My husband thought I had had a fall I let out such a yell. It has been a long road since June when I applied finally assessed 18 November and I didn't hold out much hope thought I would have to go to appeal but very glad I don't. Money back dated to June which was a surprise. I would like to thank this sites members for all the information and support it provides I was very nervous about applying as I know many are refused an award only to have it given on appeal and others never receive it at all. To anyone thinking about applying read the threads on here listen to the advice go to Citizens Advice and get there help. PIP is not a gift it is a benefit for disabled people meet there extra living costs and it should not be so hard to receive it. We are not scroungers or sponges but people who through no fault of there own are struggling
Brown envelope: Yesterday the post brought me a brown... - NRAS
Brown envelope
Thank you. I'm so pleased you were awarded PIP without having to appeal. I am working up to applying but am nervous to do so - I would particularly dread the assessment as I get easily anxious at this type of thing and that translates into making me more ill. Anyway your post has helped so thank you.
I had to really push myself to apply as I also have problems with anxiety but the CAB were very good and my husband came with me to the assessment which helped. I did tear up a few times as it is hard to confront the feelings of being useless RA makes me have sometimes I like all of us want to be the fit me not the me who struggles to get out of the house. I hope that get to g this award will help boost my confidence. Please have a go xx
Hi, I was so stressed about the F2F that I went into a major flare. To be honest I think it helped my case. I was awarded enhanced on both categories with no appeal necessary
That's great to read. Treat yourself with some of back money. Congratulations.
Oh doesn’t it feel great when you get it takes a load of your shoulders.... do you know you can get a blue badge now? I have one only use it if I have too ( my worst days) and you may get a reduction in council tax as well. It all helps 😁delighted for you
I applied in January and was told just before Christmas. I was waiting for my tribunal date when I got a phone call to say they were going to award me and as you say back dated. It’s a shame that we have to push and live under a cloud while awaiting a decision. You can’t fake this illness the medication alone shows that. It should be automatic . A good start for the new year 😁😁
Can I ask how you get a blue badge if you don’t need it the majority of the time please? Or does it depend on where you live? I haven’t looked into this because I didn’t think you could get one if you can walk a certain distance. Maybe I need to look it up again 😊
I get standard mobility pip from February- September this year walking was a major problem feet and ankles in a Permanent flare some days 15 yards at a shuffle was all I could do 2 steroid injections didn’t help , physio wasn’t helping awaiting orthotics appointment constant visits to Gp so much stress on my body was having allergic reactions so hospital prescribed an epi pen. All this was written in my support letters by Gp, physio clinic nurse etc. The person I spoke to from DWP when I was awarded was well aware of the nature of flares and as I’m having more bad days than good took this to account. My Fatigue is severe and Physically effects me to the point I can’t drive as I’m a danger so don’t leave the house .When I’m at my best I can mange . I’m never great but I’m having back to back flares so I’m up and down constantly. All this was explained in my pip application. Hoping 2020 is the year I can say I feel well and able to not have to use my blue badge and enjoy walking my dog and socialising again. Using my blue badge on my bad days means I don’t have to worry about parking a great distance away especially at the hospital it’s one hell of a trek and I don’t move at any great speed theses days.
It doesn’t depend on area/region for England, Wales or Scotland Kitty. If you’re awarded the Mobility component at either standard or enhanced rate you're automatically entitled to it. You do have to apply to your local authority for it but you're guaranteed to be issued with one. Like J1707 I don't use mine all the time but it is very helpful the times I do need it.
I don't know if you're aware but you can also get 50% off car/vehicle tax as well if you receive standard rate Mobility. If you receive enhanced Mobility you're entitled to 100% exemption.
Thank you for that information nomoreheels.
Thanks for the last bit of info nomoreheels. I dont think many will know about the car tax. Very interesting piece of info.
Well done!
I do NOT consider PIP a Benefit but an ENTITLEMENT - after all you make ir made regular payments into National Insurance - NI - and, therefore, it pays you back IF and WHEN you need it!!
Yes that’s my thinking.... I don’t get free prescriptions or dental treatment even though my gums have been effected by RD the same with my eyes. I have blood tests every 2 weeks £3.50 to park every time and now only work 1 1/2 hours a day .... feel it should be automatic and not feel like a beggar
I had to stop work on March this year after 32 years as a self employed registered childminder. My husband works part time and he used to arrange his week around my 2 busiest days to help me out with the children. I stopped working because my mobility is now very poor and I felt I couldn't physically carry out my job anymore and be safe to care for the children. I have struggled with having to give up work I loved having children around it was hard work but I received a great deal of job satisfaction and I miss the structure to my day. Financially it has been very difficult and getting the PIP means life will be a bit easier.
Ask the CAB to help you complete the form as they are used to the forms and get the wording right!
Unfortunately nobody sees what pain we feel BUT they also should not say that you do not have this pain!
So pleased for you. Lovely news.
👏🏼👏🏼 So pleased for you huney! Good news, and only what you deserve xx
Great news and its such a relief x
I am just wondering, which others may also be able to answer, did you have to provide information in letter form from your GP.
I have a neighbour who not only has severe RA but also stage IV terminal breast cancer and she was told that she was fit for work. She had previously received both elements of PIP which she said was around £155/week but this has been reduced to one element at £58.20/week. She is supposed to live on that plus £62/week unemployment benefit and she has a 25-year old son living at home who is autistic and somehow she has to look after him - he can't hold down a job and just does odd jobs like retail work at Christmas.
I wrote two letters for her asking for an explanation. The CAB had been dealing with it but then said they could not handle it as the woman dealing with it had left.
She has asked her oncologist for a letter, which I said in the letter I wrote would be forwarded to them, and likewise is getting one from the rheumatologist. However, she cannot take any RA drugs because the oncologist said she should not take them.
She asked her GP for a letter explaining her symptoms and he said he wanted £20 to write it. Her husband died suddenly in his 50s less than two years ago so she is on her own. I did not think a GP was entitled to charge to write a letter to the DWP. She has tried phoning the DWP numerous times but they do not answer the phone.
What I don't understand is that she has terminal cancer and does not have long to live so she won't be claiming a state pension as she is unlikely to live to 66 to claim it, so why are they refusing her both elements of PIP - it is hardly a give away for them. She is now 64.
I told her to stop paying service charges on her flat as the Council ought to pay those as they are classed as housing benefit.
I really do not know what else to advise. She will be dead before the DWP deals with her case.
Delicateinput I would do a separate post so that more people see it and hopefully you will get lots of help 😊
Has your neighbour been given a Macmillan nurse? When you are diagnosed with cancer a Macmillan nurse is normally there to help steer you through the complexities of benefits and home care.
No, I did not know that. I told her to contact the local Marie Curie office and found the number for her. I find it strange that no help whatsoever has been offered for terminal cancer. I have had two good friends who had breast cancer, one of them with a bleak outlook but she passed the 12 month cancer free stage. At no time was either of them put in touch with a MacMillan nurse - the one did not need money but the one who had the bleak outlook certainly did as she had a daughter at school and lived in a rented flat. Aside from that, I have known about 15 women with breast cancer (colleagues, in social groups etc) and none of them mentioned a MacMillan nurse.
I don’t understand that. I have many family and friends who have had cancer and they were all given a nurse. My brother in law had stomach cancer at the beginning of year and a nurse was in the consults office when he was told he had cancer. She was there for support during his treatment and it was she she who told my sister that I could claim pip during a conversation. People with terminal cancer claim a fast track benefit. Ring the benefits office I’m sure they could point you in the right direction.
I can’t believe that such vulnerable people are left to suffer. She is so lucky to have you for support. You are a truly wonderful person.
Hi delicateinput, as others have said, this is a total disgrace, and you need help to sort out this mess. Get on to your MP ASAP, mine was great when I was originally turned down for Pip. Also let one of the newspapers know the whole story, maximum publicity will help.
It's so good that you are trying to help this lady, how on earth can they say that someone with terminal cancer is fit to work???? Never mind RA too.
Let us know how it goes.
I had suggested contacting the MP to her and she said he was too busy as this was just before the election. She was going to try once she had seen who had been elected - I saw her just after the election on the bus. I'll ask her tomorrow.
Hiya Delicateinput. I'd start another post, you've the chance of more members seeing it rather than piggybacking on mjforster's post where it may be missed. I have some info but off to have bloods. Will take a look later on, see if they've already been suggested, if not I’ll gather them.
Thanks, I will act on this. I have been away over Christmas but will give her a call tomorrow.
Hi mjfoster I’m over the moon for you, it’s such a big worry isn’t it especially when your checking the post every day waiting wondering what theyr going to say yes or no ! Your right people who are sick deserve this it shouldn’t be such a weight in our shoulders . Thanks for sharing and congratulations 👍🌹
So please you got your PIP, When I recieved mine my husband applied for the care allowance for me and was succseful with that too.
I think you have to apply personally or ask your GP to do it for you
Benefits and Work /PIP
PIP telephone assessment 
In the proverbial? 
