Pip MR update

[tubbytomo]

So just got my letter and after sending photos and letters from family friends etc and gp name n address I got my letter back from them they have moved me to the enhanced rate for daily living and kept me on the standard rate with mobility needs ... this I don’t get as it’s my feet that hurt the most so mobility says plan and follow a journey unaided 0 points out of 12 ... moving around means I can stand and then move using a aid or appliance more then 20 metres but no more then 50 meters so I get 10 out of 12 points ..... so these points keep me on standard I just don’t understand this system can anyone help me understand this .... thanks guys x

[allanah]

Think pip is an awful system, always have. Its stressful, full of faults and causes people hardship.

[3LittleBirds2 in reply to allanah]

I completely agree with you Allanah, when we pay out millions to people that don't have to jump through hoops and "prove" their need for assistance..but that's another story!

[opalfree in reply to allanah]

I fully agree with you Allanah - the system is cruel & DWP system needs a total overhaul. The government have adopted “hostile environment” for the disabled!

[bubblyalex]

Might be worth appealing. It is a fraught system.

[opalfree]

Tubbytomo great news on enhanced for daily living, so sorry on mobility side. Take a few days off to clear your mind...Maybe, next week you could try to call PIP, and ask to talk with the decision maker to get better clarification on how they came to this decision.

I know you’re feeling disappointed at the result, but remember all is not lost you can still appeal, but I would get local specialist advice from welfare rights or even CAB to help support you through the process🤗 Steph😘

[tubbytomo in reply to opalfree]

Hi yeh I suppose I could call them again as this is my MR and suppose I don’t want to rock boat I feel like I’ve had to beg t(em for this and looking at the mobility criteria then I’m never going to move up as I can plan a journey....not that I’m planning any soon I don’t like driving out of my local area ...let alone go in motorway or bypass.... too scared lol ...and the managing to get from one chair to another by standing up is just ridiculous.... who can ever get this enhancement,,

[3LittleBirds2]

Hi, Good news that you got enhanced daily care but not so great about the mobility. I know it took me a couple of reviews until they finally agreed that I needed it 🙄 This system really frustrates me as it does others, it needs to be fair to all and needs an overhaul.

[tubbytomo in reply to 3LittleBirds2]

Thanks ...I know it’s frustrating isn’t it that you have to beg ...

[KittyJ]

Apologies if I’m not understanding but are you saying that you can’t plan and follow a journey but they’ve said you can?

[tubbytomo in reply to KittyJ]

Yes I said I don’t go out in my car without a passenger as I got lost and lost all my confidence in car now I’m terrible on directions and I panic hence why I only go local I don’t use bypass or motorway ...but I don’t have mental health issues so they have me on that ....

[KittyJ in reply to tubbytomo]

It’s not you don’t have mental health issues or learning disabilities it’s the fact that you can plan a journey but you’re not confident in not getting lost. It’s not part of the criteria. You can do it, that’s the point. I wouldn’t appeal for that if it was me.

[tubbytomo in reply to KittyJ]

Yes beginning to think that way . Thank you ...they have you over barrel really don’t they ...

[Hidden in reply to tubbytomo]

I too put on my pip application that I only drive locally I’ve lost my confidence going anywhere new even with a satnav. My concentration isn’t what it was . Driving can cause me to cramp up even stuck in traffic on a short journey causes cramp.

My old job use yo entail driving over the country . My life has changed so much

[tubbytomo in reply to Hidden]

Did you get the high rate ?

[Hidden in reply to tubbytomo]

No only standard.I do know someone who got advanced rate for less. It depends on the assessor. I wasn’t prepared to loose what I got I had to fight hard for it. The system is flawed and inconsistent. They make things so difficult and the fear factor is one of their tools

[3LittleBirds2 in reply to Hidden]

100% it depends on the assessor and this is what really frustrates me about the PIP system..plus it also depends on what you put on that blinking form and say to the assessor...it's just so unfair how we have to jump through hoops like this. The recent reassessment letters due to the huge backlog of claims they have while not being able to do the F2F assessments..when someone can have basically the same condition as you and effects but they have decided to review you in say a year's time while others have been given like 10 year awards..I did try ringing them for an explanation but gave up trying to get through. Apologies, for the rant , but the system just frustrates me not just my own situation but for everyone that is refused it or marked down.

[Hidden in reply to 3LittleBirds2]

Rant away I do agree

[nomoreheels in reply to 3LittleBirds2]

It is very frustrating. You may not remember but I was subject to a habitual residents case despite having relocated to the UK within the allocated time before you can claim for PIP. It took countless long phone calls, 8 months of nobody knowing, or nobody admitting why I hadn't received the form to complete. That is until my local Disability Benefits office eventually came clean. I've seen two assessors & yes, it does depend on who you have, it's pot luck. The first was a retired mental health nurse, report had many discrepancies. The second, at my review, was a unfair with musculoskeletal conditions, she'd been a physiotherapist. Report was accurate & award was increased.

[madme1 in reply to KittyJ]

I'm same I only ever go anywhere in taxis or with my husband.

[tubbytomo]

Thanks for your reply and it seems like I’m never going to move from the standard rate then and my payments are until 2023 so I have few yrs left lol I just feel they have wrapped it up so hardly any one gets the enhanced and it was the photos of my feet that was suppose to show them that these are the problem and the fact I’m non weight bearing lots as I keep getting ulcers where the bones are rubbing on sole of foot ... but I guess this made no difference.... don’t want to rock boat though as they haven’t said I need a face to face ...which is awful as they make you do stupid things ... but I will have a think over weekend and see how I feel x

[tubbytomo]

Yeh I think it’s a minefield out there unless you really know the system I think they just expect people to be grateful and shut up really lol ... I am Garth at I have something but it don’t really help at end of month does it ... but yeh as I said too scared to rock the boat .

[madme1]

I had the same sort of experience. I was called on a Friday last year and she said I'm calling you about your assessment review on Monday. What assessment what review. Of course I had not been sent a reminder/letter. Had no idea. Hey presto after the phone call I recvd a reminder then the letter on the Saturday. (next day). Lost over £300.00 a month as on enhanced for both levels. So angry.

[KittyJ]

Mummyroo3 it might be helpful (if you haven’t already ) to have a look at the criteria in more detail with the help of somewhere like the benefits and work website/guides. This will clarify why you didn’t get points for, say, shopping in the supermarket as it’s not one of the components or part of one. I’m not saying the way they assess you is right, but these guides helped me a lot when applying for PIP. 🤞🏻for you.

[opalfree in reply to KittyJ]

Mummyroo3, I know you’re upset and disappointed in their decision, and rightful so🤗

I agree with KittyJ - both benefits & work website/ guides and reviewing the Scope PIP forum have helped me with my claims to date. Have a look at these sites they do explain the criteria very well. Keep fighting - Steph😘

[mummyroo3 in reply to opalfree]

Thank you... and just looked at the websites you suggested - was unaware of these so thank you - they will definately help.

[opalfree in reply to mummyroo3]

I’m pleased you found them.

Take some time read through them, and hopefully they will help you with your next steps.

If you haven’t done so already, contact PIP and request copy of the assessment report - PA4. This will give you better idea, what the assessor wrote. Have a blessed day. Steph😘

[DTyaya]

Honestly, I’d take it to appeal. It has been found more recently that the DWP are actually changing their decisions after the tribunal forms have been filled. However the descriptor of “planning and following journeys” is a difficult one to obtain with a high threshold.

I made my first PIP claim last year (2020) and in Jan (2021) I was given Enhanced Daily Living and Standard Mobility. I sent off a MR in Feb and a few days ago I was informed that I’ve now been given Enhanced on both. I was part of the small percentage to have my decision changed at MR stage (only 17% of people are successful) but you do have a better chance at tribunal (over 70% of people are successful).

Also get advice, help and support and remember PIP is about how your disability/condition affects you. They are not interested in seeing pics, you have to give real life examples on what your difficulties are and what would happen if you wasn’t to have the help of support in place. I also referenced a lot of case law and they didn’t even challenge anything I said because I’d done a lot of reading and got advice. Ensure you understand the descriptors.

Use benefits & work website, advicenow (which gives you a letter template and how to make a PIP appeal booklet) and mse forum to see advice from others. I found these all so helpful.

Good luck with it all. We really shouldn’t have to be fighting for what we are entitled to as it is very detrimental to ones mental health. The system needs to be changed.

[opalfree in reply to DTyaya]

Congratulations DTyaya on your victory, and I fully agree with you, we shouldn’t have to fight to get what you’re entitled to - the system needs changing & total overhaul.

[tubbytomo in reply to DTyaya]

Wow you did really well ... I’m at thinking stage still as not sure I’m going to change there decision and sell I should just be grateful x

[3LittleBirds2]

Yes, exactly very frustrating for you. It took me two assessment reviews to get both the care and mobility elements too. It just frustrates me the way we have to go through this proving ourselves to assessors who have no idea of the difficulties we face and going off tick sheets. I'm genuinely happy for anyone who gets what they need and deserve but for some it's a very unfair system.

[tubbytomo]

So do you think I should appeal on this as I’m dumb founded about the whole metre thing are they saying you can stand up from sofa and walk to the other sofa so you don’t qualify ???? Confused .!!!

[tubbytomo]

Yeh I get what you are saying and I’m sort of thinking why rock the boat they have recognised my disability I suppose and it’s not getting better is it I’ve got it for life unfortunately it’s aggressive so I’m 6 months it will be worse plus need foot and hand op by early next yr so that will change it I won’t be walking for 12 wks min then I have to recover after that and then physio and no guarantees it will actually work that’s why they keep putting it off hand so bad now no grip and very painful so have feeling they will stop my Benaparli injections like they did last time as the cost out weighed the result I had to beg to be put on them as I felt a little relief was better then being on tablets without injection I’ve not seen RA consultant for a yr just been phone. He will be shocked when he sees my foot and hand as I’ve taken photos of the damage over the months so he will be seeing them lol ... I need to think on this and thanks for the advise ... this all really helps xx

[Hidden]

Hi. i’m sorry you didn’t get your PIP, I am aware how angry and upsetting it must make you. Ask for a copy of the HP report. also get some advice. The decision makers at DWP do not usually know the law they are paid to implement.

You won’t get point for ‘planning’ unless you have a learning disability. To get enhanced mobility you need to be able to move ‘over 20 metres’ ON THE MAJORITY OF DAYS. Without subsequent exhaustion/ pain etc.

Get support it is a minefield.

Also, if you are recently diagnosed they will give a max of a 2 year award.

Good luck x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I meant less than 20 metres.... doh!

[tubbytomo in reply to Hidden]

It’s my feet which are the problem so any movement on them is painful as I have to walk on my heel to get anywhere and I sent themPhotos of my foot and the problems I have with pressure ulcers on ball of my foot so I was suprised they said it was standard rate still

As I know people that have got enhanced and not as bad as my feet ... think it’s pot luck .

[tubbytomo in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for this advise not sure what HP stands for as not used to this and do I ring and ask them to post it to me I wasn’t even aware I could fight this again ....

[Hidden in reply to tubbytomo]

HP is ‘health professional’ which is the term they use for the Assessors. Ask for a copy of their report and then go through line by line and state why it is wrong etc.

[Hidden]

My first PIP award was for 5 years and they reviewed after 1....

Another reason to get your HP report as it should state your ‘review date’.

[Hidden]

They can take the whole award away if you contest, so it’s up to you whether you want to take the risk. Maybe just start gathering all your evidence now...

Totally up to you, but the system is incredibly arbitrary xx

[tubbytomo in reply to Hidden]

Yeh I got to thinking no point rocking the boat I’mGetting something so I should be grateful I suppose . X

[Hidden]

The DWP are a law unto themselves unfortunately x