PIP moving around - surely not?

kingfisherblue

It sounds very odd Jen - as you say, your sudden blackouts should have been taken into consideration. Hopefully on MR, your award will be correct. I'm sure you don't need the stress though!

Fingers crossed for a phone call today.

KFB x

GlasweJen

Oh no, the person on the phone couldn't change my call back type so I've to write a letter and the call could be in a week? It's all very odd.

Meanwhile I am going to complain that the DM has not awarded points where they've highlighted that I do have problems as that would have kept me on standard care and been much less stressful. Also want to make a complaint about the "healthcare professional" as they've written an absolute fantasy novel instead of a medical report.

Of course my blue badge expires on the 16th so life is going to be fun for a while.

24skins

GlasweJen wrote: »

Both but it's clear from the decision makers ramble that I should have scored points for some of the care descriptors so I'm fairly sure they will award at standard rate on reconsideration based on what's been written. They've written things like "I agree you need support to take nutrition because you choke" but the awarded 0 points, they've done that on 3 descriptors, bathing, taking nutrition and understanding signs and symbols. It's like they've got half way through my award then finished with someone else's details, the whole thing is bizzare.

I'm wondering if the person doing the medical has got half way through and then went back to finish and forgot who I was or if the DM got rushed to finish my award and has messed up. I did get the apology for being late deciding letter.

The language used is important, does it specifically say "support" for each of those descriptors? If so, 0 points may be correct; for those descriptors you either need "assistance" "prompting" or "supervision" from another person to score points. A brief guide to what they mean by each term is here https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Documents/Advice%20(public)/pip-guide-language-of-descriptors-activities.pdf

The scoring system is extremely tough & there's not the huge body of case law to guide as there was in DLA, so DMs have little leeway.

GlasweJen

No you're correct for that descriptor she wrote supervision.

For the signs and symbols one she's written that at my medical it was recorded that I have very poor near vision that can't be corrected with glasses but again awarded 0 points. The fact that I took magnifiers to the medical and showed the guy how I use them hasn't made it into the decision.

24skins

GlasweJen wrote: »

No you're correct for that descriptor she wrote supervision.

For the signs and symbols one she's written that at my medical it was recorded that I have very poor near vision that can't be corrected with glasses but again awarded 0 points. The fact that I took magnifiers to the medical and showed the guy how I use them hasn't made it into the decision.

If it says supervision for both bathing & taking nutrition then you have been scored incorrectly [imho], you should have at least 2 points for each going by the current descriptors & for signs & symbols you should have 2 points for needing an "aid or appliance" over & above everyday lenses.

GlasweJen

That's what I calculated too, add in my 2 points for hearing aids and I have 8 which is enough for standard.

faerielight

I'm so sorry to hear. Try and fight back if you can.. get as much supporting evidence as you can.. drs, even a letter from a friend or family member . Join Benefits and Work .. it is so good, with unbiased advice . Do you have a disability charity near you or someone to advocate for you?

HB58

The MR often does no more than 'rubber stamp' the original decision, so don't take it personally if it is not changed at this stage

GlasweJen

I'm not expecting much to be honest, would be nice if they restored my care while I'm waiting on the appeal as I can't afford the care I buy in without it and my mum would probably need to work to make up her loss of income and afford the NI contributions.

Confuseddot

Just seen your post on the other thread which is now locked.

I know it easier said than done but try and not miss any more hospital appointments.

It sounds as if the decision maker hasn't followed/read what the health care professional wrote about you in some cases and others the health care professional has got it a bit wrong. Both these individuals have nothing to do with your ongoing care and should be treated as separate entities.

I have had two pip assessments which both went well which doesn't help you but shows that there is good ones out there and hopefully they will see sense at the MR.

Good luck and try and not let this get you down again easier said than done.

I am sure you GP will back you completely, is there someone you can take with you to help explain the situation and try and get you the help you need at the moment. Have you tried looking at MIND or something similar which is less formal setting and may be easier for you to approach.

The person doing your assessment doesn't know you,has a set number to get through each day and probably didn't get the proper training or amount of time to write it up. There are not to be used as example.

Take care