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AIBU?

This isn’t fair, this is fucking evil.

317 replies

MrsWrex · 27/10/2017 08:59

My wife has had her pip reassessment reduced because of one point.

Her condition hasn’t changed one bit, we have letters from various professionals stating this. Some assessor that knows jack about her condition has stated she has no problems with communication at all because she ‘sounded intelligent’ (yes, that is written in the reply letter, apparently you can’t have autism if you sound intelligent)

You can’t even get a diagnosis of autism without some glaring problems with communication.

Sorry, just needed to vent. Can’t do it at home as dw is stressed enough as it is. I’ve been trying to get her to stop adding up how much this is going to affect us. Dd has been diagnosed with autism too, I just feel terrified for them both in the future.

I’ve called up for a mandatory reconsideration, I am fairly certain we’ve got enough evidence to win a tribunal. This system just seems to be designed to stress us as much as possible, it’s wrong.

OP posts:
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witchofzog · 27/10/2017 09:30

Yadnbu. I support people with these as part of my job. Many of the assessors are blatantly not fit to assess certain conditions. I had a client with a mental health condition assessed by a physiotherapist who had no training in mental health. Another lady I supported recently was previously declined for pip because she couldn't possibly have a mental health condition as she was well presented with nice nails Hmm

I would say if it is only 1 point you have good grounds for an appeal. Could you go to your local cab for help? They are really good at supporting with pip appeals etc?

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TammyswansonTwo · 27/10/2017 11:11

YADNBU. The system sucks: I have been unable to work for six years due to physical illnesses and I've never even applied. The criteria only work properly for a small handful of disabilities.

I recently applied for one of my twins who has a serious illness. I could prove that he needs more care than other babies his age as he has a twin who doesn't have the illness. Was still refused, twice. They insist that he doesn't need more care than other babies his age - yes, I'm sure all babies need to fed every 3 hours at the most, need medications giving through the day and night, need blood sugars testing every couple of hours and treatment if they're low. It's so infuriating.

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Willow2017 · 27/10/2017 11:29

The system sucks it has from the start.
I know someone who took a rep from cab as he had had problems before with assessments for his chronic degenerative condition. The assessor, a retired gp, actually said " I have had no experience of your condition and really dont know anything about it, but i am sure you will cope when you are working again." And cancelled his disability allowance. Friend hasnt worked no employer would touch him and job centre agree and have said they have loads of people on jsa who will never be able to work. Its a total scam.

Good luck with your appeal.

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OhHolyFuck · 27/10/2017 11:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

OhHolyFuck · 27/10/2017 11:34

I'm so sorry, meant to post in Christmas

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DontTouchTheMoustache · 27/10/2017 11:35
Flowers
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SeventyNineBottlesOfWine · 27/10/2017 11:38

My son was refused PIP at all despite being impacted quite severely by his disability (cerebral palsy)
I appealed and he was then awarded the highest rate for mobility and lower rate for care.
A HUGE difference!
The woman who'd assessed him originally was utterly clueless and incompetent.
We were put through weeks of incredible stress until the appeal.
It's a disgraceful system.
Keep fighting against their decision.
I wish you both all the best.

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Ceto · 27/10/2017 11:45

I continually find it absolutely shocking that we have a system whereby the medical opinion of someone with zero knowledge of the condition in question and no access to the individual's records can override the opinions of well-established experts who have been working with the person concerned for years.

Anyone would think the system had been deliberately set up to knock the most vulnerable out of their lawful entitlement. But our respected government wouldn't dream of that, would it?

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vjg13 · 27/10/2017 11:45

There is some brilliant advice and guides on this website. I joined and used their guide to claim ESA for daughter who is disabled. They also report stats on % of success at appeal and reconsiderations which may help your wife's anxiety about this.

Good luck, the system seems to be designed to grind people down but you have a good chance of overturning this.

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ijustwannadance · 27/10/2017 11:46

My mum has just been told her blue badge won't be renewed. She was 2 points short on assessment.

They said she was casually dressed and made eye contact?? WTF. Her brain is fine ffs. It's her body that's fucked after 40 years of arthritis.

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averylongtimeago · 27/10/2017 11:48

I am sure they routinely turn down everyone and then reassess on appeal. That way (the thinking goes) any chances get scared off, some will be put off and not appeal even though they should, and even more will hear horror stories and not bother. Win win, less public money spent.

Never mind the rope who really need the money, all the stress and heartache.

Appeal, don't be put off.

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LoislovesStewie · 27/10/2017 11:49

My son has an ASD , he was refused PIP. Had previously had DLA. Despite the fact that he does not understand some questions I wasn't allowed to say anything on his behalf, he was told that as he could put a meal in a microwave he had no issues with cooking. He often will not touch certain items as they are 'contaminated', and as he doesn't understand questions answers inappropriately. The whole thing is a shambles, not fit for purpose and in my mind should be scrapped. And the interviewer was VILE!

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tinytemper66 · 27/10/2017 11:49

My son was asked how long he had had his learning disability!!!

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IHaveBrilloHair · 27/10/2017 11:49

I lost points for opening my own front door.
Did they want to conduct the interview through the windowConfused

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vjg13 · 27/10/2017 11:50

Definitely worth appealing the blue badge decision, my daughter's was turned down with the new system but the physio did a letter describing her issues and it was granted.

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BoreOfWhabylon · 27/10/2017 11:51

Thanks very much for that link vjg13.

I'm currently tearing my hair out over the PIP assessment form and I'm an experienced HCP!

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WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 27/10/2017 11:53

YANBU. I'm so sorry. Very best of luck with your appeal Flowers

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crispandcheesesandwichplease · 27/10/2017 11:56

Please take it to appeal. My good friend had her PIP removed last year. She went to an appeal, with lots of supporting written evidence from professionals, and me. The panel were lovely and she had it re-instated and backdated.

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whiskyowl · 27/10/2017 12:00

I am so sorry. It's a hellish system and you and your family should not have to go through this. It makes me feel ashamed that I live in a country where this is seen as OK. Flowers

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User843022 · 27/10/2017 12:00

This is so wrong. I understand people need to be assessed but my friend has had extensive surgery, this has left her with permanent disabilities and struggling with most of the activities yet her PIP is being refused.

The assessors report looks like it's been written by an idiot with no medical knowledge.

All she can do is put in an MR and go for tribunal. She fulfils the criteria and should get EH care and standard mobility.

It's such a stressful system and seems to try to make vulnerable ill people out to be liars. Fwiw tribunals seem to have a good success rate, some of the arseholes who do the assessments should be ashamed of themselves.

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brasty · 27/10/2017 12:05

It is a terrible system. I got turned down, and the assessor had said I had no issue with many things even though I had proof that I did. I was too ill to go through an appeal, so dropped it. I think they rely on some people doing that. Thankfully I got prescribed a new drug and am now able to work again and do the basic things I could not before.

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Hatstand · 27/10/2017 12:06

YANBU. The entire system is not just shambolic but purposely malicious. Have heard many stories of people with terminal and chronic conditions being affected, even people living in secure psychiatric settings ffs. Good luck with the appeal. Flowers

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Miserylovescompany2 · 27/10/2017 12:06

I was told to ask for the assessor's credential's and to request the assessment to take place at home - my son will be 16 in a few weeks, the thought of being assessed is making his anxiety sky rocket.

I appealed my middle sons DLA a few years back and was successful. I hope if your wife decides to go along the appeal route for her pip she'll have a positive outcome.

The point lost around communication should be challenged. It's not straight forward for people on the spectrum. Once you add the likes of crowds, background noise, anxiety, long sentences or interruptions then you see the communication difficulties.

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hoochymama1 · 27/10/2017 12:06

Keep fighting, keep appealing. Contact the welfare benefits section of your local authority or citizens advice and keep going. Don't give up, don't give in. The majority of appeals get through. Make yourselves a pita Grin
Your dw and dd are fortunate to have you Flowers
Feel free to vent Wink

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DJBaggySmalls · 27/10/2017 12:13

I dont know how they can sleep at night.
I heard of a bloke with one arm who was asked if he expected his condition to improve in the future.

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