Pip claim help

[Whatnownownow]

My adult son has just heard back to see if he will be awarded pip and they've awarded him 0 points for everything which seems crazy. I was there for the assessment on the phone and the report even says that he has difficulties with certain things.... No mention of him saying that I have to support him with lots of the criteria... Then still awards 0 anyway?! Is this common?

If you’re going to use an organisation to help, I recommend Pipps Professionals. They’re legally qualified and can draft an MR using the latest case law.

You have 13 months in law. The DWP will tell you one month. DO NOT phone them. They will often take your phone call as the MR and ‘trick’ you into doing it over the phone. Just send the MR in and send it recorded delivery.

You have a copy of the assessor’s report? You need to go through this, with the pip descriptors to hand, and explain which criteria your son meets and why.

We only have the decision, not the report, is that different?

Pip's professional charge a fortune. Have a look at cab or Fightback. The cab are often students though but Fightback are a charity so only charge a low fee

That is sad to hear, of course that should never be the case, that someone's vulnerability should be used against them, but it does appear to happen often. There are some knowledgeable posters who frequent these threads, posting about organizations who will be able to assist you, and your son. I have learnt a lot, by reading about other people's experiences.

Telephone, and ask for a copy of the assessors report. It will detail what was discussed, and how they decided on the award given, or not.

Thank you all

Top tips

Firstly always ask for the interview to be recorded. When you go to appeal the DWP will have to provide a transcript which will sort out any discrepancies between the report and what actually happened.

Secondly something like 80% of appeals are upheld at tribunal without further evidence. I went to Tribunal over my youngest sons DLA award, my wife & I walked in to be told that they could not see why we didnt get middle rate care and low rate mobility and the DWP rep said he could not either. Appeal upheld, next!

Finally I am not sure if anyone has ever complained about a report provided by the DWP on the basis that it was entirely inaccurate BUT DWP asessors are supposed to be medically qualified so it could eventually end up with their professional body and disqualification

Fightback aren’t a charity. They’re a not for profit community interest company, same as Pipps.

Finally I am not sure if anyone has ever complained about a report provided by the DWP on the basis that it was entirely inaccurate BUT DWP asessors are supposed to be medically qualified so it could eventually end up with their professional body and disqualification

I personally would not complain about an assessor, but there is nothing wrong with pointing out whatever in their report that you do not agree with, or you believe failed to capture the gravity of the difficulties being assessed. Avoid calling them a liar etc.

We've got a recording on tape, how do i get a transcript?

If its the DWP's recording they should provide it, if its yours then thats down to you

I've got it the cd, I meant how do i get a transcript of it?

Can I somehow get the report too?

Phone and ask for a copy of the assessor’s report. I would advise not telling them you are going to submit an MR.

Thank you... Why is that?

For it to be admissible at tribunal it would need to be done by an independent transcription service, which is expensive. However, I’d still use it. The fact that you have it might just stop them lying and denying.

Op I think its 28 days to ask for the mandatory reconsideration??? The citizens advice bureau were very very helpful with mine. Good luck x x

Because quite often they will take your phone call as the MR and make a decision before you submit your written response to the report. I have seen them do this many times and also, informing them that you are planning an MR starts the clock ticking meaning you are under pressure to get it done quickly. If you haven’t notified them, you have 13 months to do it and to obtain further evidence if needed.

It’s 13 months in law. The DWP will tell you 28 days

www.gov.uk/mandatory-reconsideration. I do these at work. They csn be done online too. You should be told on the letter how long you have to do - usually a month

Its not down to the person on the phone it goes to a decision maker who can over ride everything. Is your son autistic or what is his disability is u don't mind me asking? Pip is very black and white unless they have needed 1:1 support in school they are often seen to be competent and not need prompting as could cope in that situation. I'm not saying its fair but its what I have noticed from talking to people who I know that have applied.

It is 13 months yew, but they make it very difficult and will bluster and takes ages if you don't get it back in 'their' time limit.
It's all despicable

If you have a Social Prescriber at your gp surgery- ask them. Some of us will do them (I do!)

Thank you all again

I've never heard of that, what does it mean?