PIP Info?

SozeTHC

Hi,
After receiving my PIP decision with the expected NO, I was wondering if I could get some advice from some of the folk on here, having ready many posts on here and eventually joining to get info on Flight Delay, it seems there's a wealth of knowledge here hopefully I can use to help me with my Mandatory Reconsideration.
For the last 7 years I have been treated as having Depression/Anxiety. Although I have been waiting for a proper professional analysis after CBT/Therapy and drugs failed, I feel there maybe another issue (ASD,ADD) which is the underlying problem, which has a co-morbidity with Anxiety/Depression.

So all in all I was awarded 2 points for DLC and 4 for Mobility.
I was actually told to get a reconsideration by a PIP DWP worker before I could ask for one, so hopefully that is a good sign, I feel the DWP may purposely fail people to see if they ask for reconsideration.
Now I as many do, have issues with this scoring so hopefully this is where you folk can help.

My award was put out like this.

2 Points for Engaging with other people
Now I have issues with this as I don't really engage with other people at all and when I do it can cause issues with Dizziness, Hostility and flare up of skin conditions. I attend university but due to the nature of my course I can work near enough entirely from Home. And when I do need to be at uni I will be taken by a friend who is on the same course. I was taken to the assessment but due to issues with parking my friend didn't make it into the appointment with me. Although I waited outside for the appointment and due to HAVING to be there, was having Anxiety related Dizziness and then a flare up of my Excema (stress related) which the assessor saw in front of her eyes. She even had to open the windows and turn down the heating as she could see I was very uneasy, and after I was denied being able to record the Interview she had to call a manager in which resulted in a Security Guard standing outside for the duration of the interview, which she sped through - apparently for my sake.
TBH she seemed very wary of me at first, like she was paranoid, that could be just me.
I also will have proof of many missed appointments related to my illness, and People Plus can attest to my "Hostility" caused due to anxiety in having to attend mandatory meetings alone without support.

Also I will add, as many may ask how I can attend university and expect PIP designed the way it is.
But after having getting a slighlty favorable MR decision i was put into WRAG and volunteered for the work program as it was sold to me as a place that would help me with my issues and to be able to start work again. It was not that, after being handed a 15 hour a week appointment letter which massively affected my illness A friend suggested Uni, its less hours and you actually will get help and achieve something. Plus less stress than the WRAG. My course is Film/TV and has no exams and is mainly practical, and as I have a background in sound I focus on Post Sound and can work from home, which 90% of the time I do.

Zero points for Food, Nutrition, Therapy or Monitoring, Communicating, Etc.
So for the food and nutrition I informed the Assessor that I haven't cooked or prepared a meal in over two years and when I cooked, I had to be prompted and supervised as I have in the past caused fires and injured myself, mainly burns. I tend to eat 1 meal a day if that's what you can call it which is brought back by my friend/flatmate who has to check on me to make sure I'm eating. I have major issues with food, thinking of eating can even make me depressed. And when I am forced to eat my mouth dries up and I develop ticks.

For managing therapy I told the assessor that my medication is supervised and monitored by both my friends/brother and doctor. My doctor will only prescribe me fortnightly prescriptions due to suicidal thoughts and past attempts, which is then monitored by friend/brother. I also informed her that I have to live with somebody and in nearly 30 years I have only technically only lived alone for a matter of months, which was supported housing. Somebody also needs to be around to keep and eye on mood changes and basically keep me moving. The decision maker also stated that I have no input from specialist services. Again I told the assessor that I have been pushing for "proper" analysis for 4 years after CBT, Therapy and drugs failed. I also made her aware that after a recent session with a Mental Specialist I was further referred as they did not have the resources to deal with my issues. I have recently received an appointment, finally, and my doctor can attest to the years of different meds and my constant requests for specialist intervention.

The communication one is what gives me, ironically the most headache. What is basic and complex language?
I guess i would be considered fine with basic, but what is considered complex. I at the moment receive tutor support at university awarded by the DSA aswell as equipment such as Dictaphone and Software to turn audio into word.doc, plus a computer to run software. I struggle with forms and always get help with them as I struggle to understand them. I also get assistance with my assignments for university and am allowed extensions with DSA. And with communication I will be able to detect sarcasm in somebody I know after learning the patterns and signs, but do not with strangers and also struggle with understanding stuff. Such as why I am here, I struggle a lot with briefs at uni/college even after repeated explanation I still am never certain, even after personal tutor intervention I am still stumped. i will have to see it done in front of me and explained in real simple terms.

For washing I generally have to be prompted and also need somebody to stick around due to Anxiety related Dizziness, actually have appointments to look at shoulder after having dizziness and slipping a few years back. Also with Dressing, my clothes get sorted out for me, when i clothed myself I would wear the same clothes for days, put stuff on back to front and do stuff like wear shorts in the snow.

And finally, Managing budget. I told the assessor that all my bills are set up as Direct Debits, done by my brother and my housemate takes care of the water bill. My brother also keeps my card, minus the pin. I also have an exemption from council tax due to disability. I get left with money, but not enough for me to do something stupid.

Technically I never do anything alone, effectively there is always somebody who forms part of my support network within arms reach. So any help would be appreciated, sorry for long !!! post.

Dullville

How are you exempt from council tax due to your disability then?

SozeTHC

There is some kind of exemption you get if your illness is not likely to go away soon. They (HousingBenefit) have to write to your GP who confirms or denies this. This is something you HAVE to ask for, they will not tell you about it.

There's also getting the one room rate LHA too. Something you have to ask about, I was informed about this a few months ago although having been entitled to it for years. Not knowing is not good enough reason to them.

pmlindyloo

I don't know what evidence you sent in with your claim but sometimes lack of evidence is the problem.

Did your doctor provide a written report? If your doctor is supportive then this can be very helpful, even if it is a case of your doctor saying what has been tried in the past and what future plans are.

Did you send in letters detailing the therapy that you have had and the prognosis?

Your doctor should have had these letters sent to him too so it may be worth a visit to see if you can get copies of these.

It may also be useful to start a detailed diary with how you manage in your daily life.

Also any friends/carers could write and say what they do for you (your diary should show how you are when they are not around)

CAB or a welfare officer should be able to help with your MR and, if needed your appeal. May also be useful to contact MIND.

SozeTHC

Lack of evidence may be the issue I feel. I doubt they contacted my Dr. And would have went of the assessment, which was weird as I clearly remember the woman repeating back to me, "so you need prompting to eat". I haven't seen the report yet but I know its gonna be BS.

Unfortunately with regards to Therapy, I have finally just got an appointment with a "specialist" after years of waiting. Although I have in the past completed CBT courses and attended Therapy sessions ran by community groups suggested to me by my Doctor. (For Depression & Anxiety).
The specialist I will be seeing now will be to properly assess my condition, as I feel after years of treatment that the anxiety and depression are the result of a further unresolved issue.
I will have to check if my Dr. will write a letter, but I kind of find it pointless as most of my appointments nowadays consist of getting prescription and chasing up specialist appointments. I have had the same Dr though for like 7 years.

I've tried the Diary thing, was suggested this as a therapy tool. I can't do em. Writing how I feel is the last thing I want to do when I'm really bad. Although as I mentioned I do have to live with somebody and maybe they can write a letter, although again, I really wonder if DWP will take this into account. Plus hate having to bring them into this debacle, plus pretty !!!!!! having to ask for a letter from a friend proving how "useless" your are.

I will definately be talking to the CAB, just hard as hell to get an appt these days.

Although my main issue is with what constitutes complex information.
I know that just because of my issues with food that I should be entitled to lower rate DLC.

The c*nt of it is, that right now DLA was allowing me to go to university. DLA & PIP are supposed to help people who are in work and those who want to work but need support. To pass the new PIP test you pretty much have to be a vegetable. Its quite likely that I will have to put uni on hold as I will almost certainly fail without the support DLA offered.

SozeTHC

I can see from your posts that you are if anything, a troll.

Why post if you have no constructive advice, or criticism.

I feel you want to be important, but are not.

paragon909

SozeTHC wrote: »

Lack of evidence may be the issue I feel. I doubt they contacted my Dr. And would have went of the assessment, which was weird as I clearly remember the woman repeating back to me, "so you need prompting to eat". I haven't seen the report yet but I know its gonna be BS.

Unfortunately with regards to Therapy, I have finally just got an appointment with a "specialist" after years of waiting. Although I have in the past completed CBT courses and attended Therapy sessions ran by community groups suggested to me by my Doctor. (For Depression & Anxiety).
The specialist I will be seeing now will be to properly assess my condition, as I feel after years of treatment that the anxiety and depression are the result of a further unresolved issue.
I will have to check if my Dr. will write a letter, but I kind of find it pointless as most of my appointments nowadays consist of getting prescription and chasing up specialist appointments. I have had the same Dr though for like 7 years.

I've tried the Diary thing, was suggested this as a therapy tool. I can't do em. Writing how I feel is the last thing I want to do when I'm really bad. Although as I mentioned I do have to live with somebody and maybe they can write a letter, although again, I really wonder if DWP will take this into account. Plus hate having to bring them into this debacle, plus pretty !!!!!! having to ask for a letter from a friend proving how "useless" your are.

I will definately be talking to the CAB, just hard as hell to get an appt these days.

Although my main issue is with what constitutes complex information.
I know that just because of my issues with food that I should be entitled to lower rate DLC.

The c*nt of it is, that right now DLA was allowing me to go to university. DLA & PIP are supposed to help people who are in work and those who want to work but need support. To pass the new PIP test you pretty much have to be a vegetable. Its quite likely that I will have to put uni on hold as I will almost certainly fail without the support DLA offered.

Nonsense, I suffer from anxiety and depression, I'm not a vegetable and was awarded PIP for 5 year on a paper based decision, It appears you are rather bitter.

PIP and DWP don't always contact health care professionals who look after you and who could provide evidence. It's always best to send evidence with the application, You could also get a copy of your ESA medical report ESA85 which can help as evidence.

sammyjammy

In what way does the PIP/DLA allow to you do your Uni course? Could you really not manage without it?

Alice_Holt

This is a useful site (created by benefit specialists):
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-appeals
Subscription costs c.£20.

CAB info here:
https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=turned+down+for+pip+advice+now

A guide to PIP appeals:
https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=turned+down+for+pip+advice+now

If your local CAB has a benefits caseworker you may be able to be referred to them. It is likely that you will need to appeal to the Tribunal Service (TS), as frequently the DWP do not change their decision at the Mandatory Reconsideration stage. Most TS appeals are successful, and you will find the panel are more thorough than the HCP was at your PIP assessment.

pmlindyloo makes some good points.
Re the diary. This is useful when you have your tribunal (always opt to attend the hearing, as you can explain things to the panel and will have a much better chance of success than a paper hearing). Your diary should relate to the PIP activities and descriptors. You will than have examples and illustrations to give to the panel, and an indication of the frequency of the help you need. The more information and evidence you can provide to the panel, the better picture they will have of your care needs, and the better chance of getting the right decision for you.

It is helpful if the medical evidence directly relates to the PIP descriptors.

SozeTHC

It is not bitterness. It was supposed to be sarcasm. It was supposed to show the contrast between DLA which went of Medical Info and PIP which is based more so on an assessment which is designed to make you fail, IMO.
I feel its also biased towards those who are trying to combat their illness, most people will question how I can receive PIP and go Uni, when the only reason I could go uni was because of then DLA. To pass on the descriptors you pretty much have to say you are useless and that you cannot do anything by yourself. And by trying to combat these issues your are directly penalized.

And I am not implying your are useless due to passing the PIP. Though I feel you are really lucky to be awarded specially based on paper. Do you have much contact with specialists and such with regards to your problems?

kingfisherblue

OP, although you and many others have problems receiving PIP - and in a number of cases that decision is incorrect - it is very rude to say that to qualify you have to virtually be a vegetable. As someone with disabilities yourself, you should know better than to insult others.

Incidentally, your grasp of complex language seems fine to me (although I am not an assessor). You write clearly and with well structured sentences. A number of those sentences could be considered complex, as they have two or three coherent and sequenced parts.

In other areas, it appears that you should have received points and did not.