PIP application... feel like a fraud

[Stressedout99]

Hi, I've applied for PIP as I have fibromyalgia, musculoskeletal issues, reflux, anxiety (and autism) I am really struggling with pain and fatigue as of late and as such decided to apply for PIP. However I am now panicking as I feel I am highly likely to be turned down as I didn't have much evidence to send in. My GP told me not to worry as they would be contacted anyway and they support my application.
I'm worried sick about having an assessment and I'm wondering if it's worth just cancelling the application.

Don’t cancel it. It’s very handy to have supporting evidence of course, but it’s your current situation that’s important.
(I used to be a PIP assessor a few years ago)

Definitely don’t cancel your appointment. Your word about how your conditions affect you is still evidence! Don’t be disheartened if it is refused at the initial stage. This is common even with a lot of medical evidence. About 70 percent of PIP decisions are overturned at appeal which gives you an idea of the ‘quality‘ of the decision making. Please don’t give up

Don’t cancel. The worst that happens is they say no and you can appeal it - first stage is a mandatory reconsideration which is basically writing to them to say why you disagree with their decision. They may not contact your GP though: quite often they just go on what’s on the form, it really depends whose desk it lands on!

You often read the horror stories online but lots of people - like me- are accepted first time with no assessment at all (they don’t always do them, they just went on my form and my rheumatologist report). I was given an ongoing award of both elements at high rate.

I started this thread under a different username a few years ago. I imagine a few things have changed, but some things won’t.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/2764894--to-give-people-assistance-with-claiming-PIP

I'm getting myself so stressed out about having an assessment and them thinking I'm faking it. I have children with ASD who receive DLA but I've heard the PIP system is so much worse. I feel sick to my stomach at the thought of a stranger scrutinising me and thinking I'm making things up. I don't think I would have the strength to appeal the decision to be honest.

"I feel like a fraud", a statement that echoes so many others than have came before.

I can relate. I just applied for PIP for the first time this year. I was successful, and I was 100% truthful, however that also did not stop me feeling like a fraud throughout.

I must say, I benefited from the online, streamlined version of PIP, it all went quite smoothly for me, as opposed to to the archaic WCA, which I have just suffered a loss on.

Your post just got me thinking about better ways this could be done. I'm finding the WCA completely dehumanising.

I take an affront to the DWP over-ruling family doctors and front-line GPs.
Family doctors and front-line GPs are the single best placed individuals to assess your over-all health status and your ability to work.

Their practice has most likely dealt with you for years, continuously, in all manner of ways, and chances are they know more about your health and abilities than any stranger at the DWP could possibly hope for.

I think the system is designed on purpose to humiliating and dehumanising, the DWP is beset with an insidious rot from within, they are a law unto themselves, the Select Committees cant even reign them in, what hope do we have?

I have had a call to arrange an assessment, i asked for a telephone assessment and they said that was fine and to await an appointment letter in the post.

I feel sick to my stomach as I've not read a single good thing about the assessments.

That’s the anxiety talking. Just take it one ate at a time.

STEP

I feel the same but I’m in Scotland so we have the new ADP system which is meant to be fairer than PIP. I have fibromyalgia too but I’m still working albeit I’ve just had to reduce my working days to 3 a week as I cannot manage full time anymore.

@Stressedout99
When did you apply? I applied end of June and I've not heard anything yet. I'm anxious and worried like you and it's taking so long. Have you got a date for your telephone call

I applied mid June and had my call a few days ago. Hopefully not too much longer for you to wait now

@Stressedout99 thanks for replying. Hopefully I'll hear soon, the wait is horrible and I hope your appointment goes okay

@Stressedout99 sorry just read you had assessment, I hope it went well and you hear soon

@Stressedout99 how did the assessment go? I have similar issues to you and have assessment next week. Seriously considering cancelling the whole thing

My doctor suggested I apply for PIP due to depression and anxiety, it seems odd as it doesn't prevent me from doing most things, just some things. I am not sure what to do.

My daughter (who has autism) has just gone through this. Have a good read up about the interview process, there are some online guide. And remember to answer the questions as you are on your worst day, make some notes to remind you and have examples of how you are affected.