PIP - Recent Award

hardpowered

Hi guys

I just wanted to share my experience of being awarded PIP so that some of you who are anxious about applying can perhaps see a little ray of light.

I've been suffering from multiple conditions for the last few years, including Fibromyalgia.

I still work full time and can do (almost) anything that someone without the condition can do, but it causes me fatigue, pain and lack of concentration. It's a very hard condition to live with, especially as on the face of it it just looks as though I don't get enough sleep or am LAZY. :mad:

I decided to apply as in my mind, having these difficulties whereas others is really unfair - having read the descriptors I didn't think I would be entitled to anything.

I went for my assessment and a few weeks later received a letter saying I was entitled to the standard rate of care and the standard rate of mobility.

In all the evidence I sent in and during the assessment I was clear that I was being completely honest and that I wasn't exaggerating anything; I also explained that I didn't believe I met the criteria.

I just wanted to let you know, it's possible to win if you really deserve it, and there's always hope!

atlantis187

u must have been one of the very lucky ones as my wife suffers from ulcerative colitis and fibromyalgia and she was given a big FAT 0 on everything at the assessment and same at the MR stage.

The stuck up hard nosed so called assessor blatenly lied through her teeth about everything in the report?

Muttleythefrog

You must be the first case I've read of someone stating essentially they didn't feel they qualified for the benefit but got awarded it... madness or genius I cannot tell... but I'm pleased you're pleased with outcome...lol!! Probably you said what you did in general terms... I think if going through activities you said something like that then many an assessor will save time and allow the default descriptor to be applied before moving onto the next activity...lol... so it's a strategy I do not advise.... being honest on the other hand about your problems I definitely would advise.

ETA. A little confusing after reading here "I also explained that I didn't believe I met the criteria" as now I read in another thread you're wondering about asking for a Mandatory Reconsideration as you think you might be entitled to enhanced rate mobility. Get a hold of the assessment report ASAP if you haven't got it already and follow the advice given in that other thread. Take a real honest look at the descriptors of each activity and see which ones you disagree with them selecting as applicable to you. Weigh up whether you can make a case for descriptors applying that would lead to better award and bear in mind the usually small risk of a lowered award in asking for reconsideration. For the most part reconsideration decisions result in the same decision but you could then appeal to independent tribunal if you wanted to pursue a different award further.

Blatchford

Muttleythefrog wrote: »

You must be the first case I've read of someone stating essentially they didn't feel they qualified for the benefit but got awarded it... madness or genius I cannot tell... but I'm pleased you're pleased with outcome...lol!!.

I didn't apply for a few years despite everyone telling me too because I didn't think I was bad enough to qualify either. Mainly after reading the stories on sites like this! Eventually, at the end of last year I applied, fully expecting to be turned down. My assessor, who I never met because I had no face to face assessment, read my form, made one phone call to my surgery physiotherapist, and recommended I be given enhanced at both daily living and mobility. You could have knocked me down with a feather (which, to be fair, is possible on some days, my stability is so poor). Whilst doing a valuable job, I think that sites like this do end up portraying only the worst side of it. After all, who writes posts that read "i want to compliment the DWP (or anyone else) for doing their job perfectly well"?

Rubyroobs

Why did you apply if you didn't think you met the criteria?

poppy12345

Rubyroobs wrote: »

Why did you apply if you didn't think you met the criteria?

I'm sure there's a lot of people that think this. Exactly the same as those that think they should score points for an activity when it's not possible.



Having some understanding of the descriptors and what they mean certainly helps.

Blatchford

Rubyroobs wrote: »

Why did you apply if you didn't think you met the criteria?

I think you are missing the point. Many of us with severe disabilities downplay them, even to ourselves, to maintain a level of normalcy. For example, like the poster, I also work. There's a kind of mythology around that if you can work, or do certain things, then you aren't "bad enough" to need help or to qualify for it. We can play into that in our own heads anyway, and the attitudes of some in society help out with that. Then you read sites like this and come away with the impression that quadruple paraplegics with terminal illnesses wouldn't qualify, so how would you!? So it feels like there is no point in trying. Why set yourself up to fail, and spend valuable time and energy that you need for other things. If you go by the vast majority of experiences reported here, it's nigh on impossible to qualify for PIP. 99.9% of the posts here, and on other sites, are about how horrible the DWP are and how it is impossible to get what you are entitled to. And maybe they are all right and the DWP are all horrible etc., etc. But equally it might encourage a few people to hear that it isn't always as hard as it seems.

NeilCr

Blatchford wrote: »

I think you are missing the point. Many of us with severe disabilities downplay them, even to ourselves, to maintain a level of normalcy. For example, like the poster, I also work. There's a kind of mythology around that if you can work, or do certain things, then you aren't "bad enough" to need help or to qualify for it. We can play into that in our own heads anyway, and the attitudes of some in society help out with that. Then you read sites like this and come away with the impression that quadruple paraplegics with terminal illnesses wouldn't qualify, so how would you!? So it feels like there is no point in trying. Why set yourself up to fail, and spend valuable time and energy that you need for other things. If you go by the vast majority of experiences reported here, it's nigh on impossible to qualify for PIP. 99.9% of the posts here, and on other sites, are about how horrible the DWP are and how it is impossible to get what you are entitled to. And maybe they are all right and the DWP are all horrible etc., etc. But equally it might encourage a few people to hear that it isn't always as hard as it seems.

I wouldn't say it was 99.9%.

It is the nature of the internet (including this forum) that people are more likely to talk about bad experiences than good. And, it is always worth remembering that we are only hearing one side of the story. I recall a client coming into me once with a problem with DWP and who was very scathing about them. I rang up on his behalf - the DWP member of staff asked if the client could hear the phone call. When I said no she told me something that the client had (conveniently!) omitted to tell me which changed the situation completely

I do think that regular posters on here (poppy is a good example) try to point out that there are many cases where the claimant gets the right award and is treated fairly by the DWP. Certainly, in my experience of face to face meetings with PIP claimants, there are more good outcomes than bad

Unfortunately, as can be seen on this forum, there are, also, some horrifically bad decisions/assessors. Like many things (for example benefit cheats) the minority spoil it for the majority. - as bad news makes the best headlines. The whole thing isn't help by undertrained and underresourced DWP staff. Waiting times for tribunals are absolutely ridiculous

While I take your underlying point I think you exaggerate a bit and do a disservice to those regulars on here who do their level best to maintain a balance. There are, too, success stories reported on this forum - including ones where people's fears about the process and the assessors have been unfounded

Alice_Holt

Blatchford wrote: »

I think you are missing the point. Many of us with severe disabilities downplay them, even to ourselves, to maintain a level of normalcy. For example, like the poster, I also work. There's a kind of mythology around that if you can work, or do certain things, then you aren't "bad enough" to need help or to qualify for it. We can play into that in our own heads anyway, and the attitudes of some in society help out with that. Then you read sites like this and come away with the impression that quadruple paraplegics with terminal illnesses wouldn't qualify, so how would you!? So it feels like there is no point in trying. Why set yourself up to fail, and spend valuable time and energy that you need for other things. If you go by the vast majority of experiences reported here, it's nigh on impossible to qualify for PIP. 99.9% of the posts here, and on other sites, are about how horrible the DWP are and how it is impossible to get what you are entitled to. And maybe they are all right and the DWP are all horrible etc., etc. But equally it might encourage a few people to hear that it isn't always as hard as it seems.

Which is often why it is helpful to get help with the PIP2 form.
It is important to be aware of the "reliability" rules. Just because someone can do an activity doesn't mean that they shouldn't score points. Often disabled people can't do activities to an acceptable standard, in a reasonable time, and safely, etc.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/808855/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria.pdf (Section 2.2)

Of course PIP can be awarded to claimants that work. Often an award of PIP will enable the claimant to get to work, and continue to work and contribute to society.

Poppy is absolutely right in remarking on how an understanding of the PIP criteria benefits claimants. Anyone unsure about making a claim will find lots of useful help online, and could always visit their local advice charity / CAB for a face to face chat.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/contact-us/

Unfortunately, DWP decision makers do get it wrong. That's why there is such a long wait (9 months plus) for Tribunal Service appeals.
But, the important thing to remember is that there is an appeal process. Incorrect DWP decisions can be challenged and overturned.
At my local Citizens Advice, the appeals at which we represent have resulted in c.£400k in annual outcomes for clients since the start of April. Remarkably all our PIP appeals have been successful at tribunal. So, it's perfectly possible to qualify for PIP, but it really helps to approach the process with commonsense and do the research,or get help with it.

Muttleythefrog

Blatchford wrote: »

I didn't apply for a few years despite everyone telling me too because I didn't think I was bad enough to qualify either. Mainly after reading the stories on sites like this! Eventually, at the end of last year I applied, fully expecting to be turned down. My assessor, who I never met because I had no face to face assessment, read my form, made one phone call to my surgery physiotherapist, and recommended I be given enhanced at both daily living and mobility. You could have knocked me down with a feather (which, to be fair, is possible on some days, my stability is so poor). Whilst doing a valuable job, I think that sites like this do end up portraying only the worst side of it. After all, who writes posts that read "i want to compliment the DWP (or anyone else) for doing their job perfectly well"?

Well... ultimately it comes down to meeting criteria which is law... getting to a position of an accurate award can be tricky but ultimately in most cases you'd expect after all processes something reasonable to result. Crucially though sites like this are where people will turn to for advice and support... people tend to ask for advice and support when they're faced with something they need advice and support regarding. I think it fair to say that means you're going to get a mix of general requests for information and those for whom things have gone wrong or may go wrong. There is good honest advice on this board in my experience... including persistently from posters such as above who have extensive experience of getting results for others... positive stories albeit not always without torment in the process. There are otherwise positive stories on boards like this... and indication that advice sought in some of them that it assisted in getting accurate award. In other places supporting claimants they tend to advertise their successes - after all they tend to be selling their reputation or services in assisting claimants or disabled people and they'll not achieve that by saying it's impossible to get what you're entitled to. Perhaps worth adding point that some disabled people themselves perceive what is presented in more negative terms than is accurate to fact... those suffering anxiety or depression may be most at risk... and I admit I tend to look at scenarios, systems, events and see the risks and failures and perhaps that's why I've been employed in the roles I have in past..lol.

Crucially though.. judging from some of the above (and a related thread)... is that claimants are well advised to as honestly as possible look at the criteria for benefits like PIP and ESA... determine for themselves as best they can what descriptors they think applies to them... and then set about completion of forms and evidence collection to coincide. For some claimants that's not going to be realistic but hopefully they have someone close at hand or an advice service they can access to assist with same. Consistency is key... and important in any face to face assessment.

I certainly take the point about downplaying difficulties. It's interesting for me sometimes (through the power of facebook etc) to encounter people from my past... and of course you share what's happened in your lives since last you were on more familiar terms. What has struck me is how often people have said to me something along the lines of 'you're just a bit different/odd' and tried to play down my current circumstances... and quite possibly they say that because for many years I masked and concealed symptoms of mental illness so much so and so well that now my difficulty is getting people to take me seriously when I'm telling them bare facts. It still feels odd.. but not difficult anymore.. to tell medical professionals about my true circumstances of health... and I'm constantly challenging myself with 'am I exaggerating here? Am I underpaying problems here?'. I did post an honest account of my ESA WCA face to face this year on the Discussion Time section of the site with update when I got the resulting report back - while the experience and run up to it and aftermath were extremely damaging to me ultimately the report produced was as good (accurate in recording facts and giving opinion) as any medical professional report I have seen about me and encouraging if you take into account the assessor was a nurse (as opposed to psychiatric specialist).

poppy12345

Blatchford wrote: »

If you go by the vast majority of experiences reported here, it's nigh on impossible to qualify for PIP. 99.9% of the posts here, and on other sites, are about how horrible the DWP are and how it is impossible to get what you are entitled to. And maybe they are all right and the DWP are all horrible etc., etc. But equally it might encourage a few people to hear that it isn't always as hard as it seems.

I also completely disagree with that. It's definitely not impossible to qualify for PIP as i proved this myself with my own claim and my daughters. There are people out there who apply and are successfully awarded without any problems at all but remember on an internet forum, it's obvious that you will mostly on ever hear the bad stories.