is this the correct info to ask for if PIP assessment is a FAIL

TELLIT01

I wasn't having a go at you NeilCr, just voicing the frustration at those who won't accept an answer if it's not the one they want to hear.

NeilCr

TELLIT01 wrote: »

I wasn't having a go at you NeilCr, just voicing the frustration at those who won't accept an answer if it's not the one they want to hear.

I know you weren't

I feel your pain! In particular he has has had great advice from Alice who sure as hell knows what she is talking about and has taken time and trouble to give sensible, concise and clear advice

Alice_Holt

Applying for PIP (and ESA) is often upsetting for claimants due to the need to describe what they can't do.
Mental health conditions are particularly difficult as it requires insight into how the condition affects them, the understanding of how the PIP activities and descriptors are affected by their mental health issues (not at all easy as threads on here often demonstrate), and the capability to express this clearly on the form.
That's a very difficult process if there is no help available (and even if there is!). But dealing with an appeal can be even more upsetting for the claimant.
Discovering what the HCP or DWP DM has written about them can be understandably distressing. For some claimants the stress involved in appealing a flawed DWP PIP / ESA decision can actually push them into a mental health crisis. Being able to access a caseworker can help alleviate a lot of the emotional / mental distress caused by an appeal.
This is one of the reasons is why I would caution against getting these reports at this stage. If it is thought an appeal may be necessary it is far better to find out what local help would be available.
Indeed reading the medical assessment now may cause the OP's MiL to decide that she couldn't face an appeal.

Messed_Up_Kelly

Alice_Holt wrote: »

Discovering what the HCP or DWP DM has written about them can be understandably distressing. For some claimants the stress involved in appealing a flawed DWP PIP / ESA decision can actually push them into a mental health crisis. Being able to access a caseworker can help alleviate a lot of the emotional / mental distress caused by an appeal.

This was exactly what happened to me, the whole process of applying, the assessment and the aftermath was awful and I just feel into a crazed period of self harming, depression, insomnia - all of which I had before the assessment but which steadily became worse afterwards with much self neglect and self harm.

I wish I had not even bothered to go through the whole DLA to PIP nightmare, but if I have learnt one thing from it, it's just how alone, isolated and vulnerable I am.

Alice_Holt

Messed_Up_Kelly wrote: »

This was exactly what happened to me, the whole process of applying, the assessment and the aftermath was awful and I just feel into a crazed period of self harming, depression, insomnia - all of which I had before the assessment but which steadily became worse afterwards with much self neglect and self harm.

I'm very sorry to hear that.

Is there any help you can access through your GP?

advocatehelper

A month! it may not seem that much but it is a kick in the teeth. she DOES as it happens have carers to visit 3 times a week so is extremely vulnerable. I suppose there only two questions.

1 if we appeal the amount, DOES ALL her money stop until the appeal is heard? or is that only if she had failed?

2 is is worth appealing or if she appeals, is there the POSSIBILITY of her getting less money, or even FAILING at the tribunal? (i doubt she would fail but...)

3 any other information you could highlight thank YOU FOR ALL YOUR TIME EFFORT AND FORGIVE THE SEEMINGLY POINTLESS POSTS. thanks in advance

bspm

advocatehelper wrote: »

A month! it may not seem that much but it is a kick in the teeth. she DOES as it happens have carers to visit 3 times a week so is extremely vulnerable. I suppose there only two questions.

1 if we appeal the amount, DOES ALL her money stop until the appeal is heard? or is that only if she had failed?

2 is is worth appealing or if she appeals, is there the POSSIBILITY of her getting less money, or even FAILING at the tribunal? (i doubt she would fail but...)

3 any other information you could highlight thank YOU FOR ALL YOUR TIME EFFORT AND FORGIVE THE SEEMINGLY POINTLESS POSTS. thanks in advance

1...No, her money does not alter during an appeal.

2...Yes of course there is a possibility of her either having her award increased or reduced, that is why it is called an appeal.

TELLIT01

Once you have the written explanation of the outcome you need to look at each point and see if the scores are actually wrong. If it can be shown that scores are wrong, and if corrected would result in a higher award, then it's worth considering an appeal. Bear in mind that the requirements to qualify for PIP are more stringent than to qualify for DLA.

NeilCr

Information on mandatory reconsideration here

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/mandatory-reconsideration/

I think I'd be inclined to see if you can get help from CAB or similar

ETA

Please don't listen to the person who made the suggestion in your OP. Alice Holt knows what she is talking about on here