PIP and evidence from GP

Hi Alice

I'm sorry that your PIP assessment went badly. Did you get a copy of the assessment report? It's called a PA4? It is difficult to write a Mandatory Reconsideration without a copy of the assessment report as it gives more information about how they came to their decision. You also haven't said that you had the assessment recorded - so am I right in assuming that you didn't?

Only 27% of Mandatory Reconsiderations are successful, so don't feel bad that it was unchanged. However, it is really important that you understand why they either turned you down or you didn't get the level of award you were hoping for, so when it comes to the appeal, you can fill in the gaps.

You said that you wished you had access to our information before. When you can - go through every page of the Guide to PIP Claims and Reviews and see where there might have been gaps in the information you gave them. Also look at the Guide to Appeals to see if there is any additional information that will be helpful. You have a much better chance of winning an Appeal - but people sometimes fall down, if they don't understand why they were turned down in the first place.

Do not worry about a lack of medical information. If the Tribunal Panel want more information, they will write to your GP. You can describe your symptoms, and you can say that you are waiting to be seen. You can keep a diary for a month and include it, if you want to. You can also submit letters from family or friends who have witnessed your difficulties. You can, of course, access your own medical records if you want to and include copies of anything you deem relevant - but you don't have to do this and most people don't.

BIS