Anyone else dealing with PIP/DWP?

[octoberstorms]

Failed assessment back in April (claimed for 2 years successfully for mental health- I'm 20). Assessor lied on feedback and the assessment questions are not related/geared towards people with MH problems at all.

It was the only money I had each month (can't work due to issues). Have been relying on my parents and boyfriend since which I feel awful about and hate.

Put in mandatory recon, which of course was declined (after they 'lost' my first MR despite me doing recorded delivery).

Now waiting for tribunal date. Says it could take 12-18months minimum.

WTF? NHS has been awful, can't get appointments to see a psychiatrist or mental health nurse or do certain therapies as 'I don't qualify for them/meet criteria' or they simply have none available for months on end.

I have literally no support, no money and am severely depressed and anxious. I suffer from ocd & an eating disorder as well so that's gotten so much worse too.

I don't know what the fuck to do, as it gets closer to Christmas I hit get angrier and angrier as I have no money and no life anymore. The £430pm I was claiming gave me so much independence back. I used it for private therapy costs, food costs and part rent to my boyfriend as well as having a little left over for clothes when needed/rare day out.

Nice one they DWP and these so called assessors are not qualified more than any specialist fact and only your specialist knows you and your illness not a health care assistant or paramedic or nurse fact these people so called assessors are on a bonus for everyone they knock back just plug away and hope you get what you are entitled too punishing the sick and disabled sound familiar nazi did the same so DWP new Gestapo

I second the advice given by a PP, try Fightback4Justice,there is a fb group as well as a web site.

Fightback will complete the form for you,attend an assessment (I had a solicitor attend mine) and take you through the appeal process and attend court with you if necessary.

It costs to employ the staff,but it was worth the money imho as I knew I had the best support I could get.

Give them a ring on 0161 672 7444 or visit the website www.fightback4justice.co.uk/login/

What work did you do before you became unwell OP?
You must have had some therapy during the 2 years you didn’t work. Why were they not successful?
You do seem very negative, do you really see yourself never being able to have any paid employment? If so, finding a support group for others in a similar situation may help improve your MH. Unfortunately, your DPs debt isn’t reason enough for you to receive other benefits. If he cannot support you, and you have no other income, you may just have to return to your parents. The state isn’t going to support you otherwise.
As for people who are making allegations that DWP have targets of refusing x number of claims, that’s not correct, and is usually spread by unsuccessful claimants. Not everyone is successful because not everyone meets the criteria. I know some people who didn’t initially claim because they didn’t think they qualified, yet both receive the highest level if payments (one for a MH condition), and another person who’s exploiting the system receiving a payment by deceit.

Oh op I feel you pain.

My ds is 16, he has ASD, high functioning would be how best to describe him.
However, he struggles with so much and was on high rate care/low rate mobility on DLA.

When he turned 16 in March we were advised to claim for PIP which we did. Then came the assessment in June which was an absolute shambles. Ds received ZERO points. None at all.

Everything stopped on 27th August. I sent in a MR 20 pages long, detailing every anomaly. Funny that I was his appointee ( the DWP came to our home to assess him ) but the assessor said that he “ can make complex financial budgeting decisions “ ffs he doesn’t even have a bank account. There are loads more examples but I can’t face it tonight.
I only found out on Thursday over the phone that the MR was not successful and am waiting for the paperwork.
He also has anxiety, OCD and quite severe body dysmorphia. He is under Alder Hey children’s hospital over his ASD but his doctor has said he can stay as patient until he is 18 and has told me that he will support us as much as possible if we go to tribunal ( which we will be doing ) and has made an urgent referral to CAMHS.

I can’t cope at all. My MH is poor anyway and I’m doing more for him than ever, personal care etc, he can’t make any food, tie his shoe laces, I’m verging on suicidal as we have lost everything and I can’t live on this pittance. We’re due to go on universal credit on Thursday 31s Brexit day. All of this because of absolute lies.
I’ve read about these assessments and never realised how bad some of them are. The assessor said that ds opened a can of Diet Coke! Yes he did. I don’t know what that proves!

I wonder if we can use this thread as support and advice for one another. I’ve lost my mum this year, this has happened and I’m worried sick about my lovely boy.

Sorry for the hijack op

Actually a benefit check just to double check there is nothing else you are entitled to may not be a bad idea: benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou

Ps he should have received around 21 points.

When I had my assessment I actually broke down crying during it, but assessor stated I had coped fine. Other lies like I managed to get on trolley easily, no mention that she had to lift my leg up etc. She was lovely at the time and I couldn’t believe how she had lied when I got letter with decision through. Obviously I failed my assessment. I spoke to Citizens Advice and appealed, but also put in a new claim, which was successful. I also complained about assessor so that I did not get her again. I also said that I could not attend a new assessment at same place as, due to my poor mobility, I would have been unable to get out (it was up several flights of stairs) in an emergency. The assessor came to my home (first appointment was with previous assessor, which I phoned up about and it was cancelled due to previous complaint I had made) and I felt I had some control over the assessment, which went much better and I actually ended up having my claim back dated and I got a lump sum of several thousand pounds, which allowed me to buy equipment I needed to make my life easier!

Get in touch with Citizens Advice as they can be very supportive and helpful, especially if you need to go to court!
💐 for you. I know what you are going through

This seems extremely insensitive... almost like you're accusing OP of being able to fight for money she should be getting but not having energy for a job?? Let me tell you something mental health is a damn rollercoaster! One minute she may have energy to do it - because of the fact like she said, it's made her feel worse not having money and the next she could be in bed under the covers with no real feeling for life itself... please think about how you write things as this could have seemed quite rude to OP.

I have successfully completed PIP applications for two adults with MH illness although one also has a immunosuppressant disease too. It was their MH that made the eligible for PIP. Although I appreciate there are a lot of faults with the system sometimes it’s good to read of successful applications. One applicant had a home visit and the other an assessment centre. Both assessors were very good.
Both applicants were awarded enhanced rates on mobility and one got enhanced daily living component. I did help with a review on the award of standard daily living for the second applicant which got refused. The applicant couldn’t face a tribunal so left it.
I used the descriptors on the CAB website to make sure each section was completed correctly. Obviously there were some questions that were not applicable. Each applicant had considerable evidence from health providers. There is also a webpage on how the assessors should mark. PIP is assessed on the ability of the applicant to complete daily living tasks and their mobility.
It’s good to go through the points available form each task and refer to your medical evidence to help you respond. One applicant had a MH OT report which covered all the relevant questions on the PIP application.
The only issue I have come up with during applications for ESA and PIP was despite them both being DWP they are completely separate. So where PIP said one applicant could not leave his home this was not enough evidence for ESA for a home visit. As soon as his Dr wrote that the applicant couldn’t go out the assessment was cancelled and the ESA was granted.
It takes a lot of effort to complete the forms and is most cases a person suffering MH illness will not be in a position to complete the forms.
Never go to an assessment alone.

Just to give an insight on mental health....
I've been on pip for nearly 2years now, got told I'd have it for 5 before a review. I'm on high rate care low rate mobility. I haven't worked in almost 6years.. granted 3 have only been due to mental health.... in those 3yrs I've received 1 therapy session... 1!! I have a mental health social worker - who is on long term sick atm and they wont give me to anyone else, I have a psychiatrist who can only fit me in once every 3months.... in august I had a massive breakdown and ended up admitted for 5days... not much but still! I've been told by social worker that therapy wont work for measles my issues are too deep rooted... but here's the catch- in order to get psychology you have to attend therapy and then fail therapy... (I had therapy and psychology 10yrs ago for other mental health issues) I cant attend nexus as have no one to watch my child... therapy is a 8-10montj waiting list until a letter for an app and then 6weeks of therapy. Once that fails its 12-18months waiting for psychology... so it is very possible the OP has had no therapy in 2yrs because funny enough the NHS waiting lists are ridiculous!! And with mental health it's very normal to be 'negative ' it's called MH for a reason

I help a lot of people with the application process for PIP. there does not seem to be any logical reason as to who gets it and who doesn't ! I have sat in on two assessments recently to support clients and one was truly shocking. My client had spinal fractures and was wincing in pain just sitting on the sofa. The assessor made her walk to the door frame, hold on to the doorframe and bend down and touch her toes. The lady was in agony. I was pleading with the client not to do it if it caused her pain .

Try not to panic (easy to say I know) as about 50% or something of decisions for mental health get overturned on appeal.

I think if you make a new claim it strikes out your one on appeal IDK- please phone or get someone to phone and check before you do that.

The forms can be written etc in the light of mental health- the booklet that comes with the form is really good- I'm sure your mum filled in the form ok as she's a social worker.

Did someone come along to the assessment with you? If they take you there and sit with you while you wait, the assessor can use that as evidence you need someone to help you with stuff (they did with me.)

I wouldn't be comfortable with it myself necessarily, but if someone goes in the assessment with you that probably may add points, as it comes across as you can't do stuff on your own.

It strikes me in general that it doesn't seem like your condition is getting the help it needs- I can only suggest you keep going back even more and say you're still struggling, so they can't ignore you, they have to try you on a different med/dose, or refer you for therapy etc or to see the consultant. If you got to see the pyschologist you would get upto 20 sessions.

It might help if you changed your GP surgery, if this one isn't really helping you.

I know what it's like at that age if you have mental health problems that aren't being adequately treated etc- hugs xxxxx Trust me, you will have some good times- hang on in there and keep fighting for the help you deserve, not only from the government but especially from the NHS. xxx

Look on here:
It took me years and 3 tribunals to get mine.
I’ve used these since and the advice is great, they are a charity.
Fightback4justice.co.uk. Loads of examples of well put together forms and applications! Good luck

I know the DWP are awful and the assessments are brutal but there are other benefits, (UC, ESA). If you are living with someone who is earning good money then you are in a better position than many.

The PIP award may yet come good - I hope so for your sake.

I believe that we need a complete rethink of the benefits system. No-one should have to go through the humiliation of these assessments.

@bossybloss I will definitely be contacting CAB to talk to them. I am waiting for a tribunal date atm but it will definitely help to talk to people who know what to expect.

@scoobydoo1971 I'm so sorry, that sounds awful for you.

@Cesaro that's exactly what I've done, I've requested an in person court case. Definitely the best option! (Though they'll probably penalise me from the start as they'll say I'm well enough as I'm there in person!).

@ScabbyBabby Thank you, I do love writing actually and have done some blogging/writing articles for my partners business in the past, unfortunately not much money comes from small writing jobs though.
I have worked before- when I was 16 I worked a retail role for a month before having to quit and I have had a few other part time jobs that I've had to quit due to poor health within a week/2week timeframe.

@elfbuzz Thank you, you write well, don't worry!

@Nokeysnoentry Thank you, the OU have been great actually with helping me decide which course to apply for that'll be most manageable for me. I'm doing an access module in Feb which will be 9hrs a week.

@Cesaro It's awful isn't it, I don't know how the assessors can take the jobs tbh, it's immoral.

@MuthaFunka61 Thank you, I will look into contacting them.

@Soontobe60 Depressed people do tend to be negative, it comes with the illness. I'm 20 so I've only had a few part time roles that never lasted longer than a month. I do actually want to work- I aspire to study eventually to be a psychologist when I am well enough.

@Zoflorabore oh my gosh I'm so so sorry to hear about your story. You and your family have been through so much it seems and you sound like an incredible mother. That's great that your son has a support team around him for now- the assessor lied plenty on my form too, stated I seemed comfortable and confident and showed no signs of anxiety (in reality I had a panic attack in the room, used hand gel over 10 times in 30 mins and could not take my coat off as I didn't want to touch the chair due to my ocd).

Keep going, we will get there.

I had the same situation with PIP, the assessor lied about stuff that was said and gave other false information, which resulted in no more PIP but luckily I appealed and got it sorted.
Appealing can be stressful depending on your circumstances,but they genuinely try to help and they try to make things as comfortable as possible for you.

My friend never even got to court she was on holiday when a person from DWP called her then next day she got miss call from them followed by text to contact them she did and they offered her PIP there and then and she also got enhanced income support on top of her income support that too was back dated she kept name and landline number from DWP person incase she needs it in the future so it's hard I feel for everyone of you I really do just stick in there like I said cost them to take you to court and if they think they will lose like my friends case they will contact you she told cii advice and they told her they do this as they would lose in court pay your cost too so persevere please I know it's hard

@sweetiepy That sounds like a nightmare! It's criminal how they blatantly lie. I am actually considering wearing a microphone/filming on my phone next time as they lie so consistently. Why the hell don't they have cameras in the rooms?? Oh right, so they can lie and ruin people's lives.

@Emmarankin Thank you so much. You are very right, I try to ignore comments that trigger me.

@Interestedwoman Thank you, my mum always comes to my appointments as 1) I wouldn't be able to get there on my own as I don't drive and can't use public transport due to ocd and anxiety & 2) because I'd fall apart without support when they're interrogating me.

If memory serves me correctly, you can ask for the assessment to be recorded. I know a number of people have suggested CAB for extra help, and they certainly have helped me in the past, but I would say how helpful they are is very dependent on who you get. If you have someone attend assessments with you make sure the assessor records that, as that is proof you needed support in order to attend.

I would ditch off trying to claim PIP if I were you and start studying. There's actually lots of support at colleges and universities for mental health. Your GP sounds ok so I would work with them and get your life on track with writing/psychology. You could spend a year to 18 months of your life fighting for what I think is a measly amount of money or be half way through an HNC at college by then. Would your boyfriend not give you some work from home type role in his business doing social media or invoicing?

I'm currently struggling with what could be type 1 diabetes that has progressed over a few months and left my limbs aching and a loss in function and my vision affected. All this has given me so much anxiety but if I didn't have my job (and my son and DH) I don't know what I would do. I feel striving is good for the mind. It doesn't work for everyone but please don't waste your youth chasing the government for something they just won't freely give and find your way and find the support you need. Best of luck to you

JenniferM1989 I feel exactly the same. I have struggled with MH issues this year but if I did not have my job to go to I would have no purpose in life. I do think that working can be helpful. However I had an established career before having MH issues and am lucky to have a supportive team of colleagues and a very supportive team leader. Not everyone is so fortunate and for someone who does not have a career already I imagine it can be very daunting.

Just spoke to my friend she told me at first time they called went through a few thing then tried to discourage her by saying could take a year for court case she said that's fine she would wait to be heard next day she got miscall shortly followed by text message with a phone number to contact this person from DWP it was same person whom spoke to her the day before she stated she had looked at her case again and decided to award her her PIP best thing was not withheld phone number so my friend photo shot the text as further evidence if needed so again please stick with it don't let them win you can't record a conversation as it can't be used in court but keep any letters ect hope everyone of you get your pip as sound like you have suffered enough

Great advice from Jenifer.

I feel striving is good for the mind. It doesn't work for everyone but please don't waste your youth chasing the government for something they just won't freely give and find your way and find the support you need. Best of luck to you

You have so much ahead of you and youth on your side now is the time to try and start to take that first step. I know it's hard, I struggle with Spd, a possible autism diagnosis and have bouts of depression but if it wasnt for a job I think I'd go under and in fact if I didnt have the job I would go under, I need to work to pay the Bill's. Its just me supporting me, so I dont have the luxury to take time out as much as I could do with it. Please look into ways you can foster indepence and a love of life again fi d your passions