- Posts: 5
× Members
PIP 0 points
- Sezza47
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
3 years 7 months ago #250946 by Sezza47
PIP 0 points was created by Sezza47
So I got my PIP award of 0 points Great !!!! simply because when asked by the assessor if I could drive I said “Yes” and I went to the supermarket. I would not lie but I certainly did not say I can do this all the time !!! which I do not as most of the time I’m housebound with arthritis and fatigue. I’m very angry. I have a type of rare immune disorder which affects me in the same way Lupus/MS might. I have good days and bad days. I am finding it difficult to work out that many other people getting PIP don’t drive if so what’s the point of Motability cars as I know the higher award can be used to pay for this. Very angry and upset. I have appealed with lots of consultant letters and a doctors letter but I bet it won’t help. The system is twisted and contradictory.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Gordon
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 51057
3 years 7 months ago #250960 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP 0 points
Sezza
The first stage to challenging a Decision is for you to request a Mandatory Reconsideration, this needs to be done in writing to the DWP, within one month of the Decision, to the office that dealt with your claim, have a look at our PIP MR & Appeal guide for details of the process, the PIP area also has template letters that you can use to make the request with.
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/pip
You should contact the DWP for a copy of the assessment report if you have not already done so, I would phone them but again follow up the request in writing. Once you have the assessment report you will have a better understanding of how the DWP Decision Maker has come to their conclusions and will then be able to argue against them.
Your primary task is to show that you meet the criteria, there are many reasons you may have failed, you need to address each of these but don't get bogged down in criticising the assessment report unless you can clearly show that it is incorrect, it is a lot easier to argue the facts of the situation;
"the assessor recorded that I walked 50m, I did but they have failed to document that I had to stop every 10m for a rest due to breathlessness"
than their opinions
"based on my observations of the claimant walking I believe that they can reliably walk more than 200m.
When you have a better idea of the issues with your claim, come back to the forum and we will do our best to help.
Gordon
The first stage to challenging a Decision is for you to request a Mandatory Reconsideration, this needs to be done in writing to the DWP, within one month of the Decision, to the office that dealt with your claim, have a look at our PIP MR & Appeal guide for details of the process, the PIP area also has template letters that you can use to make the request with.
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/pip
You should contact the DWP for a copy of the assessment report if you have not already done so, I would phone them but again follow up the request in writing. Once you have the assessment report you will have a better understanding of how the DWP Decision Maker has come to their conclusions and will then be able to argue against them.
Your primary task is to show that you meet the criteria, there are many reasons you may have failed, you need to address each of these but don't get bogged down in criticising the assessment report unless you can clearly show that it is incorrect, it is a lot easier to argue the facts of the situation;
"the assessor recorded that I walked 50m, I did but they have failed to document that I had to stop every 10m for a rest due to breathlessness"
than their opinions
"based on my observations of the claimant walking I believe that they can reliably walk more than 200m.
When you have a better idea of the issues with your claim, come back to the forum and we will do our best to help.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Sezza47
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 5
3 years 7 months ago #250972 by Sezza47
Replied by Sezza47 on topic PIP 0 points
Hi, in my appeal paperwork I addressed all the reasons why I got 0 points with a full explanation as to why I disagree but not in a critical way so hopefully this will help. I did not include any paperwork with initial application as I stupidly thought they contacted my health professionals to know I was telling the truth about my illness. I have now sent loads of Consultant letters and supporting letter from my own GP and hopefully this will help. When I phoned to appeal the person on the phone was shocked I had 0 points and said that 70% of the decision is made from actual written evidence from health professionals. I have my fingers crossed this time but I am sceptical.
Many thanks for your advice and will bear in mind and I will go to the tribunal stage if necessary as I have nothing to hide.
Many thanks for your advice and will bear in mind and I will go to the tribunal stage if necessary as I have nothing to hide.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Sezza47
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 5
3 years 7 months ago #250982 by Sezza47
Replied by Sezza47 on topic PIP 0 points
Just had telecon from DWP asking questions and been told my 1st appeal decision should be with me next week. Fingers crossed.....ummmm not hopeful though.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- BIS
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 7589
3 years 7 months ago #250983 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic PIP 0 points
Hi Sezza47
I hope it goes well for you. You are not the only one to think they contact medical professionals- but they almost never do.
BIS
I hope it goes well for you. You are not the only one to think they contact medical professionals- but they almost never do.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Sezza47
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- denby
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 1157
3 years 7 months ago #250993 by denby
Replied by denby on topic PIP 0 points
It may interest you to know that when our daughter went into meltdown on being informed of a telephone assessment, I asked her GP for a letter requesting paper-based, making very clear to the admin lady that I would be delighted to pay whatever was asked, which was £42 inc VAT. When I phoned assessment provider about it they told me they had written to 3 Drs. for more information to help them make the assessment [on top of all the medical evidence ie clinic letters and diary I had already sent]. They have never done this before when she has endured the torture of face to face ones, BIS is totally right there.
One of the 3 was the GP who, though they didn't tell me what they had responded, did tell me they had done so. When I got the paper-based report there were 4 items on one date ages later, at one-minute timed intervals. Two of these were unsuccessful phone-calls to the two consultants, so it appears the hospitals had not by that time responded and the assessor carried on without their information, after one brief attempt each at chasing them. Interesting insight into the workings I feel.
Very best wishes with your appeal,
Denby
One of the 3 was the GP who, though they didn't tell me what they had responded, did tell me they had done so. When I got the paper-based report there were 4 items on one date ages later, at one-minute timed intervals. Two of these were unsuccessful phone-calls to the two consultants, so it appears the hospitals had not by that time responded and the assessor carried on without their information, after one brief attempt each at chasing them. Interesting insight into the workings I feel.
Very best wishes with your appeal,
Denby
The following user(s) said Thank You: Sezza47
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Moderators: Gordon, Gary, BIS, Catherine, Wendy, Kelly, greekqueen, peter, Katherine, Super User, jimmck, Chris