Has anyone applied for pip and been refused, to find things discussed by the assessor were left out of their decision? I am just wondering if automatic refusal is the norm for anyone. Do they not recognise sensory disability or autism as a disability at all?
Reading the comments below I just thought I’d add our experience for a bit of balance. My son was awarded PIP but his award runs out next year and I can’t say that I’m hopeful he’ll get it again as I think it just gets harder and harder to get PIP. But he did get it last time. My son does struggle a great deal though and he can’t for example catch a bus on his own, or talk to people, buy things in a shop on his own etc. When we applied last time it was upsetting to have to ask my son to focus in depth on all his difficulties - I think the application process is emotionally draining and can feel very demeaning and demoralising- but it’s been so helpful for my son to have PIP as it’s helped to enable him keep doing his education which is done online (as a family we can’t financially afford to completely support him from our own low income now he’s an adult). So we are very grateful that he got PIP - but very worried that we’ll soon have to go through the renewal process again. It’s just so stressful. I think the system is very hostile to engage with - and it’s failing neurodivergent people and people with mental health problems.
At least your son got awarded it though. I struggle with going out alone, taking a bus or going for a walk and I always need company but my reason I failed is because I have my mum supporting me. When it comes to cooking I wasn’t able to cook anything but again their excuse was my mum could do for me. I don’t think these people care for mental illnesses, if anything I think they take advantage of the vulnerable. I am only speaking of my awful experience with them. Even the job centre I speak with have advised I should try again but I just haven’t got what it takes. I wish you all the best for next year!
I’m sorry - it’s not right that they are saying because your mum supports you you don’t qualify. It’s about YOUR needs and difficulties - not about whether or not you have helpful family members. I don’t trust the system at all. I totally empathise with how you feel you can’t face dealing with it - I find it really scary and stressful too. I dread any contact with them - and to be honest I think it’s designed to try to put us off applying. If you do feel you can face it again in the future I would hope you’ll try again - as you are probably entitled to it and hopefully you’ll have better luck with it in future. But I really do sympathise - and wish you luck.
Ugh tell me about the world not being fair! But it’s so hard to accept it when it’s like one after another of unfairness. Like are we allowed a break?! I do wish I never applied for it though I’ll be honest. Yet when I applied for council tax reductions everyone was very friendly about it. I qualified as I live alone and on UC
The world isn't fair, we just have to accept it. And it's all about money. I will give you another recent example.
Last month I had an assessment for extra money, in the report the assessor mentioned that I could hear and understand him at the assessment so my hearing was OK. Yet a month earlier I had an eye test which included a free hearing test. At that test they concluded that I needed a hearing aid. They gave me several options telling me that free NHS hearing aids were useless and I should consider top of the range private hearing aids costing thousands of pounds.
The world isn't fair, we just have to accept it. And it's all about money. I will give you another recent example.
Last month I had an assessment for extra money, in the report the assessor mentioned that I could hear and understand him at the assessment so my hearing was OK. Yet a month earlier I had an eye test which included a free hearing test. At that test they concluded that I needed a hearing aid. They gave me several options telling me that free NHS hearing aids were useless and I should consider top of the range private hearing aids costing thousands of pounds.
Ugh tell me about the world not being fair! But it’s so hard to accept it when it’s like one after another of unfairness. Like are we allowed a break?! I do wish I never applied for it though I’ll be honest. Yet when I applied for council tax reductions everyone was very friendly about it. I qualified as I live alone and on UC
