Resources for PIP appeal

Voyager2002 wrote: »

So my friend has just had her PIP withdrawn after a routine assesment. Please could anyone suggest organisation or other resources that I could suggest to her for help in preparing an effective appeal.

NB while I know that she is chronically ill and unable to work, I do not know the details sufficiently well to discuss her case here.

It will be a Mandatory Reconsideration they need to ask for first and not the Tribunal. They have 1 month from the date of the decision to request this. A copy of the assessment report will help for this so ask them to ring DWP to ask them to send it to them.

Don't wait for that report to arrive because it may take 10 days or so. They will need to put their request in writing and send any extra evidence they have. Only 20% of MR's are successful so they will most likely have to take it to Tribunal. Those who appear in person have a 65% chance of a decision in their favour.

Remember that PIP isn't about being unable to work, as people claim PIP and work. It's how those condition affect them daily.

CAB are good at helping people with this but they are very busy and people often find that they can't get an appointment in time. Other disability advice centers could be in their area, i'd advice using google to see what's available.

Also:
https://www.advicenow.org.uk/guides/how-win-pip-appeal/

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-points-system

Here is a MR template:
https://www.leicester.gov.uk/media/178163/mandatory-reconsideration-request.pdf

And a third vote for contacting her local CAB / advice centre asap.

If she can't get help in the timescales, then the Benefits & Work site has a very good guide to PIP appeals available to members (however there is a £20 membership charge).
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-appeals

PS - Neil & poppy - I'm too slow!! :sad:

Danday wrote: »

For information Age UK deal only with those who are 55+

Could you reference that please. I know that my local AgeUK will help anyone 50 or over.

And it would appear from this AgeUK London is the same.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/london/about/what-we-do/

And Birmingham

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/birmingham/volunteering/

And Newcastle

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/newcastle/who-we-are/

I'd be surprised if it's different for different parts of the country. I am open for you to prove otherwise - I hope you can because it really isn't helpful posting incorrect information. If it is incorrect!

Danday wrote: »

I advised a friend to contact the local welfare adviser there. He was told that they do not normally deal with anybody under 55, he was 52. I've no idea what the 'real' age limit is just that that comment came from the horses mouth so to speak locally.

Can I suggest, then that you check information before you post. Have you had a look at their website, for instance. I usually go with posting a link so that people can see for themselves. And, if a friend told you, and you can't be bothered checking, say that. Rather than the statement you made in your post.

I do think, especially on this forum where we are talking about folks who are in real trouble, that a solid link is a lot better than what a friend told you.

OP. If you are still reading and your friend is a possibility for AgeUK contact their local branch and find out what they can do. Don't rely on unauthenticated one liners on this - or any forum.