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?

@PeaPalRIDriots yes, that could well be the case. With washing, if he can do it daily with no physical help then that's probably gonna stay at zero points. Some people find it hard to admit how hard their lives are. They need to really focus on the bad days and talk about that. Otherwise it can make them look like they don't need much. Lots of people with quite severe illnesses still get turned away if they can do certain things even sometimes.

They address how many bad vs good days earlier on in assessment. So even without physical illness, ie they can wash themselves without physical help, points can be given for needing prompting if: most days depression is bad, most days they won’t do things due to this, if left alone they wouldn’t shower. If that’s backed up as per my last comment, there will be no issues giving points for lacking motivation / needing prompting.

Only local journeys are considered for PIP. So if someone can plan and navigate any journey locally they are not deemed as having a restriction

It's the unfamiliar journey one that that was for.

I do this job. Don’t shoot me, but fire away questions…

For unfamiliar journeys, only local ones are considered.

Unless they use a sat nav which is an aid.

My dd couldn’t plan or go on a bus. But she could in a car. Motorbility confirmed this to us.

Sat navs are not considered an aid for journeys unfortunately
The inability to use public transport can score 11D

He told her he couldn't plan an unfamiliar journey and I have to drive him because he's overwhelmed and can't use public transport,

So the assessor will look at the reason for feeling overwhelmed. Which condition is it for, what happened when he tried doing it alone, symptoms when feeling overwhelmed, how did he cope, did he get to the destination, etc.

Also, the reason for not being able to plan. Autism might apply if he is unable to do similar things involving planning and if a psychologist reports this in evidence you send in. It usually applies to cognitive impairment/dementia/brain damage from stroke/failed memory tests by psychologist, or learning disabilities which would show up in areas such as education and a formal diagnosis. What isn’t usually considered is things like lack of concentration, adhd especially if the person works, can use a phone, etc

They didn't ask any of the questions in your top paragraph... Interesting

If the criteria says an unfamiliar journey, why are you only told to consider local journeys?

Local journeys in the vicinity /your town/area. A new address you’ve not been to before, a hospital not attended before, you don’t know the way before looking up or you have to use public transport. Long distance does not equal unfamiliar.

To be fair, what he said fits with that too.. He didn't specify distance, just unfamiliar and that I'd have to take him

Were symptoms explored in another section? What are his symptoms? It might have already been covered. Otherwise it will be an omission. Hard to advise on that without background info.

If it were me I’d ask: why do you have to take him, why does he get overwhelmed, what happens when using public transport? Surely they must have asked some questions, what did they ask and what did he/you say?

In the report they would have to discount the feelings of being overwhelmed: so what does the report say as to why this was not considered?

I need to get a copy, do I just phone and ask for it?

Surely the vast majority of the population use a sat nav?

I honestly wouldn't be surprised when PIP is reformed if this descriptor is scrapped altogether. The descriptors seriously need reform.

Yes which is why it doesn’t score for PIP (not considered an aid which would score)

I think it could take a few years to reform PIP but with any luck a new government will start (and hopefully eventually finish) the process. What part do you think will be scrapped and why?

Yes, you are entitled to a copy. Call the DWP and request it.

Thank you

Apologies in advance I might need my replies removed bc I’ve potentially outed myself here. Just wanted to help, so ask any other questions today if I can provide any further clarification I will do my best.

I agree, might be for different reasons. It takes months of training just to understand them, the scope, which conditions can apply, severity of symptoms, what else could apply, things to consider, the list goes on. People think we are being deliberately difficult but we have to know the information due to how things are defined.

The other thing that members of the public do not see or might not realise (it never occurred to me) is just how many people do lie or exaggerate. It’s so so unfortunate that we have to have this process but otherwise anyone could say anything and just obtain a benefit. Everything had to be consistent and medically reasonable.

Totally agree with your second paragraph but have been shouted down on here for saying it. I see it every day. Need a change of job !