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PIP Appeal details

mp500

So, I need to appeal my PIP decision. I have a hard time explaining things so I've been reading through the legislation and racking my brain to try and come up with something reasonable. Its not finished yet, but I've written a few paragraphs and some notes on the back of an envelope which I will type out below, in the hope that anyone reading could tell me if it makes sense, or if they have any suggestions on how to word it better. 

I got 0 points for mobility (I was hoping to get 8 to claim lower rate). I got 4 points for daily living (this was for social stuff, not sure if I'll be able to get any more here).

Here goes:

I got 4 points for "Needs social support to be able to engage with other people". The 8 point one requires you to have "overwhelming psychological distress". I'm not sure what this means or whether it would apply to me. The problem I have with social situations is that I have considerable social anxiety and often go out of my way to avoid people (even people I know), but this just exacerbates the loneliness and isolation. I do at times get worn out from dealing with other people. I can easily go several weeks at a time without speaking to anyone else except very brief interactions in shops etc. Any opinions on this are welcome.

Managing treatments - Got 0 points for this. I have had medication and psychotherapy before which has helped my conditions. I would like to consider having treatment again if any is available but I will need help to access this. - Not sure of the best way to explain this to DWP droids but I'm sure people here will be sympathetic to what I'm on about.

Making budgeting decisions - Might be able to get a couple of points for this but really not sure.

Planning and Following Journeys - I usually do the same journey repeatedly. Less frequent journeys need a lot of planning. Quite often I don't even bother going out due to tiredness. Need time afterwards to get over the stress. Therefore this cannot be done "repeatedly or reliably".

Other:-

The decision maker brought up the fact that I had driving lessons. I don't see how taking a few driving lessons 18 years ago is of any relevance to a PIP claim today. But even if it was I think I would have difficulty with concentration.

I have been suicidal a lot this last few years and am not sure whether to mention that I almost jumped out in front of a car a few months ago. I am very embarrassed writing this. I've lost count of the number of times I've stayed at home so I can listen to loud music to try and shut out intrusive thoughts. I have no medical evidence for this but I have discussed it with the Samaritans [yes, I know their phone number and address before anyone tells me].

Assessment - I do not particularly remember how I felt at or after the assessment but according to my diary I was tired, felt suicidal and was angry and upset about being reminded about my illnesses.  The assessor, who did not have a name or job title, did not appear to have a copy of my claim form.

Medical Report - I have asked the DWP twice to supply a copy of this but after three months they have not done so. I have forwarded a complaint to my MP. It is difficult to write an appeal if I cannot see what evidence has been used.

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It took me a lot of effort and stress to come up with that so if anyone has any thoughts, please let me know. Thanks.

Parents
  • mp500 said:
    The 8 point one requires you to have "overwhelming psychological distress". I'm not sure what this means or whether it would apply to me. The problem I have with social situations is that I have considerable social anxiety and often go out of my way to avoid people (even people I know),

    In your shoes I would interprit this as higher than 4 points but less than 8. Point out that psychological distress is reached quickly in spite of being initially able to cope.

    Better to start with a high score and let them try to argue it down I feel.

    mp500 said:
    I would like to consider having treatment again if any is available but I will need help to access this

    I would put 4 points here. The fact you are not currently on any treatments does not mean you struggle with them (so it is quite accurate).

    mp500 said:
    The decision maker brought up the fact that I had driving lessons.

    I would point out that these were traumatising for me and I cannot drive without a support person in the car, and even then in stressful situations (traffic jam, witnessing an accident etc) I would not be able to cope. I would say this is why I do not drive but was pushed to learn by my parents and had no choice in the matter.

    For your medical report from the DWP I would send a written request by recorded delivery and make a point that their failure to respond to previous requests means this request is recorded and will be used to back legal action for failure to respond within a reasonable time.

    Keep copies of the receipts from the Post Office to prove the sending, the confirmation of delivery and copies of the letter just in case you decide to prosecute them. I would expect them to respond quickly with this threat.

    You may want to record your appeal and have a witness with you (to operate the recording) but make sure you tell the assessor that you want to record it (I believe this is a legal requirement) and lastly make sure you take notes on all the things you want to talk about or contest with you.

    It can be stressful but if you get the right person to support you then this can help a lot.

  • in reply to Iain

    Thanks.

    Regarding the report, my MP dealt with a complaint a while back so I expect she will be able to get a report for me without me having to sue them for it :).

    These things are very difficult to explain but I think I did quite a good job of explaining things in my claim form. Reading the decision notice, it is actually quite clear that the decision maker didn't bother to read the claim form (or chose to completely disregard it).

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  • in reply to Iain

    Thanks.

    Regarding the report, my MP dealt with a complaint a while back so I expect she will be able to get a report for me without me having to sue them for it :).

    These things are very difficult to explain but I think I did quite a good job of explaining things in my claim form. Reading the decision notice, it is actually quite clear that the decision maker didn't bother to read the claim form (or chose to completely disregard it).

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