Any experience of Fightback?

minimad1970

Thank you all for your help and advice, it's much appreciated. I've been through the whole PIP process myself, starting with 0 points, with an award finally being given at the tribunal stage so I do know a bit about how it works, but my brain's not working too well at the moment. Fightback are definitely off the list now though. I'll ring the local disability service again on monday and take their next available appointment for him, I've used them before so hopefully something can be sorted in time. Does anyone know if you can ask for extra time to get the M/R in? 

poppy12345

minimad1970 said:

Thank you all for your help and advice, it's much appreciated. I've been through the whole PIP process myself, starting with 0 points, with an award finally being given at the tribunal stage so I do know a bit about how it works, but my brain's not working too well at the moment. Fightback are definitely off the list now though. I'll ring the local disability service again on monday and take their next available appointment for him, I've used them before so hopefully something can be sorted in time. Does anyone know if you can ask for extra time to get the M/R in? 

Remember it's a request, so if you request it before the 1 month then tell them that you will be sending extra evidence. Also the 1 month deadline can be extended to 13 months, with good reason.

calcotti

poppy12345 said:

Remember it's a request, so if you request it before the 1 month then tell them that you will be sending extra evidence. Also the 1 month deadline can be extended to 13 months, with good reason.

And if DWP refuse to consider the late MR request you can still go to tribunal.

Alice_Holt

minimad1970 said:

 Does anyone know if you can ask for extra time to get the M/R in? 

    The ultimate deadline for challenging a decision is 13 months. However, a good reason for lateness is required for this length of time.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/problems-with-benefits-and-tax-credits/challenging-a-benefit-decision/challenging-a-dwp-benefit-decision-on-or-after-28-october-2013/appealing-against-a-benefit-decision/late-benefit-appeals/

    The MR form includes a section for the reasons for exceeded the 1 month period.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/challenge-a-decision-made-by-the-department-for-work-and-pensions-dwp
Generally, (moderately) delayed MR's are accepted, and if not then the decision to refuse an MR is itself an appealable decision.

 If additional and compelling evidence is being collected, then this could be a valid reason for delay. Otherwise my inclination would be to get it in within the 1 month.
  https://www.advicenow.org.uk/pip-tool

minimad1970

I didn't do anything about his appeal (as I didn't feel up to it) until february 2021. I did use Fightback's services in the end and I'm glad I did. My son received a letter from the DWP today saying he's been awarded enhanced rate for care and mobility, from 20/03/20-21/03/24. I think I'm still in shock, I certainly didn't expect such a quick response and for him not to have to go through another tribunal is a real relief for him. I'm aware paying someone to help isn't ideal but it was the best option for us at the time.

Spoonie_Turtle

minimad1970 said:

I didn't do anything about his appeal (as I didn't feel up to it) until february 2021. I did use Fightback's services in the end and I'm glad I did. My son received a letter from the DWP today saying he's been awarded enhanced rate for care and mobility, from 20/03/20-21/03/24. I think I'm still in shock, I certainly didn't expect such a quick response and for him not to have to go through another tribunal is a real relief for him. I'm aware paying someone to help isn't ideal but it was the best option for us at the time.

Sounds like it was worth it to you then   Congratulations, and thanks for updating here.

airliner

minimad1970 said:

I didn't do anything about his appeal (as I didn't feel up to it) until february 2021. I did use Fightback's services in the end and I'm glad I did. My son received a letter from the DWP today saying he's been awarded enhanced rate for care and mobility, from 20/03/20-21/03/24. I think I'm still in shock, I certainly didn't expect such a quick response and for him not to have to go through another tribunal is a real relief for him. I'm aware paying someone to help isn't ideal but it was the best option for us at the time.

What did Fightback actually submit on your son's behalf?