Nil points on assessment report

PJB

Hello everyone this is my first post.
I applied for PIP in Feb 2023 had telephone assessment End of March 2023.
Received the copy of  the assessors report today.
Awaiting decision Letter/text.
Looks like I haven’t been awarded any points in any category which has shocked me.
The points do not match the written description of my issues.
I have severe osteoarthritis asthma hypertension and samters triad (allergic to anti inflammatories).
Also have anxiety and depression.
I am guessing that my evidence was inadequate (drs letters etc)?
I know that I am jumping the gun here but if I am told that my claim has been rejected how do I appeal?
Appreciate your help and advice.
thank you 

poppy123456

The assessment report isn't the decision, it's a recommendation. Though they do mostly go with the report, it has been known for them to go against it.

Please also bear in mind that PIP isn't awarded based on any diagnosis. What they consider is how your conditions affect you against the 12 PIP activities.

You can ring PIP on Monday to ask for a decision maker to ring you before they make the decision. You can then get your point accross about the inaccurancies in the report. (though the report is their opinion based on everything you sent and what you said during your assessment) There's no guarantee that the DM will ring but no harm in trying.

Once the decision is made if you're not happy you can request the Mandatory Reconsideration, (MR) within 1 month of the date of the decision. This should be put in writing stating where and why you think you should have scored those points. Letters from doctors/GPs are never the best evidence to send because they don't spend any time with you to see how you manage the activities related to the PIP descriptors.

PJB

Thank you.
can you suggest the best forms of evidence to submit please?

poppy123456

Your real world examples of exactly what happened the last time you attempted each descriptor that applies to you. Include detailed information such as where you were, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what (if any) the consequences were. At least 2 examples per descriptor that applies. You should aim for at least half an A4 side of paper per descriptor that applies.

Some people ask someone that knows you well to write a supporting letter but you need to make sure they include the descriptors that apply in with it. I've never personally done this and always prefer to stick to just the real world examples.

PJB

Thank you.
Thats  very helpful.
Close to giving up on the whole process.
Feeling frustrated,anxious,angry and exhausted by it all.

poppy123456

If it does get to the MR stage please also be aware that the most likely outcome of any MR will be the decision remains the same. Only about 23% of them change. If this happens you can proceed to Tribunal. It's not a quick process but if you think you can score enough of points needed for an award then it's better to challenge the decision than to just reapply.

nasturtium

Hello PJB

If you decide to do a Mandatory Reconcideration please do not ring them up because as soon as you ring them it starts the clock ticking for your to reply or they will do a MR without any new evidence from you. You have 1 month to do a MR after you have recieved the decision letter. You have a further 13 months to do a MR if a good reason is provided for a late MR (like you were waiting for further evidence etc)

I wrote a lengthy reply on how to tackle your MR that you might find useful https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/680205/#Comment_680205

All is not lost because many people (claimants) have gone from getting nothing at all then taking it all the way to tribunal and getting an award.

Remember if you write a good detailed MR letter based around the activities and the descriptors for each activity that applies to you then the tribunal will use that as evidence and it will help towards your tribunal outcome if it goes to tribunal.

Hope that helps

Nasturtium

PJB

Thank you very much.
Really appreciate the guidance.
It helps to feel better prepared for the decision letter.
It does seem strange that the points don’t match the description in the text.
will wait and see!

L_Volunteer

It sounds really difficult that you are feeling frustrated, anxious, angry and exhausted by it all @PJB. Would anything help/does anything usually help when you feel this way?

We are here with you. Please don't hesitate to let us know if there's anything else we can do to support you. Wishing you the best of luck with this   

PJB

thank you.

PJB

After posting about my disappointment and confusion about the assessment report which appeared to have scored me 0 points. I received a text from DWP today I have been awarded standard rate for daily living activities and  the enhanced mobility rate. I contacted the helpline and they confirmed the award and the rate. I hope that my experience brings hope to others. I would love to know more about how the decision was made and guess that DWP contacted my GP for more information and evidence.Would there be any point in asking for more details?I was awarded 9 points for daily living and 12 for mobility.
Genuinely baffled about the assessment report and it supports the advice given here to wait until you receive the decision.I just wanted to give hope to others. The whole process is daunting and I really struggled to even start my application.
I have lived with my conditions of years without asking for help always hoped that I would “get better” it’s not easy accepting that you have a disability and I guess I have been in denial for some time. The extra financial support will take the pressure off and help to access help and just make life a bit more comfortable.
Thanks everyone for the support and advice.
Wishing  others the best of luck and don’t give up!

Lou67

@PJB
Good morning.

Aww that’s great news I’m so pleased for you. You must be delighted, especially after thinking you had got no points.
Now you can relax that's a big worry off your mind. 


Take care 

poppy123456

Great news! This just proves that they don't always go with the report and another reason why requesting a copy before the decision is made isn't always the best idea.

Alex_Alumni

Thanks for updating us all with the good news @PJB and I hope you're enjoying the weekend Well done for getting through it!

PJB

Have not received the decision letter yet so I am afraid I can’t answer.

L_Volunteer

No worries at all @PJB. Hopefully, you will receive the decision letter soon. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to let us know if there's anything we can do to support you