p I p tribunal appeals
P I p benift: p I p tribunal appeals - Pain Concern
P I p benift
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sullivn
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Hi there, I have had a tribunal but not for Pip it was ESA but I have heard they just as brutal as each other (sorry) what I would advise is you have some type of representation not necessarily a lawyer citizens advice bureau can help but what ever support you choose try contacting ASAP and try to provide as much evidence as possible
Good luck xx
sullivn in reply to
I have a slip disc4&5levil also on morphine liquid and morphine patches thanks again for advice
Busybeelady in reply to
What is the difference between pip and esa please? I am really struggling with back pain and work etc at the moment? Any advice would be appreciated?
I work part time now, and took my pension from work a couple of years, ago, but it's no where near enough to be able to retire, I'm in that age group of women who won't get their state pension until the age of 66
in reply to Busybeelady
Hey there, ESA is what the government says you can live on taking into account your special needs after you have been to an assessment which depends on how many points you get, PIP you can claim if your working, signing on, ESA, and working
(mad I know) that's supposed to cover extra finances while you are sick like hospital appointments or travel expenses and again this is a point system so it depends on how you score on what rate you will be put on
hope this has helped it was the easiest way to put so if there's you don't quite get jus let me know good luck xx
Busybeelady in reply to
Ah, yes, I understand now, thankyou, I may try and apply for pip x
in reply to Busybeelady
Glad to help x😀
Hi there you can get pip to send you out a form but advise you to get someone like citizens advise to help you fill it in, there are lots of other places that can help too. Then get signed off sick from work and once the sick pay has run out and your not fit to return to work your doctor will have to sign you off long term then you can claim 🍀
Also while filling out the pip form try and concentrate on how it affects your life, every part of it, in bed, how you feel on rising, do you dress ok? Shower or bathe? Toileting? Go through each aspect of your daily routine, don’t focus on the illness concentrate on its negativity to your life . Good luck
I was the same as Hidden my appeal which I won was ESA.
Google Welfare rights as you will have one in your area. My Welfare rights were great & one went with me to my appeal. It's free.
Good luck
thanks for all your help I have a slip disc l4&5alsi on morphine liquid and morphine patches
You're welcome. I have 5 worn out discs & was on a massive dose of OxyContin & they put lie after lie on my assessment. Don't give up, Welfare rights are a god send.
How much oxy you taking
I'm not taking any now, been off it since March 2016.
I was prescribed 800mgs per day, but this rose over many months to 1500mgs per day due to tolerance.
Did you just quit taking the oxy
No.
It is a long story. I had to do a slow taper due to the amount I was on & the length of time I'd been on them.
I was doing well till I got down to 320mgs per day, that's when my journey to hell really began.
I became severely depressed & suicidal. This went on for months as drug clinics refused to help me, saying it isn't Heroin so we cannot help you. I knew it was Heroin but they still wouldn't treat me as it was 'legal' Heroin. Eventually one did agree putting me on 115mils of methadone (what Heroin addicts are given) per day to stop withdrawals. I've now been off Methadone 7 months but the length of time I was taking the Oxy & the amount, has left me with other long term health issues.
I recently found out I couldn't get the help because addiction to prescription medications are not budgeted for, only the illegal Heroin is. If you need help to come off the Oxy, please message me.
This is highly unusual and probably illegal giving out that much OxyContin . The very maximum they will normally go to is 200 mg of slow release and that is normally reserved for cancer patient's . Giving out 1000 mg is very rare and most definitely reserved normally for palliative care my GP wanted to know whom had recieved these amounts and whom had prescribed it of course it's wasn't for me too say . I only take 160mg and I know it would take nearly a year for me to stop taking them if I could stand the pain sadly I'm in to much pain for me to stop taking strong meds . It was an exceptional effort on one's behalf to get off those levels .
I apologise as this is gonna be a long reply🙄
I honestly don't mind you telling your GP at all as I truly believe that by being honest is the only way I can now hopefully help prevent others suffering what I suffered.
I am always totally honest about all that I went through as I truly believe it is the only reason this stuff didn't actually kill me when it really should have done!
My total 100% passion in life now is to educate not only opiate users, but the medical professionals also who prescribe Opiates.
I know now that the amount I was prescribed is very unusual, but at the time I didn't even know what Opiates were. But I've also learned there are still many others like me here in the UK.
I was just following what my then Dr said. People who know about OxyContin don't believe me when I tell them the amount I was taking per day. I was taking a green 80mg & a purple120mg both together in the end, every 1.5 - 2 hours, if I didn't, I would get what I learned were actually Heroin withdrawals.
I remember one Nurse, after I went to A&E for the first time with what I later learned was Toxic Shock due to my body shutting down from the amount of OxyContin I was taking, when I said 800mgs but actually 1500mgs per day, she was convinced I made a mistake & meant 80mgs per day until my partner confirmed the amount. The look on the nurses face....
I even went to a different pharmacy once while working away, even after the Pharmacist rung my Dr to confirm the amount on the prescription, still refused to give me the amount of OxyContin on the prescription, actually saying to me, "I'm sorry, but I am not prescribing this, as I am not going to be held responsible for your death"!!
It wasn't until I started to research how I was feeling & why my dose kept on increasing due to working initially, then stopping working, that I found out who Purdue Pharma were & why they've been found $1billion to date in law suits. Who the Sackler family were & how almost every state in the U.S are now going after them for causing the Opioid epidemic currently in the USA.
When I approached my then doctor to say that I'd had enough & I wanted my life back, she said that the other dr's at the surgery had been having a go at her at the amount she had prescribed me & wondered how I was still alive!
I've now got over all the anger I felt at the time, as I know she was only trying her best to help the pain I was in.
I lost my job as a successful Operations Manager paying 40% tax, brand new Lexus on my drive, I lost it all.
I have learned so very much about Opiates & how they effect receptors in the brain etc.
I've read so many books about Opiates, I could become a consultant in the stuff 😁.
The reason i was so very depressed & truly suicidal when I tapered down to 320mgs per day from 1500mgs per day, was because my brain had stopped producing dopamine a very long time ago as I was getting it artificially from all the OxyContin.
At 320mgs I was no longer getting the dopamine from the OxyContin as I had reduced it so much & my brain still wasn't producing dopamine. What a vicious circle that was!
Still, over 3 years on, certain things I used to love doing are still to return, but I know they will return one day. I now know this to be called "Anhedonia" which can be caused by Opiate abuse.
Beating OxyContin was truly the hardest thing I have ever had to overcome in my life, but it is because of the amount I was taking over the amount of time I was taking it.
I believe Opiates still have a very important role to play in managing pain relief, as they did help me to gain a quality of life back, in the beginning, but they almost took my life also.
They need to be prescribed & monitored closely, as people in pain do still need good pain relief. In my case though, the higher the dose got, the worse my pain became.
I believe also that due to how it affects the brain at high doses, the mental health issues increase 10 fold, so it is a really bad vicious cycle.
It's good to hear that it sounds like you have a really good doctor & I'm so sorry that your pain is so bad & I really do hope something can be done to help you.
I now believe I am still only here for one reason & that reason is to help others who were in the position I was in, but the drug services turn them away as the government just don't budget for "legal" heroin addicts like me & send us back to the Dr who prescribed the drugs, but dr's are not trained to deal with addiction, again, yet another vicious circle, but all the time this vicious circle continues, we're left to suffer, every second of every minute of every day!!
I am currently volunteering to go into schools to warn about the dangers of substance misuse, both legal & illegal.
Hopefully leading onto going into colleges, Universities & even prisons also.
If I can save just one person from suffering what I went through, then what I did go through will have been worth it.
I really do wish you well & I know what it is like to have pain wear you down both physically & mentally, the frustration that we get because we can no longer do simple tasks that we used to take for granted is so overwhelming!
Because I am in a much better place now mentally, I am in a better place also to deal with the pain.
I know we're all different & what helps one doesn't help another person.
But I really do wish you well & truly hope something can be done to ease your pain.
If that day comes & you do need help to very gradually reduce the Oxy you're on currently, I am here for you.
Take care.
Ritchie.
One is truly amazed at the irresponsible bahaviour of your GP . At my own GP surgery if I say that I'm not coping then my own GP would ask me to see the in house pharmacist whom will discuss all options . The oxy we take is manufactured to be taken at 12 hour intervals to keep levels in ones blood stable and not to create spikes . I myself would like to stop taking oxy but at the pain levels one has to live with its virtually impossible I als use oramorph to cover breakthrough pain one does try avoiding too much of this . It's hard to take in that you were allowed to take slow release oxy at two or three hourly intervals I do not believe that GP showed any duty of care and should be reported . OxyContin is such a dangerous medication taken incorrectly or abused .
I totally agree.
But I have let that go now & put it all down to experience & the fact that I'm so very lucky to still be here.
I am volunteering when able to now hopefully become a drug worker, but my main passion now is to warn about the dangers of opiates when over prescribed.
There wasn't an in house pharmacist at that surgery, but there is at my new surgery.
This same issue in the US that has killed over 400,000 & counting, even though I know it will never get to that stage here, I still want to help prevent just one but I'm not sure how yet, but I'm determined to try.
Good luck
It must of been horrible for you and your family because it affects everyone. I had a similar experience, not as high a dose as yourself but fairly high. I am now on Tapentadol 200mg daily along with co-codamol, duloxotine. Pregabalin and a few others just to manage the pain.
You are very inspiring and I believe that if one wants to get better or improve even a little bit they will give it their all. I however, try and get out and about as much as my body will allow me to. I suffered 5 long years being stuck indoors. It's been 13 years since my op which left me unable to walk and suffered problems with my bowels. I decided to reduce my meds and think positively, which for me worked, not to say i don't have pain, I do, some days worse than others. I am lucky to have a supportive husband who motivates me hugely. I am still under several consultants.
Going into schools and colleges is a brilliant idea and I am sure you will have a huge impact on many many people out there. All the best.
I wish you well.
Thank you very much for your comments.
I have actually just got back from a drug clinic waiting room where addicts go to get their methadone prescriptions etc.
I was asked to talk to Heroin & crack addicts about the service & how it can be improved, then feedback to the clinic. Talking to them brought all the memories flooding back of how I felt at that time as it was identical to what they're now experiencing.
One girl I spoke to wished she had brought her partner with her as he came off street Heroin & is now prescribed Oxycodone as well as OxyContin! She said after listening to what I was saying, is exactly how her partner is now, but he won't listen as it's from his Dr so he says it must be safe, (that sounds so familiar!)
You're correct about what my family went through, the amount of times I was in withdrawals, my partner & parents were constantly worrying. I have to live with what I put them through everyday but didn't realise at the time. It doesn't just affect the person, it affects loved ones even more so.
I've actually wrote my story for SMMGP & DDN & spoken to the commissioner for Public Health England to see if they believe I could help in anyway. Not sure anything will come of it though. I'm currently awaiting a DBS check to go into schools etc & then start the training.
It is actually 4 years ago 2nd July when I went to my new Dr & said I've had enough of constant withdrawals & Oxy ruling every waking minute of my life & want off the stuff. Now been off Methadone 7 months. I refuse to take anything now, apart from B12 Injections, as the OxyContin caused Pernicious Anemia. It took 10 years of my life but I'm now stronger for it.
I still have pain, but I'm mentally stronger to learn different ways of dealing & trying to cope with it.
I'm so sorry you're struggling, it is a constant battle when you're in pain & you will do anything to take that pain away.
I'm pleased your husband is supportive, that helps a lot having someone there for you.
Thank you again for your comments.
Take care. Ritchie.
Thank you for your reply. Wishing you all the best in the wonderful work you are doing. Its so nice to hear of someone turning a negative into a positive. Well done you should be proud of of yourself. Look after yourself too.
Are you on other benefits? Like ESA or anything? Has your GP signed you off?
Will they be operating on you back at all, that's where my husbands first surgery was x
hi how do I get a welfare rights or a social worker can you please help me
If you Google "Welfare rights" there will be one in your area that you can phone to speak to someone. Good luck
Are you on other benefits? Did you take evidence of your condition with you to the assessment?
Can I ask why they said no?
I took evidence to my assessment including letters from my Dr & consultants & they were ignored. It was only at the appeal where they were looked at & the GP there asked the person from DWP why they weren't included in the report. Sad really the lengths they will go to.
I found them to be really good and ESA. I got my PIP and ESA decisions within 2 weeks.
ESA now have medical professionals doing the assessments as do PIP because they kept having these problems. They do mark you down for very silly things like I picked my crutches up not my mum , so look at what you got marked down for and make sure you don’t do those things again. You can ask for a home assessment if your in that much pain
Hi It was ATOS causing most of the problems as we watched one of these undercover programs and the guy went to work in the ATOS office, well oh my god what they were doing was shocking. So at the beginning of the day they would choose who would pass of fail before they had even seen the person. So it was really just a random act and the reason being they failed so many was that they got a nice big bonus for striking someone off of PIP👿
You have to be very careful coz they twist your words they watch how sit look at your facial expressions and sometimes a very random question they were absolute arseholes if I'm honest put me through hell but I won and got a nice back payment 🤣🤣 so I would strongly advise calling citizens advice bureau it's free if your on some kind of benefits they did brilliant for me xx
Itsallinthehips in reply to
Yeah I agree you have to watch everything you do and say and your reaction time to the questions even the way you sit or how long you sit for etc
in reply to Itsallinthehips
If you're really in that much pain, you shouldn't need to 'pretend' - your true reactions will tell them all they need to know.
Itsallinthehips in reply to
I didn’t and my true reaction did tell them everything that’s why I got a decision in 5 days not 5 weeks like most people because they knew how bad I was
in reply to Itsallinthehips
Then I'm glad for you. It's people who lie and pretend to be ill, to get money because they're just too lazy to work, is what's caused them bringing in people like bloody ATOS and the like? 😒
Itsallinthehips in reply to
I don’t really understand how people can lie about not being able to walk or being in pain or medical records etc you can see it in their eyes
in reply to Itsallinthehips
They make me really angry, and I don't know how they get away with it!!! Hopefully, having REAL medical people doing the assessments will make a difference, but if it's just the same forms (yes/no tick-boxes, with questions that are meant to confuse people), we'll be in the same position? The medical assessors will probably be carefully chosen.....? 😒 I wouldn't trust this government until they've been dead for at least 10 years! 😠
Itsallinthehips in reply to
I didn’t actually take any evidence with me, they seemed to know it all already (this was for my esa assessment) and I had two senior physiotherapists there.
Yes no forms don’t work and don’t apply to everyone same as the depression questionaire when I took it I got an extremely high score but it’s only because of my hip and situation it’s like that and I’m in no way depressed lol
in reply to Itsallinthehips
😲😂
Sallyderek in reply to
My brother inlaw lost his and he is seriously unwell and took six months to get a court case😫
lowther1 in reply to
I too won. I went to my tribunal because the assessment was very bad, she lied in her report, i didnt stand a chance. So after a lot of worry i decided to go to my tribunal, i was a nervous wreck until i went into the room. I took my son in law with me, as he had some experience of social work. But the minute i got into the room, and was confronted by 5 people, one of which was sat beside me. i was truthful and explained my difficulties, got cross questioned, but didnt get tripped up. I was a little angry because im an intelligent woman and objected to being treated like an idiot, which the assessment had done. Afterwards i was sent to sit outside while they discussed me. After a while the court lady came out and said the panel were coming out to see me, which is unusual. Well they all came out with my results, they gave me everything and extended to 5 years. As i was getting in the car one of them drove past and waved very surreal. The moral of the story is go to your tribunal, try not to get tripped up be honest but make sure you make them understand your difficulties. If you had a career and worked most of your life. Make sure they know that or if you have been unfortunate and not been able to work also make sure they understand your regrets. get them looking at you as a person and dont let them down talk to you. None of this is easy but please give it a try. Hope this helps at least one person.
in reply to lowther1
Your story is very much like mine, these people really piss me off x
in reply to lowther1
It's a disgrace that we should even be made to go through these types of interrogations! As if we don't have enough to put up with...?!!!! 😡
They even look at what clothes you're wearing. If you go smartly dressed they'll even put that in the notes!
My money was stopped for over 3 months & I was virtually on the edge of being homeless & struggled to buy food due to the blatant lies in my report.
At the appeal, the woman from the DWP actually said: "If your back is as bad as you claim it to be & you struggle walking, why don't you get taxis to all your appointments"
My reply after I almost fell off the chair was: "I'm sorry but, I've just told you how I can't even afford a pint of milk, are taxis free now"!!
What made it for me was when the judge said to her, "I'm asking the questions here so don't interrupt"
If what Itsallinthehips
said is right, it's hopefully now changed where you have people who know what they're doing & actually treat you as a human & not the likes of the robotic idiot I got who wasn't even from this planet.
I do get why they asked you that though, if your saying you can’t walk or get around but then get public transport to the assessment they will make it down, i physically cannot walk at all so I had to get taxis to places or hospital transportation.
But yes all the assessments I’ve been to this year have been done by medically trained people not just someone who took a 2 weeks course. That was half the problem
Ok so Richie had to get the bus but that does not mean he's not in agony. My husband is on high rate mobility and he can walk a little but the quality of that walk is agony 😧
I cannot walk at all or weight bare on my left leg so I couldn’t physically do that and I’m on the lower one
You are on the lower rate my god do they want you to roll around. So far they haven't called Derek in to change him from dla to pip yet but I'm sure it will be just around the corner X
Basically lol I need to have a review as I’ve got a lot worse since my last assessment I was just waiting for my ESA assessment so then I could change it lol x
Exactly same they send a letter ask you if still want to claim and if do must make them aware by certain date and appointment will be made for pip assement/medical.I got letter on Friday it was dated week before and wanted it back by Monday.I called explaining just got form but would post as soon as filled in but please could they give me extra day.I posted on Saturday 2weeks later my disability wasn’t in bank phoned dla said call pip and they told me had recieved form Tuesday so claim was stopped said no record of phone call but even if was they can’t make allowances.They stopped dla for 2 n half months until had pip medical/assessment ( Luckily passed got 0 points at dla assessment !!) they gave back pay but that doesn’t cover penalty charges get when miss bill payments or interest on loan had to take out.PIP are nightmares
My god they make me sick...
That’s awful! When it comes to sending any of them anything I do it special delivery to it gets there next day signed for by someone so they can’t say they didn’t get it in time etc and since doing that it’s helped a lot and covered me and they can’t argue with that lol
I would be careful with the change over my friend wasn’t told about doing it and then they cancelled everything and wouldn’t put her back on it, they except you do change it yourself x
Oh really, I will look into that as he's been on DLA for over 20 years now X
Yeah she was for 10 years ( I mean tbh she shouldn’t of been she was getting £300 a month so like 220 more than me just because she “couldnt” fill forms out herself she has mild dyslexia, but she’s absolutely fine at doing everything and does all her family’s paper work but her mum taught her how to play to system what to say and how to act “dumb” like she didn’t even know what day of the week it was etc)
But she had to change over herself so I would give citizens advice about it as everyone should be changed over by this year I think the cut off is x
I know people like this too and they should be just taken off of it all together. I have wondered when Derek will be called in. At the moment he is in the process of having his spinal chord stimulator sorted out because the leads have moved so he is in a poor old way but he never moans. So we shall be expecting a letter through the post at anytime xx
in reply to Sallyderek
I was like your husband when they changed me from DLA to PIP, and I too was put on the lower rate! It seems that pain levels are not something that has a tick-box on the forms, so is completely disregarded!! All they are interested in, is what you CAN do - to get you off any sort of disability benefits, and into work?!!
I appealed their decision, which took a LOT of reading and preparation, yet even then, I was re-considered and only given the middle-rate! (and they 'lost' the CD of an MRI I had paid to have done, which HAD TO be the original - NOT a copy!!!!!) 😡
I am now considerably worse, so need to re-apply. I dread it...... 🥺
Sallyderek in reply to
Omg that's shocking and the fact that they wanted your MRI originals ... Well I'm gobsmacked. I most certainly would apply again. I actually was on dla for mental health and got called in for my assessment and they actually put up my rate to enhanced, I will say that the anxiety is chronic but I know all of your conditions are too. It's horrendous how people are being treated. There's a site called Care 2 and you set up petitions to bring before the goverment, I think this is something I may do but I will need to see my son in about 2 weeks to help me with it. I will let you all know when I have done it unless there is someone else on here educated enough to do this...as I'm not🙄😂
in reply to Sallyderek
Hi Sally,
Thanks so much for your reply. I have signed some petitions in the past, although the only feedback I seemed to get were for sending them money - nothing about what (if any) effect the petitions had? So I stopped doing it to avoid being bombarded by spam!
Unfortunately, I'm sure it says somewhere in the PIP form-filling 'instructions', that any evidence you supply must be originals? When I complained and tried to find the CD through the Government website, I was told that it was their representatives who'd 'lost' it, and given an address to follow. Basically, I was palmed-off to ATOS, who were as helpful as a fishnet bucket, and didn't have a clue!!! So I never did get it back..... 😡
Yet I'm so glad you got what you were entitled to! Good luck, and please let me know how you get on with Care 2.....? 👍😊
Sallyderek in reply to
Hi there I think you should appeal again and make an appointment with your local MP as they have a lot of clout.
I will let you know about the care2 appeal xx
in reply to Sallyderek
Thankyou Sally. You can PM me..... x
Itsallinthehips in reply to
They basically won’t put you on the higher rate unless your dribbling in your bed unable to brush your own teeth or know what time of day or day it is is basically what they said to me lol
That's just awful when you need a car x
I don’t drive and can’t anyway luckily enough
Well the higher rate would help you get around as that's what it's intended for. Nobody on here should give up the fight if you have severe mobility issues... Go and see your local MPs they are so helpful xx
I can’t anyway I’m bedbound and have hospital transport to take me to my appointments
So it’s just not a huge deal to me but I do want to be re-assessed as I need some changes made to my house etc
It's another £300 per month so a fair bit that could pay for your cabs or petrol money for people to take you somewhere. If you need alterations around the home call occupations health, they put us in a wet room many years ago. They will come and have a chat and see what you need and then arrange to get the works done xx
hypercat54 in reply to
You are right there isn't a question about pain levels but it does come in coz the rules state that you must be able to do something in a timely manner and safely. You get no points for saying yes I can do that, but you do when you say yes I can do that but it takes me x amount of time and I am in pain for 2 hours afterwords.
The forms are very tricky which is why always recommend an expert helping you to complete them. x
And I wasn’t saying it as a bad thing I was just saying that will take that into account that you got there that way so that’s a mark down already etc x
No I know you wasn't saying it as a bad thing and I wasn't really pointing out to you I was more just joining in the conversation... sorry if it came across like that. These assessments are disgusting when the person has all the proof from the consultants. They should be looking at people that don't have that proof yet remain on benefits... I know a few😑
Sorry, I know this is old now but I've only just seen it.
I didn't get public transport to appointments or to my appeal, as the bus journey hurt my back.
I couldn't afford to either as it was an hour travel either way. Luckily my dad took me 👍
My case went all the London the secretary of state had a look and saw something wasn't right it was just full of lies and contradictions so they do put you through it😞
I had an appeal for PIP 2 years ago with the same as you, except I also have discs out in my neck, spondyloarthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and left ventricular hypertrophy. Apparently I can walk up to 50 m without being in danger,I can do it in a timely manner and something else I can't remember. The thing is, I can't! But, they upheld the decision of the DWP and I kept standard rate, losing my Motability car in the process. I have been fighting to get enhanced ever since, so be prepared for a fight; there is always one on the panel who is nasty, trying to trip you up and another who is nice "on your side".
Good luck!
Sallyderek in reply to
That is bloody disgusting👿
in reply to Sallyderek
Yes, you're right Sallyderek , everyone I tell has said so, even the expert who's helping me to fight now. I've got worse since then too, it's a total farce!
in reply to
Yes, I remember being asked at the tribunal, whether I could walk the length of 2 double decker busses? Six out of seven days a week, I can hardly make it to the bathroom, but on a good day (as long as I could hold onto the bus) I could - at a pinch - so I said "Yes"? Fatal mistake!!! 🙄
We shouldn't have to go through all this s**t!!!!!!!!! Even insurance companies will pay out on the strength of a death certificate - they don't ask to see the body????? 😡
in reply to
They're crafty b******s Hidden One day out of seven I can feel great and that makes me do all the jobs I haven't been able to do, which of course the next day I'm floored for at least three more days! They need to learn that everyone has good days and that affects how they act, but 9/10 times they're few and far between. I could go a month feeling complete s*** but then get three days where I think 'Oooh I could cut the grass!' instead of relying on my friend to do it and bam... back to being s*** again!
No, we shouldn't have to, but it's thanks to the ones who have nothing wrong with them, who screw the system, that we do!
in reply to
Spot-on Jayne! 👍
Go get all the help you can🍀🍀🍀
I had really different experience at appeal and I’m so sorry for all your bad experiences.I didn’t want to claim Esa or disability but my youngest child hit 13 and it was that or visit jobcentre every few weeks and go on training courses as I’m unable to walk more than few steps (with crutches) before finding hard to breath and pain and also suffer great anxiety to extent can’t be in crowded place or handle really talk to strangers or handle confrontation I was so nervous 😟 medical was horrendous I came away with 0 points like 0 how? I can’t walk or breath have hoemoglobin count so low have regular transfusions and means my heart nearly bursts out chest when walk too far have nerve damage in legs and back to extent in pain 24/7 but I am very uncomplaining and if not claimed for 8 yrs of having condition even so 0 points?? Disability ( now pip turned down too due to Esa assessment) at tribunal I was claim appeal Esa and mobility section of pip ( I was terrified I had panic attack in waiting room and receptionist ended up take me private room until I was called in.There we’re about 4/5 different people in room Docter,physiatrist,Legal expert ect and they did ask awkward questions but I was just honest and was award esa full mobility and full care allowance ( which wasn’t even claim) and got backpayment which used to buy new mattress and riser chair and few other bits to help (plus pay bills for 3months had zero money because wouldn’t claim jsa.The medical is horrendous they really didn’t care and hope has changed but tribunal I believe if you take as much evidence as can and be honest and yourself right desision will be made.They will ask questions that seem stupid and uncaring but it’s to get to truth of condition and a very high majority of tribunal cases are successful nearly 90% last time I looked.Good luck
hi thanks for your help I was getting p I p lower rate then the d w p followed me I didntknow it was them I knew someone was following me this went on for 1 week on the Monday this car followed me back to my home I was really scared so I phoned the police you can imagine if your on your own and people are filling you this made me terrifed znd scared this was happening in the winter nights iknew someone was following me but did not know why
That’s terrible if was so obvious scared you enough to call police you should put complaint in tell them how anxious and scared made you and if say you were walk better than claim tell them when in fear of your life gives you adrenaline boost.I hate how your not allowed to have a good day.Human body and mind are amazing when your in pain 24/7 your mind learns coping mechanisms you have to or be curled on floor cry/scream constantly so if day comes we’re pain is less I will try to do something.Had good few days not pain free but with meds manageable still needed crutches but went park daughter and grandkids had picnic pushed swing and someone reported me was called in and asked how many good days do you have what can you manage on good days ect if I’d been play football or run round fair enough but was drove park sat grass 2hour then pushed swing (whilst lean crutch one arm for 5/10 min and someone believed that was normal life and I was no longer ill and they needed report me 😢
hi sorry to hear about someone reporting you as I said someone done the same to me was advised by Dr physo pain clinc and pain manag to walk a little so I was walking the short distance they called me in for a meeting and stopped my p I p they said I was using my clutch as a blanket I am o strong pain killers morphine morphine patches etc norproxn ametr please advise I am going to a tribunal thanks
I would ring them and ask them to come to your home for the assessment 👿
in reply to sumamum
Something I read when the changeovers first began, was that - somewhere in the small print - it says about telling them how you are on your WORST day? This is certainly what I will have to do, as I need to reapply because I'm much worse? When my partner is out, I can't even get out of either the front, or back doors, and I feel so ashamed, as I can't even clean my own house!!! Maybe I should request a home visit so that they can witness how I have to 'live'....? 😢
Sallyderek in reply to
Hi yes you do have to base everything on your worst days and just tell them you don't get any good ones and ask them to go over your specialist notes with you xx
in reply to Sallyderek
Hi Sally.
Sorry, it's me again?
How do you get copies of your specialist notes, please? The only medical evidence I ever had was the CD of my MRI, (ATOS 'lost' it!!!!!!) which I'd paid to have done through Benenden? I believed the DWP/ATOS used information from all the NHS information I'd given, otherwise, what's the point of giving it to them??? 🥴😠
If I'd had reports like you say, maybe it wouldn't have been so difficult for me, and I would have been put on the Higher Rate to start with - which I qualify for in the real world....? 🙄😡
Sallyderek in reply to
Hi Hopalong its been many years since Derek had an assessment but I do remember ringing the consultants letter for a copy of his last assessment and also the doctors last letter which cost nothing. So just dig out a letter from your consultant and call the number and that should take you through to their secretary and they can usually sort anything out for you xx
in reply to Sallyderek
Thanks Sally, but I've never had a letter from an NHS consultant....? The one that I saw through Benenden (I chose him by reading his credentials online), I saw for follow-up at an NHS hospital (his main job) because I wasn't sure my Benenden 'fund' would cover it? My Dr. was quite happy to refer me to him. It was my only experience of private treatment, and it was wonderful! I wish I could have it all the time! 👌😊
Itsallinthehips in reply to
It doesn’t matter if it’s private or NHS as long as it’s a doctor/consultant saying what is wrong/giving you a diagnosis etc x
in reply to Itsallinthehips
I never knew that! Thanks Blackbird, I'll have to remember it for next time? 👍🙂
in reply to Itsallinthehips
Thanks Itsall. Blackbird sent me a PM and beat you to it! 😊👍
in reply to sullivn
When they follow you, you have no idea, they do it covertly, so if that actually was someone following you, it needs to be recorded that you knew and they scared you. If you're doing nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear.
sullivn in reply to
hi yes I knew I was being followed from the first time I tried to go down dead ends to lose them this happens for one week on the following Monday I couldn't seem to loose this car when I thought I lost him I never when I got home they were sitting near my house I got really worried so I phoned the police
in reply to sullivn
I'm sorry sullivn but the people who work for the DWP are highly trained in covert work. They are never spotted by the person being observed, this is how a lot are prosecuted with photographic evidence and videos, because they can't see that they're being watched and carry on as normal. My friend was followed for a week by an agent and she didn't spot him/her once. They had been watching her in Asda and we were with her, none of us suspected anyone was doing anything untoward.
So if someone IS following you, it isn't for the DWP I'm afraid.
What did the police say or do?
sullivn in reply to
hi yes I am100% sure its the d w p following I have people walking down my rd I have had the interview under caution last year sent tribunal off in nov2018but d w p asked for 3extension from the tribunal only sent paper work to them last month I know as its the same people following me when I go out in my Mobilty scooter you see cars come up a turning then 2sec later they reappear one man keeps walking up and down my rd for1 hr in the afternoon they addimited they been following me for 15 months my friend tells me ingore them
Have you gone and asked them?
in reply to sullivn
They're really not that obvious. Why would they still be following you if you've had your interview? There's no point. Read this article in The Guardian about benefit fraud and how/why they watch people covertly. They really aren't that obvious.
theguardian.com/society/201...
I think you've got like I did, paranoid, after someone (my spiteful brother) reported me for knitting for people and charging them and that I'd decorated my home (my daughters did it for me!). The DWP called me in (they have to) and asked me why I thought I'd been asked to attend, I told them immediately about my fall out with my brother and his bragging on Facebook that he was going to report me as he had "enough evidence" now. She asked what he would have reported me for, so I told her, my knitting. She asked how much I earned, told her honestly, £20 a month if I'm lucky and she actually laughed! I'm allowed to earn just over £100 a WEEK on ESA. It was then that she told me about the decorating and told me they weren't bothered about how my home was kept, everyone is entitled to a nice home, whether they're on benefits or not! It was registered as a malicious report and a waste of time and I was thanked for going into the JC. But, ever after, whatever I do, I have become paranoid; if I walk further than I told them I did, I'm looking for people sitting in cars; if I do a little weeding in front of my house (I kneel on a cushion and only pull up weeds, no digging or other heavy actions) I'm constantly watching for strangers walking past, even though the estate I live on isn't really accessed by a lot of different people on foot. I have no reason to feel guilty, but they have made me that way.
If you're doing nothing wrong, don't worry, carry on your life as normal. If they really are following you, then you have nothing to hide and they have no evidence, let them waste tax payers money gathering their "evidence", you have nothing to fear and can laugh at their ineptitude at your tribunal.
sullivn in reply to
hi thanks yes these people are still following me they admitted this to a letter sent to the tribunal that they been following me from jan2018to present day they stand out like Michael Jackson monkey I used to go to the park and my husband used to sit in the car and watch them jumping up and down and a camera in his hand when I phoned the police on the 15jan2018they sent me a report and he said if this is private investiger its odd behavier and he reported that the driver comifermed he has been following me I was very scared as I didn't want them to know where I lived as I didn't know who these people were I am sorry to hear about your story that's really bad you wouldn't expect it from family member take care
in reply to sullivn
He would have to know where you live to be able to observe you though wouldn’t he?
I hold just carry on as normal. If he is standing out as you say, then the DWP need to know he’s not doing his job correctly. I thought you hadn’t been to tribunal yet? I’m confused 😐 If a report has been sent in to the tribunal, then they don’t need to be following you anymore, it’s all a bit weird. Unless the DWP really don’t believe what you’ve said in your interview.
It all seems a bit off to my mind.
in reply to sullivn
Hi Sullivan, I agree with you the little arseholes I reported lives near me and few times I saw him I would notice that every time when he left the house and street a car would pull out and into the same direction as him and this happened a couple of times I'd put money on it was them xx😬
sullivn in reply to
yes I don't know what to do they stopped my money and was told I had to go a meeting under caution and awaiting a date for tribunal now16months they are still following me made my life hell can you please advise me please thanks
in reply to sullivn
I really don't think that they are following you sullivn , they have their evidence and you're going to have an interview under caution, which means that they are thinking about prosecuting you for fraud.
They have to pay you something by law, I'm assuming that you have other benefits besides PIP? Your tribunal may not go ahead until you have had your interview and depending on the outcome of that, even then it may not happen.
All I can advise is don't go to the interview alone, if you have done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear, but taking someone with you both helps you on the day and they can support you. They're not allowed to speak on your behalf, unless the DWP have agreed that they can and that they are an officially recognised body E.G. a solicitor or aid from a charity connected to your disability.
Go to the interview, be truthful about everything they ask you and hope for the best.
Why do you think it’s them following you? What did the police say?
in reply to Itsallinthehips
I asked what the police said too...he/she hasn't answered that one. You've said exactly the same as me, if they have nothing to hide, then they have nothing to fear. I'm sensing there's more to this than meets the eye or just a huge lie.
sullivn in reply to
hi its not a lie I was followed and told the police police confirmed that the driver comifed he was following me and its odd behavier if its private investiger they wont tell you if its d w p they just say don't worry
So the person following you told you they are from dwp? If it’s PIP I thought it wasn’t the DWP?
in reply to Itsallinthehips
PIP is paid by the DWP.
Itsallinthehips in reply to
Oh I was told they were two separate things as my PIP is separate from my universal credit and stuff x
in reply to Itsallinthehips
Yes, they're different offices, in different places, but essentially it's all paid my the DWP, that's why on the back of envelopes and on letters it says 'Department for Work and Pensions' at the top.
in reply to sullivn
I’m sorry, but I don’t believe you. Nothing about this adds up. The DWP wouldn’t spend money observing you after they’ve already interviewed you under caution, unless you really are swinging the lead and not as bad as you say you are.
My friend worked on cases for the DWP as a private investigator, he never, ever in his years of taking cases on for them, made it obvious that he was watching the suspected fraudulent person. It was all done covertly, using things mentioned in that article I posted from The Telegraph. Any private investigator worth their salt would never tell anyone, including the police, who they were working for or why they were there. They would show a license to be an investigator and that would be that.
If you are being followed it’s because they believe something is off about your claim, and if your telling the truth then it doesn’t matter if they are following you because it’s just more evidence for you to prove that your telling the truth
I don't think they will be following you now as they have stopped your money x
You should do them for harassment 👿
in reply to Sallyderek
Why? If they are indeed following him/her, and he is doing nothing wrong, then they're wasting their time.
I really don't believe they are following him/her, why waste money (and it costs a hell of a lot to carry out surveillance) when he/she has been cautioned? It doesn't make sense, none of it does.
in reply to sumamum
I was totally honest and they upheld the original decision of standard for both. I had been on high rate DLA for 22 years (I worked up until 2007), a lifetime award from 2006, which should mean to my mind that PIP is awarded at enhanced rate for a degenerative condition x 4. But no, standard rate and I lost my car of 15 years. The assessment isn't a medical, nor is the appeal, they're not trained enough in the right areas; how can a paramedic or former nurse, know everything about highly complicated degenerative diseases? It's all a total farce, with the wrong people being awarded enhanced rate and it's about time they looked into it all.
sumamum in reply to
I’m sorry darling they tell you no where to go after appeal but there is you can contact your mp I agree appeal and assessment are not presided over by specialists in the particular disease (guess so many debilitating diseases that would cost too much) but unlike dla they don’t take condition into consideration all they care about is how it affects your life.When I went to assessment and appeal to some degree I was so embarrassed I never wanted to claim I was embarresed I didn’t want to have to tell strangers about my limitations and weaknesses so I played down the effects I would say how affected me then say but “not everyday I have better days” I don’t know if was directed at me when said wrong people get higher rate ? I hope not because although I play my condition down it does severely limit and affect my life I’m totally dependent on others and unable to get out of house alone but aside from that I’d hope all support each other on here.I know there are some people that con the system but I don’t think it’s as many as media would have us believe and it’s getting a lot harder to con system with PIP.Write to the appeals board saying you disagree and why get as much medical evidence as possible not of condition but of way the condition limits your abilities also get anyone that helps you on a daily basis to write a statement explaining what they have to help you with and why .Faling all this make a new claim it’s a degenerative condition so say it has got worse and your health and lifestyle have degenerated then make a list of everything your unable to do no matter how small,I have to crawl up stairs on all fours and come down on bum ( so I avoid anywhere with more than 2steps 😊) I’m unable to step up onto bus (doesn’t matter now because would take me hours to walk bus stop it 5min walk but I have to rest every few steps due to pain and inability to breathe due to heomoglobin been so low heart has to beat so hard to get muscles/legs to move) but even if bus stop was outside door I couldn’t get on or off unless wheelchair ramp was lowered to enable me get on/off without climb,I’m unable to bend or remove dress bottom clothes have to ask daughter to help 😢 I’m going to stop because my limitations depress anger and embarrassment me.I hate when newspapers go on about how much we get I would give up every and every benefit to have even half my abilities,health and peace of mind back.I have to go councellers doctors appointments and chemist I spend minimum of £70 a week on taxi I have to wash my clothing more often and at higher temperature ,I have high utilities due to constantly been cold so never turn heating off I’m unable to visit shops or supermarkets to find deals everything has to be purchased online full price with added cost delivery I can’t choose own fresh produce or longest use by dates and so many more things but get upset again 😭.If effects your life to degrees mentioned don’t give up,I realise I was lucky gave me higher rate than asked for and gave me care allowance wasn’t even try to claim but reasons they gave for desision were accurate I just didn’t want to share them details or even admit some of care issues.Good luck don’t give up fight for entitlement
in reply to sumamum
I have done all that sumamum every single thing, my MP is Tory and voted for the changes, all he did was send me copies of the letters he had from both the DWP and Motability, laying out how the changes affect the disabled. A total waste of time!
No, it wasn't directed at you, "the wrong people get awarded enhanced rate" I personally know of three who exaggerated their symptoms and received it. They're laughing at people like me who actually need it. I don't know you so why would I?
My conditions, four of them degenerative, including one recently diagnosed after over 30 years of suffering, don't seem to penetrate anyone at the DWP's brains! One of the people on the panel at my appeal was registered blind, what has that to do with pain and degenerative conditions? She asked me if I could chop an onion, I told her no, I had already stated that on my forms and in my appeal letter, she then asked "Well if you can't chop something, how can you write (I'm a writer) and knit (I had said that I love knitting but do struggle) as hobbies?" I said they were completely different movements, I wasn't using a sharp object or putting pressure on a round object, and for my writing I use writing software on my laptop which I dictate! She didn't like that I could give logical reasons! Then she asked if I could make tea and toast or put a meal in the microwave! Told her no, because again, I can't stand for long enough or push buttons, or hold scalding hot tea, or even hold a knife to butter toast and then carry it through to the living room. Her reply to that was "There is equipment to help you. If you had that could you do it?" I told her that maybe I could, but I didn't have the equipment so it was a pointless question.
So, I lost the appeal and it;s too late now (2 years on) to take it higher. But, the man who is helping me to put my case together is brilliant. I found him through putting my story on Facebook on a disabled help page, someone contacted me with his name and we have been in touch ever since. My GP surgery has been worse than useless at putting together letters and losing letters I have sent to my GP though, so it;s all taking time. We're hoping that my renewal forms arrive (they're due this October for next year) early so that we can get even more evidence together like scan pictures and specialist letters.
It's ridiculous that we have to fight like this. I sent in a 12 page letter going over the points the assessor made, which were all lies, with my appeal forms, and the DWP's response was that their assessors were highly reliable and wouldn't fabricate something so important! Oh! and I rang the DWP for my PIP and said that my conditions had worsened considerably in the last few months, the bloke I spoke to said "Get evidence from doctors and specialists, send it to the address on letters we send you" He didn't ask for my details or anything! What the...?!
sumamum in reply to
I know their very indifferent the whole process I designed to make it hard for you to claim.Its actually wrong.I sat in front of 5 people (3 men) and had to discuss my toilet habits.I got half way through mortified when a lady questioned something I said.I got so upset embarrassed and angry I told them to stick their f*ckin benefit and stormed ( as best as can when cant get out chair and on crutches lol) out room crying tears of rage.The usher/reception lady came and got me and they apologised but it is unfair and horrendous but just try stay focused try not to take their indifference personal and continue get your evidence.Statements from people who observe your struggle really help ( as long as not family) it’s crazy but they seemed as important as medical evidence in my case,I was lucky postman wrote say how I throw keys to him to open door to place parcels in as I’m unable to get down steps.and I contacted council and energy company to confirm have similar agreements with them for repair men and meter readers ( both will ring give me name of worker and safe word which the worker tells me before I give keys to house) Good luck I’m not expert by any imagination but if can give any advice don’t hesitate to ask and if I have experience I will share with you
in reply to sumamum
I never thought of the postman/meter men at all! I've just arranged with my new provider for a quarterly meter read by them because I struggle to get to the outside meters, I'll contact them and ask my postman (who is lovely) to write me something to say he leaves parcels in the bin shed, that and seeing me struggle on crutches. I have never had actual statements from my specialists because they charge for them and I can't afford it. My GP wrote me a brilliant one, until the bit where she went on something I'd said to my pain specialist "I'm more or less pain free for the 6 months in between nerve blocks", he had written that I was pain free for the 6 months in between, but, not where! It's only my neck, arm and head (chronic debilitating migraines) affected and sometimes not for the full 6 months! I asked her to change it to explain that, as well as mentioning the mental effects, i.e. I hate saying no to having my grandson (he's 9) overnight now, when I used to have him almost every weekend or saying yes to social activities and I know it will be a 'Sorry, can't make it' so of course it gets me down. But, after taking up my letter, asking for the changes, four times and four times the surgery "lost it", I had to put in an official complaint. That was last August... I haven't heard a dicky-bird and when I ring to ask to speak to the practice manager, she's never in!
My panel was only 3 people, an "impartial" judge, a GP and the blind woman who was the "expert on disability". They asked about my toileting needs too and I was brutally honest. My problem is that I use humour to get me through embarrassing and upsetting things, that comes across as being full of the joys of spring! I know someone who purposefully wore clothing with stains on, didn't wash or brush his hair, made sure there was food in his beard and exaggerated his movements when he went...guess what? Yep, he got his enhanced rate PIP indefinitely (or whatever word they use for that now). I'm also far too honest, I told them I walked my (at the time) two dogs, slowly, and in pain, but walked them nontheless so that went against me. But I did tell them that the farther I walk, the more pain I am in. It's a complete minefield.
I know lots of people on PIP who exagerrated their problems and received something they're not entitled to. One made out she can't walk and did a fun mud run last summer; another said the same and yet dashes here, there, and everywhere at speed, but limps when she thinks someone is watching; another brags that he wangled a home assessment and made himself cry all the way through it. It's all wrong.
Sallyderek in reply to
Hi Jayne if I was you I would report all of those you know claiming as that's so bad. Regarding letters from your surgeons/specialist shouldn't incur any costs just ring their secretary and explain why you need a letter or just a copy of your notes or your doctor can provide you with them xx
in reply to Sallyderek
Oh I have done, over a year ago, they're still in receipt of the benefit and still screwing the system. I'll do that, thank you. My GP charged £15 for that letter, they can charge a "nominal fee" according to the Gov.uk site, it's up to the individual doctor or specialist. Which I can understand for a private insurance claim or something like that where you get compensation but for DWP purposes it should be free full stop shouldn't it? I got my notes, that cost me £10 on disk but wasn't thorough enough; I've asked for my full notes, so god knows how much that's going to be.
sullivn in reply to
reading your letter regarding p I p about walking your dogs a lot of disabled people have dogs did they refuse your p I p because you walk your dogs I walk my dog but I got a Mobilty scooter what helps me
in reply to sullivn
Yes,it was one of the reasons. Their reasoning was that I can walk, even if it's in pain and in agony by the time I get home. I now have only one dog, our other died almost a year ago (June 6th) and I haven't been able to walk as far. I can't afford a mobility scooter.
sullivn in reply to
you must get the standard rate your disabled
in reply to sullivn
Yes, of course I get standard rate PIP, but, you can’t get a mobility scooter with that rate and I can’t buy one or get one on credit, they’re way out of my budget.
Itsallinthehips in reply to
Argos do them and you pay back over 12months? Do you have a normal self propelled wheelchair? I bought mine from amazon it’s amazing cost me my whole months PIP but very worth it. It’s awful for those of us who can’t walk at all don’t get the high rate. I can’t weight bare walk further than 10 metres on crutches or even sit in a wheelchair for long than an hour and am bedbound but still get the standard rate lol
in reply to Itsallinthehips
I wouldn't get credit from Argos or anywhere come to that, bad credit rating and for a wheelchair can't use my arms to propel myself as well as hold a dog, plus I live in Yorkshire…have you seen how many steep hills there are? 🤣 I couldn't afford to fork out my entire months PIP anyway, we wouldn't eat, the pets wouldn't either and bills wouldn't get paid. The NHS supplies them through Social Services and a lot of charities supply them free of charge, (wheelchairs not mobility scooters unfortunately), but I also don't want to have to rely on someone else pushing me around in one.
It's all wrong that those worse than me don't get the enhanced rate.
in reply to
My situation was very similar to yours, and I'd been on DLA for about 25 years! I'd even been classed as 'permanently disabled' with degenerating conditions, and they'd stopped re-assessing me? Amazingly, when I was assessed for PIP, they must have believed I had some divine intervention which made me less - instead of more - disabled??? I wish..... 🙏
sumamum in reply to
I don’t understand how they can do that but PIP seems to be totally different rules hope you get same level reinstated without too much drama 😊 They seem to totally overlook things dla considered important.Divine intervention 😂 that made me smile
in reply to
Exactly the same as me Hidden no more ESA assessments because I won't get better, but called into PIP every 4 years (or so it seems, my award was for 4 years) I too had a miraculous recovery, going from high rate mobility and care to standard PIP. Isn't it amazing that their assessors have such power to cure so many people? 🙄
in reply to
Don't we wish Jayne......? 🙏🙄
in reply to
Oh yes! x
Sallyderek in reply to
I agree with you x
Oh poor you😢
What even if they were sent in all the evidence they sent it ?
I wish you all the best. A very high percentage of cases are won when you go to Tribunal. I asked for a Mandatory Reconsideration and won back my enhanced rate for daily living and mobility. Medical evidence I gave to the ATOS Assessor wasn't sent to the DWP either. The DWP Case Worker after reviewing all the medical evidence and letter from my GP, said he did not agree with parts of the Assessors report and did not agree with her where she had taken points off me and said he had taken all my previous medical history into account as well.. ATOS Assessors are there purely to trick and trap you and not help you get the money you deserve. I dont know how they can sleep at nights.
in reply to Patient007
The assessor shouldn't have accepted the evidence from you, instead, it should have been copied and sent via the receptionist to the DWP
Patient007 in reply to
I know I was told that afterwards but no one forwarded it to the DWP anyway. When I gave it to her she took it off me and just said she would forward it on. To rub salt in the wounds she marked me down by two points saying that because I was able to hand her the form I was able to use my arm (I have an inoperable rotator cuff tear) and was able to cut my food up! I did get the points back when I asked for a mandatory reconsideration though. Victory!
I represented my husband and went through three paper based tribunals. There was so much evidence but what the DWP overlooked was he was bi polar and couldn’t travel alone or plan a journey alone. They tend to focus on mobility and omit the whole part of planning a journey (very conveniently)
They also tend to leave out any letters you have provided from professionals.
Very important to get a copy of your application and any health professional report that was done, and go through it with a fine toothpick as there are always errors, in law or not, so well worth doing that.
Benefits and work group online are essential and there are various support groups on Facebook for discussing PIP and ESA if you search them.
Always expect the unexpected with the DWP (I have been dealing with them since 1997) and never give up at the first hurdle, they think you won’t fight back, prove them wrong. One day we won’t have to.
Have you looked at the Citizens advice on line they have lots of info.
My daughter got PIP recently.she was not able to walk far so they sent someone to her. It was a lady we made her welcome and she was very nice we did a lot of reading on how to fill in the form, its not the obvious one. You must read the booklet that comes with the Pip form.It isn't the questions but how they affect you. There are also Charity's that can help you to fill in the form.Like it takes me 3 times as long as most people due to the pain I have to sit down a lot. Good Luck
At the end of the day the Govt. brought in PIP for one simple reason - to save money. They were convinced most claimants were scamming (not a few of them). They put their spin on it and encourage us to blame the minority for their harsh rules. We fall for it (yet again) and do.
When they found out that most people win their appeals they panicked and brought in even more restrictive conditions which they try and slip in through the back door. There are welfare organisations which dedicate themselves to finding these and publicising them, sometimes forcing them to back down.
They haven't followed this up with legislation forcing bigger employers to take on more disabled people and who wants to employ someone with a disability? So, many people are forced onto JSA which is a much lower amount - considered too fit to get benefits but not fit enough to be employed. As for people put in the WRAG group, well they have little chance of finding work. x
I found getting PIP harder than getting my ESA when I changed from income support over to universal credit when my child reached 5. ESA were amazing they got me in quick they made their decision in 5 days not 5/6 weeks like everyone says.
I now want to appeal my PIP to try and get the higher rate so that I can finally get the care I need and the right equipment for my home
Right kiddos I spoke to occupational health yesterday and they told me that most people that are on a life time dla will never get changed over to pip ...hope that helps some peoples anxieties xx
Hi there, I would gather as much evidence as you can from your GP to say what your issues are the more you have about your health and what you can do the better and medications you take, good luck
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