To not continue claiming benefits

[stresslessb]

So ! I have been on pip which replaced disability living allowance for three years. I have a physical disability as well as some mental health issues.
It was a long drawn out and emotionally draining experience trying to claim pip. I have issues with incontinence of the bowel amongst other things and I found the whole thing very humiliating. The assessor was nice enough when she came to the house but the report she made left out a lot of details I had told her and added some extra ones that I hadn't. It was just all very traumatic for me and caused me to have seriously bad panic attacks and night terrors on top of everything else. I got really depressed thinking that I wasn't believed even though my gp was behind me 100%
Anyway I was eventually awarded pip after a mandatory reconsideration.
This brings me to today I have had a letter saying that my pip is due to be reviewed in a year from now (they do it a year in front) I have to fill in a form and send details and then they will arrange another interview.
I just honestly can't cope with going through the whole thing again and how the process actually makes me more unwell. I realise that it might be seen as completely stupid but I am not in a great frame of mind anyway.
Do I just tell them that I don't want to continue getting the money and that I can't face going through it all again ? I feel you have to be physically and mentally strong enough for these things and I am not 😢

Hi OP. I am sorry you need to go through this again. To echo the other, just send off the forms and take it from there. At best, they will just renew. Or you may be able to find an advocate or help from Cabe. If it gets too much, you can always walk away at a later date. However, to get PIP requires severe disablement and it's there to give you a little dignity and independence. You damn well deserve that!

I hope you find it within you to reapply. I would hope that as you won the award the first time it wouldn't be as challenging. But I know how it works. Gather what evidence you can. Supporting letters etc. And write detailed accounts of what help you need. It doesn't matter if you need paid Carers or family members to help you. The scoring is the same. If you need someone to help you that is what you are scored on. You are not scored less if a family member helps you.
As others have said if you can get an organisation to help you and handle the application would this help you with the process. Don't give up.

Having recently helped my DH through PIP and ESA assessments (and MR) I can totally see why you don't want to go through it again. The whole system is shocking and causes so much stress for people with disabilities who have enough to deal already.

But, it makes me angry that people are loosing out on what are relatively small amounts of money but which can make a big difference to people's independence and quality of life. Why should you have to give up your independence? If you feel able to, I would get someone to help fill in the forms, if you have to go to another assessment tell them you want it recorded and if the report comes back written badly treat it with the contempt it deserves and point out all the mistakes and take it to MR or appeal if necessary. It worked for us (one of the highlights of my DH's assessment report was that he 'denied wearing socks', he had socks on!).

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Their ruthless op,absolutely ruthless! Keep at it please...I truly believe they try deter people away. Don't let them....(you've done it before,you can do it again) 🙂