• Replies 6 replies
  • Subscribers 7 subscribers
  • Views 1242 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Pip Renewels recently - what’s your experience?

Kate Kestrel

Hello everyone :)    My son receives PIP (and I realise he was very fortunate to get PIP as the system often doesn’t recognise the needs of Autistic people) and his ‘award’ runs out this year. Consequently we are facing the anxiety provoking prospect of going through the renewal process (which everyone on PIP dreads of course). 
Has anyone on here gone through a PIP renewal recently? And if so how did it go for you? How long before your award ran out did they contact you? And did they come to your home for an interview - or did you have to go to a centre of some kind?

And as an autistic person did you find the process sensitive to your needs and understanding of how autism impacts on you? And was your award maintained, reduced (or stopped completely) or increased? 

Any info regarding this subject that anyone can share I would really appreciate it as I’d like to have an idea about how things are with this at the moment so that I know what we are going to be facing. Both myself and my son are autistic and we like to know in advance what’s going to happen - as I’m sure everyone on here will understand! 
Thanks. 

  • in reply to Pegg

    I’m so sorry Pegg - that’s terrible. I don’t trust them at all. I really hope you feel able to appeal - because I think we have to challenge what is being done to disabled people by this system. I realise though that the appeal process is so daunting that a lot of people don’t feel able to try. I know that I would definitely feel intimidated at the prospect of an appeal. It’s very hard to challenge a system where you are at a clear disadvantage in terms of experience/expertise in such things. I hope you do though - if you feel it’s possible for you. As the changes the government are proposing haven’t actually happened yet it might be a good idea to appeal the decision on your case before the changes come into force? 
    I’ve always voted Labour but never will again - I understand that the economy is in bad shape - but the fact that they’re taking money from disabled people rather than increasing taxes on the wealthy is just appalling. I’m voting for The Green Party from now on.

    Thank you for your reply and sharing your experience - I really appreciate it. And if you do find the energy to appeal then I hope it goes well for you. At the same time - if you feel you cant face taking it to appeal - please don’t feel bad about that either - because most of us are already feeling overwhelmed a lot of the time and sometimes we have to forgive ourselves for the things we just don’t feel able to tackle. Take care. 

  • Yes, I've had PIP for several years, had a review recently, lost it. The report in the decision letter bore no real resemblance either to what I wrote on the form or said in the interview. 

    I'm deciding whether to appeal, just wondering whether it's going to be worth doing, as the government clearly plan to further restrict eligibility.

    And I am clearly disabled. 

  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    I feel they have a narrow view of what constitutes ‘evidence’. With Autism things are very complex and they don’t always seem to understand autistic people and their needs and difficulties. I’m sorry that your experience wasn’t a good one. Thanks for you help. 

  • in reply to Robert124

    Thank you Robert - I definitely agree: I don’t think you can trust the assessors and their motivation. This is a shame because the system should be there to help people and be supportive - but I fear that they have an aim to NOT give help and support. I’m sorry that they made you feel rushed and didn’t give you time to prepare. Thank you for sharing your experience - that’s really kind of you and I really appreciate your thoughts on this. 

  • I didn't pass the first hurdle with PIP, I didn't even get as far as an interview or anything. I think it's because I don't need people coming in or equipment, but because of various allergies I have to use a lot of alternatives remedies and treatments and they don't count apparently.

  • I never got PIP,  but the assessors can be dishonest and break or bend  their own guidelines, so be forewarned they play tricks.

    With me they phoned after 4pm and gave me a choice of appointment times and dates.

    1. Tomorrow morning at 9am.
    2. Tomorrow morning at 10am.

    Not much time to get prepared or have my mental health worker to accompany me.