Friend's PIP cancelled - writing a letter on their behalf?

FlaatusGoat

In an awkward position here. Someone I know has had their PIP cancelled, they were interviewed and basically got the letter back saying the decision cannot be challenged or whatever. Although I feel badly for them it's really not any of my business. They're asking me to write a letter of some sort to the DWP/PIP people and I think that's pretty pointless - or is it? Not even sure what I'm meant to say that might change the DwP's mind. Futile?

Muttleythefrog

FlaatusGoat said:

In an awkward position here. Someone I know has had their PIP cancelled, they were interviewed and basically got the letter back saying the decision cannot be challenged or whatever. Although I feel badly for them it's really not any of my business. They're asking me to write a letter of some sort to the DWP/PIP people and I think that's pretty pointless - or is it? Not even sure what I'm meant to say that might change the DwP's mind. Futile?

We need more details here. Why has it been cancelled? What exactly was the interview for (e.g. benefit fraud?) and what does the letter say?

Spoonie_Turtle

Do you know if they've had any help/advice from an agency such as the CAB?

You're evidently not in a position to help them directly with the benefit as you don't know what's happened, and you may not even be at all familiar with how the benefit works (most people aren't unless they've had to deal with it for themselves or a loved one!).

Unless they can specify what they'd like you to write (subject to you knowing them well enough, and being willing to - no judgement if you're not) then probably the best way to help is to support them in getting in touch with expert advice and help.  Again, depending on your relationship with this person and whether you're even in a position to be able to help them with that.

Certainly sounds a very awkward position and I hope you're able to keep the peace whilst not doing anything you're uncomfortable with.

FlaatusGoat

Muttleythefrog said:

FlaatusGoat said:

In an awkward position here. Someone I know has had their PIP cancelled, they were interviewed and basically got the letter back saying the decision cannot be challenged or whatever. Although I feel badly for them it's really not any of my business. They're asking me to write a letter of some sort to the DWP/PIP people and I think that's pretty pointless - or is it? Not even sure what I'm meant to say that might change the DwP's mind. Futile?

We need more details here. Why has it been cancelled? What exactly was the interview for (e.g. benefit fraud?) and what does the letter say?

Benefit fraud I suspect, apparently they were seen kicking a ball or something that they shouldn't be able to do or whatever. Again I don't know the full circumstances but I've pointed them in the CAB. I'm just not really sure how I can or would make any difference also I doubt the DwP would take me into any consideration.

Muttleythefrog

FlaatusGoat said:

Muttleythefrog said:

FlaatusGoat said:

In an awkward position here. Someone I know has had their PIP cancelled, they were interviewed and basically got the letter back saying the decision cannot be challenged or whatever. Although I feel badly for them it's really not any of my business. They're asking me to write a letter of some sort to the DWP/PIP people and I think that's pretty pointless - or is it? Not even sure what I'm meant to say that might change the DwP's mind. Futile?

We need more details here. Why has it been cancelled? What exactly was the interview for (e.g. benefit fraud?) and what does the letter say?

Benefit fraud I suspect, apparently they were seen kicking a ball or something that they shouldn't be able to do or whatever. Again I don't know the full circumstances but I've pointed them in the CAB. I'm just not really sure how I can or would make any difference also I doubt the DwP would take me into any consideration.

Then yes leave CAB or some other agency deal with them. They need to be totally open and disclose documents if anyone is to give them informed advice or help... and hopefully they will do that with a professional who can give definitive comment and any necessary support.

teddysmum

Your excuse for staying neutral could be that , in many cases, they don't even consider a GP's recommendation as  sufficient as they usually only see a patient at the surgery, so cannot comment on how that patient manages for the majority of their day.