Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To pay for help with a benefit issue?

20 replies

BubblesAndSqueak · 17/04/2021 14:33

Nc'd.

Following over 20 years on disability benefit for mental health issues, at my last renewal I was awarded just under the necessary points and therefore lost my Personal Independence Payment. I appealed, which dragged on for nearly 2 years but unfortunately lost that (they kept me just under the points threshold as I didnt have a lot of medical evidence).

When I had been waiting 18 month for an appeal date, I submitted a new application and have received my notification today of enhanced Daily Living and standard Mobility. I have been awarded points for physical health re mobility, but not mental health. Both my original case worker and my GP feel I meet the criteria for enhanced mobility. This would be life changing.

I absolutely cannot bear the stress of going through another appeal, however have reluctantly conceded that doing a Mandatory Reconisderation would be possible. My case worker from last time cant take my case this time, and the thought of trying to cobble something together myself is simply too much, even though I have relevant case law etc.

I have googled and found legal advisors who will prepare letters etc for a reconsideration, but obviously they do charge. AIBU to use some of my initial payment of this new benefit to challenge the award, even though I know there is a risk of them taking it all away? To be honest I would rather drop down on the Daily Living side and go up on Mobility, but I know it doesnt work like that.

OP posts:
DianaT1969 · 17/04/2021 15:23

Sorry, I don't know much about this, but I think claiming benefits is just going to get harder, not easier in the next 10 years as the UK starts to pay off its Covid debt-burden. With higher thresholds each time. I wouldn't spend money on an appeal. Instead, I'd put effort into securing a low-stress work from home income. The only good thing to come out of Covid is that a lot more work from home jobs are being advertised right now.

Bagelsandbrie · 17/04/2021 15:30

@DianaT1969

Sorry, I don't know much about this, but I think claiming benefits is just going to get harder, not easier in the next 10 years as the UK starts to pay off its Covid debt-burden. With higher thresholds each time. I wouldn't spend money on an appeal. Instead, I'd put effort into securing a low-stress work from home income. The only good thing to come out of Covid is that a lot more work from home jobs are being advertised right now.
The op isn’t seeking advice about whether she could or should work or not. This is such a short sighted reply.

Op I am on the highest rates of PIP for both elements indefinitely.

I think if you really can’t face doing it yourself then I would pay for the support and help with the mandatory reconsideration and go from there. But maybe have a few days to think about it and you might feel able to tackle it yourself in small chunks.

There are also some very supportive PIP forums on Facebook that can help you (for free) like this one-

www.facebook.com/groups/1661571727483856/?ref=share

Bagelsandbrie · 17/04/2021 15:32

Also - PIP isn’t means tested and people can and do work full time whilst claiming it. Regardless of that it’s important people appeal to get the right amount that they’re entitled to. Otherwise the whole system is pointless.

osbertthesyrianhamster · 17/04/2021 15:33

YANBU. I'd go for it if you can afford it.

crowsfeet57 · 17/04/2021 15:33

Can you get help from CAB?

DianaT1969 · 17/04/2021 15:37

@Bagelsandbrie - regarding being short sighted. If she pays and wins it this year, will she win it in 3 years?
That's my concern.
I have a relative who receives PIP due to scoliosis (53 years old) and I'm concerned for her - with the potential austerity measures to come.

Whanganui · 17/04/2021 15:38

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk

Moondust001 · 17/04/2021 15:56

I may have not followed this well, but how would paying for someone to write your appeal improve the quality of your evidence? PIP is very much an evidence based assessment, and what your case worker or GP feel isn't considered - what they say is. And I say that as someone in receipt of the higher levels of both. If you have the evidence then it may be worth getting help, but I have to admit I am somewhat cautious about anyone who is charging for this - why can't your case worker (or someone else from the same organisation) help this time, as isn't that what caseworkers are for?

@DianaT1969 PIP is not a means tested benefit, and lots of people - like me - work and receive it. Suggesting that somebody not claim something based on what the government might do one day in the future is what is short-sighted. If you are so concerned about the rights of people with disabilities and their entitlement to benefits then you can support this by (a) not voting for people who will cut benefits and (b) joining and supporting lobbying organisations that fight to protect peoples rights. You do not help any of us by suggesting that we should "get to work" - quite apart from the fact that many of us do, it is offensive and derogatory.

Bagelsandbrie · 17/04/2021 16:03

[quote DianaT1969]@Bagelsandbrie - regarding being short sighted. If she pays and wins it this year, will she win it in 3 years?
That's my concern.
I have a relative who receives PIP due to scoliosis (53 years old) and I'm concerned for her - with the potential austerity measures to come.[/quote]
I understand that but that’s something that worries all of us on PIP and those of us who have children on DLA. (I fall into both these groups). Having part of your income at the mercy of the government is never a nice feeling, and never secure.

GlitterNails · 17/04/2021 16:12

There are organisations like Fightback 4 Justice who have a good rate of success.

It's one of those really tricky decisions because you put your whole claim at risk. On my PIP transfer one of the pieces of evidence that was relied on quite significantly in the medical report was a private physiotherapist who I paid to assess me and they wrote an in-depth report. So it may be worth getting more evidence of this regard to increase the evidence available if you didn't have much for your appeal.

It's one of those you have to keep battling - I was turned down twice for DLA and had two awful tribunals, and was awarded it on the third attempt.

Kitkat151 · 18/04/2021 20:50

[quote DianaT1969]@Bagelsandbrie - regarding being short sighted. If she pays and wins it this year, will she win it in 3 years?
That's my concern.
I have a relative who receives PIP due to scoliosis (53 years old) and I'm concerned for her - with the potential austerity measures to come.[/quote]
Why are you concerned for her if she is already in receipt of PIP?

Babyroobs · 18/04/2021 20:55

why would you be happier for the Dl award to be lower ? is it because you want a motorbility car ?

Babyroobs · 18/04/2021 21:06

I would try CAB first. Whilst people experienced in winning PIP MR's and appeals are very skilled in finding the points needed, you will still need to provide the medical evidence to back it up. If your Gp thinks you qualify for enhanced mobility then let them supply the medical evidence. However I'm not sure how many Gp's would actually know the criteria for an enhanced mobility award ??

Babyroobs · 18/04/2021 21:08

@DianaT1969

Sorry, I don't know much about this, but I think claiming benefits is just going to get harder, not easier in the next 10 years as the UK starts to pay off its Covid debt-burden. With higher thresholds each time. I wouldn't spend money on an appeal. Instead, I'd put effort into securing a low-stress work from home income. The only good thing to come out of Covid is that a lot more work from home jobs are being advertised right now.
The system certainly needs an overhaul.
NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 18/04/2021 21:14

why would you be happier for the Dl award to be lower ? is it because you want a motorbility car ?

This? Why does it matter which element the money is attached to it if the amount is the same?

Babyroobs · 18/04/2021 21:19

@NoIDontWatchLoveIsland

why would you be happier for the Dl award to be lower ? is it because you want a motorbility car ?

This? Why does it matter which element the money is attached to it if the amount is the same?

I expect it is to do with motorbility - many many people want enhanced mobility for this reason, it is a good deal and half price car tax etc, all servicing done, new car every couple of years etc. No hassle at all.
Babyroobs · 18/04/2021 21:21

And an almost guaranteed Blue badge.

PrettyGuyforaWhiteFly · 18/04/2021 21:27

I'm a bit confused to be honest.

DLA isn't awarded for adults anymore. Just children.

Even those one DLA are being moved to PIP so I don't quite understand how you've managed to apply for DLA?

Leigh1975 · 18/04/2021 21:28

I woudnt pay for help, go to local CAB or any advice service , depending where you live there's a few charity's such as MIND that have there own welfare rights team .. I work for a local MIND and am a welfare rights adviser so do appeals daily

PrettyGuyforaWhiteFly · 18/04/2021 21:29

Ignore me....totally misread your OP. Duh!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread