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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Not sure where to put this, so placing it in familliar stomping ground for traffic...DLA to PIP.

193 replies

OrangeIsTheNewPop · 12/04/2017 15:22

So...The Dreaded Letter came through.

I was awarded indefinite DLA about 1000 years ago. Now it's our postcode's turn for The Big Swap.

That 40 page form is horrendous! Also feeling crappy because I'm so independent, and it was headfucking to document- especially in front of DH (he filled it out for me) exactly how much help I need... we usually take the piss out of it (Oh, Orange could get lost in an alleyway, etc). Mentally draining.

Anyway, that's the "woe is me" shite over. Is anyone else in limbo atm? Can anyone give me positive stories about the process? And a ballpark timeline, please? I have all documentation to send off today- how long before the ball starts rolling? (Need to know so I don't trip up over it 😂😂).

What happens now?

Ps, I'm an absolute SWINE for unintentionally drip-feeding, so feel free to flame. Happy to give details etc.

OP posts:
LovelyBath77 · 12/05/2017 16:29

On the subject of greasy hair, my PIP assessor said I had this but I'd just washed my hair. She must have thought it was greasy.

AllRoadsLeadBackToRadley · 12/05/2017 16:30

Gawd only knows what they'll make of my rainbow hair! 😂😂

LovelyBath77 · 12/05/2017 16:34

Allroads-

i did keep copy of the original form but the thing is appeals gave me more points on some areas than I had on the original award, so it's a but worrying. as it means I've said for example need prompting for something and they have said needs support (so more points)....

HelenaDove · 12/05/2017 16:39

DHS PIP appointment letter has finally arrived. Its too far away He is unable to travel.

We have asked for a home assessment. The person we spoke to seemed co operative. And they have put in a request for one.

DH did have a home assessment in 1995 because he has always had bad arthritis but this was before the ischemic heart disease and COPD.

The assessor treated our home with utter disrespect He played the buffoon card!

He did an anal exam on DH in the bedroom He dumped his case on my dressing table sending my stuff flying and managed to get KY Jelly all over the dressing table all up the dressing table mirror and loads on the bedspread.

DH really needs a home assessment but we arent prepared to put up with that again.

His massive heart attack was in the spring of 2006 Hes been on low rate care since late summer 2006. And on high rate mobility since late 2008.

HelenaDove · 12/05/2017 16:42

It took over two and a half years post heart attack for him to get what he was entitled to.

unweavedrainbow · 12/05/2017 16:45

@HelenaDove why was an assessor doing an anal (!) exam on your DH? They're not supposed to do anything even mildly invasive, let alone anything that involves displacing underwear...

EwanWhosearmy · 12/05/2017 16:54

My DS has a f2f at 9am on Monday, 27 miles away! Luckily I have a car as he can't drive, as to get there by train would mean catching it at 6:52. (The next one doesn't get there in time.)

He has been on DLA for about 20 years. He's convinced it'll be OK but I'm not so sure. On his last DLA renewal he went from HRC/LRM to LRC only. I asked for reconsideration I was furious as it was clear they hadn't read the form at all and went back to MRC/LRM within about a week.

HelenaDove · 12/05/2017 17:21

It was 22 years ago Rainbow. I cant remember the reason he gave. What i remember is having DHs autonomy and our flat and property totally disrespected.

Ive been in two minds about whether to post it on here as it was such a long time ago but being put through the PIP mill has brought the memory of it back.

People who say DLA was easy to get back then are WRONG.

LovelyBath77 · 12/05/2017 18:17

I just want to say that I have had two home visits by a doctor and a nurse and on both times were they respectful and no way should they be doing an anal exam.

JoffreyBaratheon · 12/05/2017 18:27

Helena best of luck to you both. xxx

HelenaDove · 12/05/2017 18:36

Thanks Joffrey Back at ya and others on here Thanks

HelenaDove · 12/05/2017 19:23

Just remembered something else. Sorry for drip feed but it was 22 years ago.

We did take it to tribunal back in 1995. Afterwards when we received the paperwork it clearly stated that DH manages to go upstairs to use the toilet. WE LIVE IN A FLAT.

Lying on the paperwork is NOT a post 2010 thing.

mrsmata · 13/05/2017 01:10

My ds transitioned from DLA to PIP last year when he turned 17.
He was on higher rate care and mobility and following assessment remained so.
He did have a home visit which all went fairly smoothly although the assessor did insist on ds proving that he can't walk - he honestly can't and never has been able to.
We had provided written evidence from his OT; Physio; hospital consultant and GP all documenting his disabilties and that he's totally wheelchair dependent but they still wanted to see for themselves.
DS had to "try" to walk or stand three times - on each occasion he fell over immediately (as he has no independent balance) and I had to catch him.
This seemed to satisfy them that he wasn't fibbing and within a week he received the decision.
I won't pretend it was a pleasant experience because it wasn't but the application was honest and the correct decision was reached in the end.

HelenaDove · 13/05/2017 01:15

MrsMata im glad your DS got what he was entitled to but that behaviour from the assessor is barbaric.

enterthedragon · 13/05/2017 14:07

DS (has AS, Hypermobility Syndrome, Learning difficulties/disabilities, high anxiety) just went through the change from DLA to Pip (16years old). He asked me to be his appointee, I did all the phone calls and paperwork, asked for an extension because we were waiting for an amended EHCP, which didn't arrive in time so had to send the existing one along with 2 ed psych reports, original diagnosis reports from clinical psychologist, OT, Physio, updated report from OT, when I phoned for the time extension I was told that we would be sent a f2f appointment.
Three weeks later I got an award letter for 3years, we've lost the mobility element and the DLA was an indefinite award.

The award letter states that there was enough information to make the award without a f2f. I am annoyed about losing the mobility element but too damn scared of losing the whole award to ask for a mr.

LovelyBath77 · 13/05/2017 15:55

Helena 22 years ago we didn't have PIP. I'm a bit confused as DLA didn;t often involve an exam. Are you sure it isn;t something else you're thinking of about the anal exam?

HelenaDove · 13/05/2017 16:07

NO! It was DLA. And they were doing tribunals in Harlow back then.

But we didnt have social media back then either. So much easier to rewrite history for back then. Not having a go btw Thanks i just wanted to make that point.

HelenaDove · 13/05/2017 16:08

Believe me it happened. And I well remember struggling to fill in the form.

LovelyBath77 · 13/05/2017 17:09

Not saying it didn't happen, just wondered what benefit it was for. I had a medical at home for incapacity benefit some years ago, with a doctor.

Groovee · 13/05/2017 21:28

My dad had a medical at home for his DLA application and got a lifetime award. His was around 15 years ago.

AllRoadsLeadBackToRadley · 14/05/2017 12:57

I have to admit to feeling physically sick now...haven't eaten since yesterday morning, I didn't sleep last night, and I'm hurling even when I drink water!

Rossigigi · 14/05/2017 13:57

I had a ftf at home last year for PIP- I have fibromyalgia, hyper mobility syndrome, heart murmur, curveture of the spine, bipolar and am about to have nerve decompression surgery on my spine.
Prior to all this happening, I had a senior management role within a nationwide organisation, have degrees and numerous qualifications. I say this because I know it goes against you when you are able to answer competently, argue a point, dress well, can prepare your argument and paperwork and so on.
However I found my ftf to be ok. My assessor was competent on my diagnosis, I explained I was having a good day, he was pleasant throughout and I was awarded higher rate care and standard mobility. I was only expecting mobility so it was a surprise.
I don't know which group I'm in for ESA but have just been awarded the disability premium.
I'm telling my story to show it isn't always bad for those worried about applying. Oh I also had my mental health support worker with me during the assessment. (Apologies for any spelling mistakes in on my phone).

Akire · 14/05/2017 14:30

The actual face to face should be pleasant enough, if that helps. They don't really look at you all
Face down in laptop for most of t. And ask you all questions on form also asked me about previous work history. So didn't feel like anything to catch me out so to speak. Had prepared for "so what do you do all day". Try not to worry to much before hand you worry enough when you get there!

AllRoadsLeadBackToRadley · 14/05/2017 14:40

Thank you. 💟

Akire · 15/05/2017 08:58

Hope goes well AllRoads you can do it!