pIP assessment scared

[Ineedhelpplease1234]

Hello,

Have my pip assessment Thursday and I'm freaked out tbh. Have been turned down for a blue badge as only scored 6 points.

I was diagnosed in feb with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, I have severe mean health issues, resulting in self harming, this has lead back to relationship issues, I also believe the current relationship I am trying to leave (we live seperate) is quite a narcasstic relationship: I work in a kitchen and have now had two sick notes back to back and been off work for 12 weeks.
Mentally I am struggling; work wise I struggle and pay for it if I work, my youngest is on the ASD spectrum and that's constant in itself, I applied for LCWRA after my pip form and feel I left alot out: as I wrote a whole Piece on my mental health.

Any good tips or anything please?

Its a telephone assessment:
I have a car and have to drive because I can't deal with public transport; and have to get kids to school.
I had to give the dog away because I can't walk her anymore:
I do housework and spend days in bed.
I order more takeaways in a week/family cook for the kids than I can cook:
I have family come round and fill in my pill pots etc so I remember to take them; and they message me reminding me; they remind me to shower; to do my hair. I have to pay for a cleaner as I physically cannot do it:

The assessment is about about ten descriptors for daily living and two for mobility and how you can/cannot do things.

This is a bit complicated but tells you how the assessment scores you:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

So it's what you can/cannot do around preparing and eating food, managing treatments/medication, washing/dressing and using the loo etc.

Days in bed are relevant if they mean you can't get moving without support etc.

As regards cooking the issue is why you cannot prepare a meal from simple ingredients like a piece of fish, a potato and a tin of sweetcorn.

If you need support with pills/medication and to remind you when to shower etc that's also relevant.

@Bromptotoo thank you.

I struggle to stand and prepare food, and when the fivro pain is at its worse I just cannot open tins and things. My youngest son being autistic also means that he is particular with what he will eat,

I just hate to feel scared of applying for soemtbinf when this illness I have no control
Over xx

It's not the condition you have.. but how it effects you and the help you need .. even if you don't get the help.
Did you keep a copy of the form you sent in?
Keep it with you then you can refer back to what you wrote.

Can't stand and need a device like a 'perching stool' while preparing food scores points.

If you have good and bad days think in terms of bad and worse, it's worth keeping a diary of what you can/cannot do. Being unable to open tins is important; a simple meal of fish, potato and tinned sweetcorn is a problem if you cannot peel the potato or open the can.

Can you take someone with you I lost a point because I went independently in a taxi.

Charlie Anderson on Youtube has loads of videos with tips & "how to" for PiP forms & assessments. Definitely worth a look.

Never go to a PIP assessment on your own. That 'proves' you have no difficulty in coping with every situation (apparently). If you are denied PIP but firmly believe you are entitled to it, send in a Mandatory Review. That is more than likely to also be denied - my son has been denied twice, once on the grounds that he 'looked smart and well-groomed'. Well yes, he lives in the family home, and doesn't have to do his own washing or ironing. The MR means you can then go to the Tribunal, which is likely to overturn the initial denial and the MR denial. It's stressful but worth it. Good luck.

It's a telephone assessment so Willy he same still apply ?

Thank you for your help everyone xx

It's bad advice to say think in terms of only bad days, that would be fraud and could cause the OP significant issues down the line.

Best way is to assume you will be turned down then appeal. You can't appeal until you have the Mandantory Reconsideration.

I've won 2 appeals.

But if you were able to travel independently why is that a problem? You shouldnt get points for not being able to travel independently if you can actually do it. No one should be trying to demonstrate they can't do things that they actually can.

The criteria is if you are unable to fulfil a task safely and in a timely manner for at least 50% of the time, then you should score points for that element. Don't try to be brave but tell it how it is. My son also won both appeals.

And ask for the interview to be recorded. The DWP assessors don't always remember accurately what you say but write up the report as if it's gospel.

In one case, the report written up for my son actually specified someone else's name in full in several places, so it was obviously a cut and paste job.

Yes you will probably read your assessment report and think they've mixed yours up with someone else's!!!

@accidentalteacher cross posted

Worrying, to say the least.

My friend's daughter, who is a nurse, applied for a job as a benefits assessor and was appalled at some of the tactics the prospective assessors were instructed to apply and refused to take the job on the grounds it was amoral.

I've no idea I'm sure they just make it up on the day!

The assessors receive a bonus for every refusal.

I think this but it can't be true can it?

I think the figures for success at the Tribunal are 70% of denials are overturned for PIP claims. The tortuous procedure is designed to frighten toy and put you off pursuing it.

Just to let you know it's not about if you can cook for your whole family. It's can you cook a simple meal eg omelette for yourself. To cook a meal you don't need to open tins. I know this is how they look at it because my neighbour showed me her assessment letter and it said she can cook a simple meal for herself. My neighbour told her assessor she couldn't cook for her family. She was asked can you cook a single omelette. She said yes but not 4 because she couldn't stand for that long. She got 0 points because she could cook 1 omelette. What food your autistic child will eat or not eat will not affect your claim. If you were applying for your DD that might affect her claim iyswim.

Also had a friend who said she could not cook a hot meal and that scored no points as it was pointed out she could prepare a sandwich or have cold meat and salad etc.

A simple meal can be an omelette. Simple meals don't necessarily mean you must open a tin as frozen veg comes in a bag and instant mash is open a packet and add hot water.

They will definitely question how you can work in a kitchen but not apply the same at home. Pip is ridiculous at the minute, I supported a lad with down syndrome didn't live (cant) independently but they scored him nothing because he can make a cup of tea and make beans on toast. He was mentally around 10 at best they did get it in the end it took them nearly 2 years and the family lost all support workers in this time.