Pip - mandatory decision

gerrys6

Hi all 
I asked for a mandatory reconsideration on my recent review as I think I should get mobility anyway they ve been trying to ring me from pip having gotten hold of me today. I couldn’t talk so she’s phoning me tomorrow, I thought they only rang you if it was a question or something as they sent a text saying they have until the 22/3 to let me know the outcome. Is it likely to be good or bad news if it’s on the phone ? Or will the actual outcome be in a letter. Also if it’s been since Friday them trying to get hold of me (a withheld number!) surely they d have just sent me the letter unless it is a question. 

Any idea anyone? 

Thanks 
gerry

calcotti

They are likely ringing you to clarify some detail with you to help them make their decision.

gerrys6

@calcotti it was to clarify about planning and following journeys unaided (I’ve told her once again I don’t go anywhere on my own) and how I felt when I went out and had anxiety come over me and did I have any tablets to take before going out to alleviate the symptoms !! I said I’ll ask doctor I never knew there was any they won’t give Valium now anyway then she asked have I had to cut short a journey I’d undertaken and I said yes the last time i went on a journey I got lost had hysterics and had to get someone to come to me and drive the car back. She was typing in my replies said she ll pass it over also who do I go out with where I go etc I said truthfully the chemist not even shopping now I get it delivered and always when I go out I’m a passenger in my daughters car. She said they ll let me know within ten days! How does everyone think that’s going to go ? 

Regards Gerry 

poppy123456

It will be impossible for anyone here to speculate anything at this stage. You will need to wait for the decision. 

gerrys6

I phoned for an update as not had a letters and the bloke was making all these noises ermmmmm and ohhhh I said that doesn’t sound very encouraging so he reckons it was a heavy lunch ! Anyway then says the letter was sent last Wednesday and he can’t see what the decision was but why have an update option on the phone lines if you can’t really see anything! is this true? Because when I got the results of my review they were over the phone so I’m thinking it’s not good news and I’ll need to start thinking of my appeal… 😢

poppy123456

gerrys6 said:

I phoned for an update as not had a letters and the bloke was making all these noises ermmmmm and ohhhh I said that doesn’t sound very encouraging so he reckons it was a heavy lunch ! Anyway then says the letter was sent last Wednesday and he can’t see what the decision was but why have an update option on the phone lines if you can’t really see anything! is this true? Because when I got the results of my review they were over the phone so I’m thinking it’s not good news and I’ll need to start thinking of my appeal… 😢

It can take up to a couple of weeks to receive the letter. If a decision was made last Wednesday then they should have been able to see it. Unless he meant it was made yesterday. Then it takes up to 24 hours for them to be able to see it.

gerrys6

He said the decision letter went out on the 22nd I spoke to someone who asked me the more questions relating to them making a decision on the 21st and within one day they had sent out the decision letter so yes I too thought it would have shown on the screen as it is over a week ago ? 

poppy123456

Yes it would have showed on the screen but this doesn't mean they will agree to tell you what that decision is over the phone.

If the decision has been made then you should receive the decision letter anytime from now or you can ring back to ask them again if the decision has been made.

You could also be right that the decision didn't change (which is expected at this stage) if it hasn't then you can proceed to Tribunal once you have the decision letter.

gerrys6

thanks @poppy123456 I’ll be on asking for advice on that as I don’t know the appeals process . 

gerrys6

Well as expected the letter arrived today that I wasn’t awarded anything for the mobility question of not being able to plan and follow a journey. 

I’m going to appeal but there’s no information on how to do that just two copies of the same letter. So what do I do now? 

poppy123456

You just need to give a brief reason why you disgree with the decision. Everything else can be done at a later date.

https://www.gov.uk/appeal-benefit-decision/submit-appeal

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/apply-to-tribunal/

You can also get some expert advice and help from an agency near you. https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

gerrys6

That’s all very well but how do you prove that your anxiety makes it impossible to plan and follow a journey on your own ! 

poppy123456

Your real world examples of exactly what happened the last time you attempted that activity. 

Is the reason because you suffer with overwhelming physiological distress? Or another reason? 

gerrys6

Well I don’t go anywhere I know without someone with me and I don’t go out very much at all no
more and yes it’s because of anxiety. 

poppy123456

Which descriptor do you think applies to you and why? 

This may help https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#mobility-activities