Need help with PIP mandatory reconsideration

Benjamin_N

I have been eligible for PIP for quite some time,but didn't fully apply until last year.

This post is about the best possible reconsideration I can put together.

Since last year I have had to push the claim back while since I moved to anew area where it was hard to get doctors and other medical professionals for evidence.

Last month I had my PIP medical assessment. I couldn't have anyone go with me for aforementioned reasons, and an advocate had family issues.

I got a letter back and only scored 4 points. The person who assessment me outright lied about many things. I'm aware it's their job to fail a certain amount of people.

Since I had contacted MIND and another charity about advocacy. Mind has a waiting list and would be two weeks ahead of when I need to submit my consideration.

I took it upon myself to get help completing the form with the Citizens advice bureau. They actually helped me with an ESA consideration that was successful last year. The man I saw didn't seem as thorough as the previous woman, but he said it needs to be brief and I don't actually need to explain why or how it affects me, rather that it does and that I have trouble doing certain things. I did ask if we should detail more, but he wasn't keen. he seemed to know his stuff well though and was a very helpful, good man.

Mind had previously asked me to try and push back my reconsideration by a couple of weeks, so they could help, but I feel that it will just be similar or the same sort of help the CA gave.

Should I submit what I have? I don't really have any further evidence, only bits from years ago and maybe I could get a letter from a new doctor, but again I have moved area so that will take time again.

What can I do to better my chances?

Many thanks

poppy12345

Only around 18% of MR decisions change so you'll most likely have to take it to Tribunal. The longer you wait to send the MR off the longer the whole process will take. I personally wouldn't concentrate too much on the MR stage but that's my opinion, others may think differently. My advice would be to send what you have. Good luck.

Benjamin_N

That's what they said about my ESA MR, but I still got that because I put extra effort into getting the right things to them and explaining well.

There was quite a misunderstanding at the interview and things were not said.

calcotti

If you have the time I think it is worth putting some effort in at MR stage. Decisions are sometimes changed at MR stage and are more likely to be if some additional information is provided. On the other hand I have seen MR decisions which have clearly paid absolutely no notice to information provided and simply repeat factual errors which have already been highlighted.

Alice_Holt

For PIP I'd also be inclined to put some effort into the MR.
The reason being that unlike ESA it's not possible to receive the benefit during the appeal process.
So, I think having as compelling a MR as possible within the time deadlines is worth doing.
However as poppy has said, be prepared to go on to appeal.

I'd suggest -
a) A typed sheet addressing the relevant activities / descriptors, and a full (but concise) explanation of why these should apply to you.
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-points-system

b) Any additional relevant medical info you may have.
It would be worth asking your GP for your medical records (under GDPR there is no charge for these), and enclosing helpful pages.

c) A letter from a family member confirming the help you need with PIP activities.

Worth a go!

When writing this, concentrate on how it will read to a second DWP decision maker. Don't make too much of the assessment "lies", but calmly highlight any "inaccuracies" and internal inconsistencies in the report.

MR proforma here:
https://www.leicester.gov.uk/media/178163/mandatory-reconsideration-request.pdf

Guide:
https://www.advicenow.org.uk/pip-tool

More info:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/725533/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-assessment-criteria.pdf

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

https://www.advicenow.org.uk/guides/how-win-pip-appeal

calcotti

Or you can use the DWP form here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/challenge-a-decision-made-by-the-department-for-work-and-pensions-dwp

There is no obligation/requirement to use this form.