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assessors response to use of aids.
- wilton
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3 years 9 months ago #265272 by wilton
assessors response to use of aids. was created by wilton
I am confused with assessors response to my wifes use of aids.Due to extreme eczema in both hands causing split and bleeding skin,extreme discomfort and the need to wear prescribed cotton gloves preventing infections it causes extremely poor grip.This is all backed up by her dermatologist.She explained she needs to use easy grip adapted cutlery as normal cutlery is impossible to use.She explained during toileting the use of a bottom cleaner is required but still causes her difficulties.The assessor then reports due to the fact she uses these aids proves she has a good grip which is totally untrue.The assessor goes on to award 0 points for .Eating and drinking and 0 points for toileting.Totally confused .
- LL26
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3 years 9 months ago #265335 by LL26
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by LL26 on topic assessors response to use of aids.
Hi ginger,
My experience with assessors us that generally they don't understand about aids/appliances. Either they will award a miserly 2 points on a few things, which provides a standard award but doesn't reflect the correct award fir significant disabilities. Let's face it, if you read the stories on this forum about delays, coping with assessments and forms any PIP is an achievement, and many people will just accept what is offered.
Alternatively, an assessor who doesn't really understand the health condition can easily think that you don't really need to use an aid, or just ignore why that it would be needed.If your wife does not use the aids, then clearly she will be unable to perform each activity in an acceptable safe, timely manner.
You don't state what time frame your wife's PIP claim is at.
If you haven't yet received a decision, you should write immediately to DWP and explain to them what you have written here. Stress that you MUST you the various aids, and explain their use fully (again!) State that you reserve the right to make a Mandatory Reconsideration later once the actual decision is made and notified to you.
If you have had the decision then send an MR request along the same lines.
Of course if your wife has received a PIP Decision and is already in Enhanced Rate then there us nothing to be gained by writing in, as she is already on the highest level if PIP and can't receive anymore money.
I hope this helps.Good luck.
LL26
My experience with assessors us that generally they don't understand about aids/appliances. Either they will award a miserly 2 points on a few things, which provides a standard award but doesn't reflect the correct award fir significant disabilities. Let's face it, if you read the stories on this forum about delays, coping with assessments and forms any PIP is an achievement, and many people will just accept what is offered.
Alternatively, an assessor who doesn't really understand the health condition can easily think that you don't really need to use an aid, or just ignore why that it would be needed.If your wife does not use the aids, then clearly she will be unable to perform each activity in an acceptable safe, timely manner.
You don't state what time frame your wife's PIP claim is at.
If you haven't yet received a decision, you should write immediately to DWP and explain to them what you have written here. Stress that you MUST you the various aids, and explain their use fully (again!) State that you reserve the right to make a Mandatory Reconsideration later once the actual decision is made and notified to you.
If you have had the decision then send an MR request along the same lines.
Of course if your wife has received a PIP Decision and is already in Enhanced Rate then there us nothing to be gained by writing in, as she is already on the highest level if PIP and can't receive anymore money.
I hope this helps.Good luck.
LL26
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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