Surprise PIP back payment first time claim

needhelp120
needhelp120 Online Community Member Posts: 35 Connected
edited December 2022 in PIP, DLA, ADP and AA
I received a surprise payment from PIP tonight, not received anything in the mail so I didn't even know I had got an award! I've not been able to stop crying since as I never believed it would happen and the change it is going to have on my life is immense. This is my first time claim and I began it at the end of September and I received my backpay tonight. I won't lie, it was a really horrible process concerning the assessment centre, had to beg for a paper-based assessment after they were insisting on a face-to-face interview, they hounded me and my mum (my official appointee) via phone calls for months, shouting that my evidence isn't accepted, isn't good enough, recounting their personal stories and how they dont need help so I don't, saying I shouldn't even apply, the most unprofessional conduct I have ever known. I almost gave up by this point and accepted I would probably receive 0 points and have to go to tribunal. But to my shock and amazement I see a payment from PIP in my bank account. I have no idea what I was awarded but being awarded at all is the first hurdle and I am so grateful. Grateful for all the really good general and specific advice I have got from this forum and from the support around me. Thank you so much to everyone on here who gave me advice and support, it probably made all the difference, especially in getting my assessment changed to paper-based and saving me the immense stress of having to leave my home and go through that. My advice to anyone else applying, especially if you have mental health problems is to make sure you have someone to advocate for you and deal with the pip assessment centre as they really can be ruthless. I would never have gotten through this without my mum advocating on my behalf with very aggressive pip callers. I would never have been able to communicate to the degree I would have needed to myself. Wether this be a parent, a sibling, a friend or someone from the council. When everything seems dark, there is always hope. 

Comments

  • Lou67
    Lou67 Online Community Member Posts: 8,686 Championing
    @needhelp120

    Oh I’m so pleased you got your back payment, now you can relax with that over with.

    Happy new year to you and your family.
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    I'm so pleased that after such a horrible ordeal, you got awarded and back pay! :) 
  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Online Community Member Posts: 2,347 Championing
    edited December 2022
    Congratulations - how long is your award for ?
    or don't you yet know ?

  • needhelp120
    needhelp120 Online Community Member Posts: 35 Connected
    @Wibbles Just received my letter in the post! I got enhanced for both elements until December 2026 so I think for 3 years? (couldn't have wished for more!)

    Thanks for kind words and have a great new year to everyone else!
  • calcotti
    calcotti Online Community Member Posts: 10,005 Championing
    If you think you should have a longer award you can challenge just the length of time.
  • nasturtium
    nasturtium Online Community Member Posts: 381 Empowering
    @Wibbles Just received my letter in the post! I got enhanced for both elements until December 2026 so I think for 3 years? (couldn't have wished for more!)

    Thanks for kind words and have a great new year to everyone else!
    Just noticed this post. Well done @needhelp120 I am pleased that is has ended with you getting a positive outcome.
    Take Care
    Nasturtium