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.

I too was turned down for PIP based on the fact that I could get to work using public transport, had a full time job and was able to use a microwave. They acknowledged that I had said that I suffered with anxiety but hadn't mentioned that I had cried during my video assessment. I hadn't been diagnosed with ASD then but was awaiting an assessment for ASD and ADHD which they ignored . They even ignored the letter from the mental health nurse explaining that I have suffered with PTSD and anxiety for years. The assessor had even asked me if I would use a car to get out more if I had one as I suffer with social anxiety. This was ignored too. I was awarded zero points for everything too.

I now have my ASD diagnosis and have been told that I have ADHD traits but am awaiting that assessment. Once I get that in writing, then I will try applying again with that evidence.

I do feel that most people are turned down so they can save money because some people will just accept this and give up.

If they turn me down again, I will definitely appeal this.

If you have it as written evidence in your health record they can't argue with this. I am going to be recording the next assessment myself.

I will. No doubt their calls are recorded. Reading some of the most recent posts I’m not hugely optimistic so it will be a more an exercise to observe the process and how they deal with it.

pietro_21 said:

I am going to be recording the next assessment myself.

Just a word of advice - tell them you will be recording before you start as there are legal ramifications is you ever need to use the recording (eg in a later claim).

If you get consent then remember to start the recording with a statement of the date, time, place and the names of the people present to establish the context).

pietro_21 said:

I am going to be recording the next assessment myself.

Just a word of advice - tell them you will be recording before you start as there are legal ramifications is you ever need to use the recording (eg in a later claim).

If you get consent then remember to start the recording with a statement of the date, time, place and the names of the people present to establish the context).

I will. No doubt their calls are recorded. Reading some of the most recent posts I’m not hugely optimistic so it will be a more an exercise to observe the process and how they deal with it.