To be so anxious about my PIP tribunal ?

[BobbiDazzla]

It’s in a few weeks . I’ve waited a year for it .

I was receiving higher rate care , this was meant to continue for another month but I was called for another assessment almost a year early and the lot was removed

I had explained there was no change in my illness , but I was called for an assessment and was only awarded 6 points so it all was taken away.

My condition is lifelong with no cure (and therefore no regular doctor visits).

The lack of money has hit us hard.

I’m so nervous . I don’t know if I can go

AIBU?

It was meant to continue until early this year but it was removed last year .

I only won it via tribunal last time too

Sorry you have to go through this? Do you feel prepared for it? I don't know much myself but my friend who has bi-polar helps people with their forms on a voluntary basis. Do you have any support like this where you are?

I follow this man on twitter who writes about the horrors of the current benefits situation.
universalcreditsuffer.com/

Sorry I'm no use, I hope it goes ok for you. I know my friend worried about her payments for a year prior to an assessment - not great for the mental health surprise surprise.

There is no funding for help in my area (appointments are like hen’s teeth) .

I’m doing it with the help of my DH; he has filled in all the forms as he is also my carer (not officially - he doesn’t receive carers as he earns too much ) .

He did it all last time and we won at tribunal but this time feels like I have a lot to lose

Pip is always reviewed a year before the end date , so it was reviewed when it was supposed to be. Do you have support at the tribunal?

I had been informed it would be reviewed a year early , I was prepared for that .

I wasn’t prepared for them removing my entire award a year early after a tribunal decided it should be awarded until a certain date , so it was quite a shock to suddenly lose the income we rely on .

It’s just DH and I going to the hearing .

Ahh us see they didn’t tell you the date the tribunal set would also be reviewed early. Unfortunately that’s always the case as well.

• I not us. Tribunals are much more supportive than assessments and they awarded you in the past, try and focus on that.

YANBU to be nervous about it but really these tribunals are nothing to be worried about as long as you can evidence why you should score the points. there are 3 people usually on the panel, a GP, disability advocate and judge but it is quite informal and something like 63% of cases are won on appeal.

Just write down clearly how your disability affects day to day activities indicating where appropriate when you need either assistance or to purchase a more expensive option eg can't chop vegetables (ready chopped cost more). Don't lie but don't underplay. You can read it out.

We won last time and are due to renew April but no letter so far.

I had higher rate care and have just lost the lot too. So I know exactly how you feel!.

Obviously going for mandatory reconsideration but I hold no hope in that. So I know it will be tribunal.

I wish you all the luck in the world. It’s the most devastating blow especially when nothing has changed.

I don’t know about you but I had several lies in my decision. Things that we never even spoke about during the assessment. For example she said I was good at making complex budgeting decisions- my finance has been put in the hands of dp and exdp (ds’s dad), due to my bipolar I’m really bad with finance and this decision was made by my psychiatrist. It said that I looked well nourished and had no dietary problems- the reality is I often go 4-6 days without eating anything as my meds don’t make me feel hungry. I’m a size 12 so massively ‘well norished’ But my meds made me put on 3 stone (I was a size 8), which I’m really struggling to loose any. So my lack of eating is a bone of contention with my family. They said I could manage my meds and had no problems- a week before Christmas I was in hospital as I’d spent several days taking too many meds by accident. Also when my depression kicks in because of previous suicidal ideas my meds are given to me by family I don’t self medicate.

Obviously I could go on throughout the whole decision but I won’t bore you. I was devastated when I got the result. So I’m trying to get my things together but having just 3 weeks to get the info is hard, as appointments aren’t easy to come by! I’m sure they do this on purpose.
I can’t belive it’s a year you’ve waited, my heart sunk when I read that. I was hoping for a few months tops.
Please do keep us informed of how things are progressing! Good luck!

I went to tribunal and my appeal was upheld. I was very fortunate to have the support of a wonderful CAB advisor who did all the forms but I attended with a friend. I personally wouldn’t say that you are desperate for the cash, just explain why you belief you are entitled to each section of the descriptors.

I made notes on all of the areas where I had lost points and addressed why they were incorrect. Make notes, don’t waffle and if you want to offer any further evidence make sure you send it in advance so they can read it.

My panel were very friendly. Each asked a couple of questions. I’m guessing they are pretty exasperated with seeingbthis over and over again. Usually you get an answer there and then but my panel was running late and I heard by letter a week later.

The bat bit? They gave me an indefinite award which means the DWP can’t review me again for 10 years. That was the biggest relief. And yes, I asked them to consider extending the award because I couldn’t keep doing this physically or emotionally.

The DWP did send a representative which is apparently quite unusual but he didn’t say a lot.

Good luck. It’s really not that bad and even if you are unsuccessful you will know you tried.

Bat? Best.

I've always been nervous before a job interview. I guess it's the same thing.