PIP assessment - 2 points!

Hi Bud

Your assessment sounds very similar to mine in that the HP stated they acknowledged my difficulties but not giving me more than 2 points for an aid I use. Also, stating the evidence I provided in the form was contradictory to the evidence at the assessment. But. of course, the HP
had not stated anything I said at the assessment and did not ask me to do anything except try and stand up which I struggled to do without the help of my friend and sign my name which again I struggled with and told the HP I would not be able to write anything else. This was not noted in the assessment form.

Anyway, I have completed the MR reiterating everything once again and trying to undermine what the HP said. Plus I've included a statement letter from my friend and carer pointing out the difficulties I have and the help they give me. Also, as suggested, wrote to my GP's surgery and requested SAR (subject access record) so I can get some medical evidence even though it may be old that can prove my health problems.

Now just have to wait. I don't expect them to change their mind and give more points but as everybody has said here, you need the MR explanation in order to go to appeal.

Does anybody know if you still get your DLA while awaiting for the answer to the MR or do they cut if off on the date they said?


friend and carer and it goes off tomorrow (1st class post and tracked)

Hi wing

I believe that they can either give points for the use of aids, or in some cases the use of aids can go against you as they see you as being able to manage with the aids. I've got a long term problem with my arm too after breast cancer. Although the assessor said that as I could do the exercises there was no evidence of this. The operations that I've had were called scans, & of course the assessor reported no cancer. My MH wasn't taken into consideration at all, apparently I had a normal facial expression, good eye contact, didn't look depressed .... I do think that I could have got points for going out if the MH had been mentioned. I don't think it matters how you behave, or how you cope during the assessment as some of the assessors will undermine everything you say. In return we have to do the same, thanks to B&W we are able to.

You can begin your own petition or sign as many as you like at change.org. What a surprise that all of those on the parliament website are closed.

Hi Gordon

Seems a bit unfair.

Hi Bud

It seems the HP’s are not taking any notice and not scoring any points. Keep reading this from the posts here that many claimants have the same situation and have to apply for a MR which comes back the same.
The only hope then is to appeal and hopefully they will see sense and give an award. It seems you have a better chance at appeal, The DWP just make you jump through hoops to get your award.

Read an article in the Guardian about DWP ringing claimants up who are waiting for an appeal and offering them a deal at a lower rate.

DWP trying every trick.

Hi Gary

I emailed my GP's surgery to request a SARS and they have just responded by email saying that I have to come to the surgery and fill in a form at the reception because they cannot email outside the NHS.

Do you know if this is the correct procedure or should I just write and post a request to them?

Thanks for any advice.