PIP Question

I applied for PIP in 2019, after being encouraged to do so by a support worker. When I received the letter from the DWP Decision Maker, I had 'scored' 0 points for everything. In addition to the mental health nurse leaving who had carried out the assessment failing to include things that had been discussed, it seemed clear to me that they had allowed their personal opinion to cloud their judgement, instead of being impartial. For example, their report had noted that I had admitted I was feeling anxious, but was displaying no visible signs of this. They hadn't stopped to consider that maybe the reason why I wasn't hiding under a table, or sat rocking in a chair was because I didn't want to cause a scene and attract unwanted attention. To me, it felt like a lot of incorrect assumptions had made made.

Anyway, after requesting a mandatory reconsideration, the original decision was overturned and I was awarded the standard rate of PIP for daily living and mobility. Obviously, this was a relief, but it also made no sense that two DWP Decision Makers had reached opposing decisions. I'm a cynical person and am of the opinion that the reason why so many PIP claims are refused is because the DWP hope the people applying will be put off from taking it further, thus saving money.

Yes you’re right to question it there has to be a sub agenda.   I just don’t really understand how they can rate the effect something has on you without meeting you or seeing your situation. Reading my decision it was as though it was written about it someone else and the key points of the discussion had not been recorded.  As another poster said it can depend who you get on the day, like a driving test, but really it comes down to competence and how they prove their conclusions. 

Yes you’re right to question it there has to be a sub agenda.   I just don’t really understand how they can rate the effect something has on you without meeting you or seeing your situation. Reading my decision it was as though it was written about it someone else and the key points of the discussion had not been recorded.  As another poster said it can depend who you get on the day, like a driving test, but really it comes down to competence and how they prove their conclusions.