DLA stopped. PIP changeover. Distressed.

thirty

Hi,

In June I received a letter about changing from DLA to PIP. It could not have come at a more horrendous time. Firstly I was in the final few weeks of my degree, that had already taken me and extra three years, and due to my health was far behind in getting my hand in. I was struggling with my health (diagnosed with ME for 15 years) as well as a bug on top of that. As it was the end of my degree, my tenancy was ending, and I was attempting to pack my house, ready to move 300 miles back in with my mum. On advice from my support worker I phoned the PIP and asked for an extension. This was granted. Unfortunately it was enough. I rang again for another.

Following my hand in I relapsed severely, perhaps the stress I had placed on myself trying to get my work in, and had to stay with my mum. I informed the PIP of this, and said in another couple of weeks I would have moved home permanently, and rather sending the wrong information, could I send the form once with my new GP. Unknown to me, and despite knowing where I was, they tried to get in touch at my house at university. They also sent a letter there which I received on getting back there saying my DLA was being stopped. I rand and spoke to a manager, explained I had informed them every step of the way, about my move, health, and that I hadn't been at home, for which they were aware. They said as I hadn't answered the calls (300 miles away) I hadn't done what was expected of me, and so my DLA was being stopped.

I sent off the PIP form at the time I had originally specified I would have the correct details, and have now received my appointment. Unfortunately the money I use from DLA (high mobility, medium care) means I can no longer afford to run my car, and finder it harder to get through. There reasoning is DLA is not live off. I explained I am aware of this, but there is a difference between money to live off (paying bills - apparently making sure big business get their money is a government priority) and having money as a means to live, for example being able to get out, and support as needed (apparently not a priority).

I am not sleeping, having frequent anxiety attacks. I have an appointment with my MP next week regarding to stopping of my DLA. I understand it wasn't returned within time, but I didn't just not bother, I explained to them my situation. They said I had a month, but when bed bound on average four days a week, and 15 years of medical notes to go through, and not being well even on my 'good days', plus all the moving house, a month isn't very long at all. I asked to speak to manager again, they said they would call in approx 5 days. After 5 days I rang again, they said this is a guide, it could be longer, or shorter to which I asked why give 5 days when apparently it could be whenever. They haven't responded to my letter of complaint I sent with my application.

Has anyone had experience of changing from DLA to PIP, having their DLA stopped and then rewarded. I feel every time I ring them, they treat me like a criminal. They don't even let me explain. One customer service lady even started huffing down the phone.

I know I should have got it in on time, and I would have if possible. It just seems so severe. In all the years of support, I have never put a foot wrong. I've always done what has been asked. If I could work, I would. I would love nothing more than to, but I have tried and it just not feasible.

Anyway thank you for reading. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

robotrobo

go to website benefits & work

you may get some advice from their forum.

good luck