For those thinking of lodging a PIP APPEAL - some good news

Curly_one_2

It's a bit of good news for some who are thinking of lodging a PIP appeal but finding the prospect daunting.
Things can take an unexpected turn for the better

I lodged my appeal a month ago through a local disability support centre (my mandatory consideration had been turned down)
I didn't even get to the point of having to supply any new evidence to back my illness, and didn't get a court date, but received a letter from the court yesterday saying:
"I have been advised that the appeals officer has revised the decision on your case, and that the decision is a more favourable one" :j

Today I received a letter from PIP stating that I will now recieve an enhanced 'daily care' rather than the standard award, and I didn't even have to attend court to fight my corner.
Admittedly I was only one point off getting the enhanced rate, but the costs of going to court must have swayed the decision I believe.
It's ridiculous that I had to go down this road to recieve the amount I should have in the beginning, but I'd like to advise others to battle on.

I was informed by the disability group that helped me, that they have a 100% success rate so far on appeals, and that mandatory considerations are usually turned down. Their view is also that people will be too scared and daunted to appeal!

So, don't give up the fight to get the financial assistance your illness / disability needs to help you to get by day to day.
Maybe I was lucky, but you could end up in the same boat. Even if you do have to go to court, it's not like a criminal proceeding; but I do advise getting assistance from a local disability support group like I did, as they offer tremendous support, know how the court procedure works, and will go with you on the day.

As soon as my backdated award comes through; I am giving my support group 10% of it (approx £80) as they receive no financial assistance to run and are desperate for funds to continue their good work, so please do the same for yours

Good luck to all.

Lindsey1973

Well done.

I have just had my son's mandatory reconsideration for DLA turned down, was really undecided whether to appeal or not, you've given me hope, think I might appeal now

Curly_one_2

Definitely go for it
I think your chances are massively higher if you use a disability group to complete the appeal form, as the benefits agency knows they'll have a tougher time fighting their corner
The appeal form takes a few minutes to complete, and is very easy, but having their name on definitely helps.

Good luck.

Lindsey1973

Thank you. A disability charity helped me complete my MC, will ask them to help with appeal

Curly_one_2

I forgot to mention in my opening post, that my original 'standard' award was for two years, but the new letter states I will get the 'enhanced' award for four years, which is a huge bonus too!