Turned down twice for pip.

jefro17

Hello everyone.
I am looking for some advice please 😊 in 2019 I was awarded pip because I needed two knee replacements, I had bilateral knee replacements done in December 2019, in September last I was sent a letter to say they would review my pip which took place on the 10th January this year by telephone consultation, I explained that since my knee replacements I suffer from sciatica bad, also a year after my knee replacements was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, have arthritis in my legs arms, elbows, neck, and back, I am also under the hospital as I have had this continuous cough and breathlessness for over 2 and half years,and I have 3 different inhalers at the moment, I have had a CT scan in February this year and I am waiting to see the consultant at the end of this month for the results,
I explained on the phone to the lady who did my assessment about my mobility which isn't very good,the breathlessness I go through, the fact I need help getting into the bath as I have a shower in my bath and I cant get in or out without help,also need help with cooking because of my mobility amongst other things I went into as all these health conditions have a huge impact on my mobility and daily living.
I recieved a letter from pip the end of January telling me I wasn't going to be awarded pip,I was furious when I looked at there score sheet to see I'd got a zero score for majority of the questions I was asked, I rang pip and asked them to look at there decision again and also did as questionnaire with all the questions they ask and my answers, my GP also wrote a letter on my behalf explaining my medical conditions and the impact it is having on me with mobility and daily living.
I dont think they even looked at it to be honest, I phoned this morning to ask if a decision as been made to be told I'd been turned down again,I've told them I will appeal when I receive there letter and go to a tribunal but in the meantime financially it as put me in a real mess, I was working full time up until last may but because of my health conditions I was finding it really difficult so had to reduce my hours to 18 hrs awk, I dont earn a great deal a month my tax credits have stopped because I lost my pip, I dont no where to turn for helpline tryed citizens advice but all I get is the answer machine,I've left messages and not heard back from them, I'm not sure what other help there is out there benefit wise and I'm really anxious and stressed out,if there is anyone who could give me some advice about other benefits I would really appreciate it, I've also been told by a pip representative that the tribunal could take up to a year to come to court,and also I'll see this through I need some help financially in the mean time. 
Thankyou for taking the time to read this.😊

poppy123456

If your tax credits have stopped the only other benefit to claim is Universal Credit. As it’s a means tested benefit whether there’s any entitlement will depend on your circumstances.
If you live with a partner you claim as a couple. If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you’re excluded from claiming. You can use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=a6b5c6c3-e00d-4bea-9512-2f798a88669d

For expert advice and help with your Tribunal, see link and put your postcode into it. It will tell you what advice agency is local to you. https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

Cartini

jefro17 said:

Hello everyone.
I am looking for some advice please 😊 in 2019 I was awarded pip because I needed two knee replacements, I had bilateral knee replacements done in December 2019, in September last I was sent a letter to say they would review my pip which took place on the 10th January this year by telephone consultation, I explained that since my knee replacements I suffer from sciatica bad, also a year after my knee replacements was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, have arthritis in my legs arms, elbows, neck, and back, I am also under the hospital as I have had this continuous cough and breathlessness for over 2 and half years,and I have 3 different inhalers at the moment, I have had a CT scan in February this year and I am waiting to see the consultant at the end of this month for the results,
I explained on the phone to the lady who did my assessment about my mobility which isn't very good,the breathlessness I go through, the fact I need help getting into the bath as I have a shower in my bath and I cant get in or out without help,also need help with cooking because of my mobility amongst other things I went into as all these health conditions have a huge impact on my mobility and daily living.
I recieved a letter from pip the end of January telling me I wasn't going to be awarded pip,I was furious when I looked at there score sheet to see I'd got a zero score for majority of the questions I was asked, I rang pip and asked them to look at there decision again and also did as questionnaire with all the questions they ask and my answers, my GP also wrote a letter on my behalf explaining my medical conditions and the impact it is having on me with mobility and daily living.
I dont think they even looked at it to be honest, I phoned this morning to ask if a decision as been made to be told I'd been turned down again,I've told them I will appeal when I receive there letter and go to a tribunal but in the meantime financially it as put me in a real mess, I was working full time up until last may but because of my health conditions I was finding it really difficult so had to reduce my hours to 18 hrs awk, I dont earn a great deal a month my tax credits have stopped because I lost my pip, I dont no where to turn for helpline tryed citizens advice but all I get is the answer machine,I've left messages and not heard back from them, I'm not sure what other help there is out there benefit wise and I'm really anxious and stressed out,if there is anyone who could give me some advice about other benefits I would really appreciate it, I've also been told by a pip representative that the tribunal could take up to a year to come to court,and also I'll see this through I need some help financially in the mean time. 
Thankyou for taking the time to read this.😊

Hi,

Have you tried the online chat function for Citizens Advice?  I used that to get advice for my tribunal application and they put me in touch with an organisation in Plymouth (who represent people).

Andy

nasturtium

Hello jefro17

You said "in 2019 I was awarded pip because I needed two knee replacements" so this was a review and not a new claim.

If it was a review the decision maker should have given a detailed and credible reason why they have refused you an award and how they think your condition has improved since you were awarded. If they did not do that then they should not have taken you award away.

When you appeal you can request the DWP to give a credible and detailed account on how your condition has improved to allow them to remove your award.

Nasturtium