pip assesment decision

deb74

I have just had my decision about my pip and they have decided I no longer qualify for pip! Looking at the notes in the letter some of it is contradictory. The assessor has also twisted some of the things I said and made assumptions. I think I may have been to honest with what I said and that has worked against me. Not sure what to do now as this leaves me with 90 pounds a week to live on. Looking at what the assessor wrote I don't think I have a hope of them changing their decision. 

poppy123456

You can request the Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) within 1 month of the date of the decision. You should put that in writing stating where and why you think you should have scored those points.

The most likely outcome of the MR will be the decision doesn’t change so you can then proceed to Tribunal. 

I’m not sure what you mean by “you think you were too honest “ 

deb74

Hi @poppy123456. What I mean't by being too honest was only concentrating on my good days and not what happens on a bad day. They have twisted a lot of what I said as well for instance I said I could not get in and out of the bath and the assessor wrote I have decided you can do this independently. Reading through everything she has written it makes it look like I was lying.

poppy123456

Did you explain in full detail why you can’t complete each descriptor that you think applies? Just telling them you can do something isn’t going to help at all. 

Missing out details could indeed go against you as it has for you because they will come to their own conclusions otherwise. 

deb74

Hi@poppy123456. I am going to make an appointment with CAB for some advice on what to do now. I think I was just so nervous about the assessment that I didn't explain everything properly but saying that she has twisted some of the things that I did explained to her anyway

Alex_Alumni

It sounds like challenging this decision from PIP is the right next step for you @deb74, I find Turn2Us has a clear overview of the process, which I hope is helpful. 

Sometimes there can be pressure to 'mask' our bad days and appear more capable, or to fit in around someone we don't know. It can be pretty grueling, but being up front about what you can't do, or struggle with, is going to be of more help in getting the right level of PIP award.

If we can assist with anything or support you further, please ask  

calcotti

deb74 said:..I mean't by being too honest was only concentrating on my good days and not what happens on a bad day. 

The decision is based on the 'majority of days' over a 12 month period. When you have variable conditions it is crucial to be clear what happens most often. If you can do sometime on three days a week or four days a week mays the difference.

deb74

Thanks @Alex_Scope I will have a look at that website.

apple85

This sounds like another case of offering the itch and the assessor taking the mile. (I know what you mean by too honest - truth and lies aren’t just black and white sadly - there are many ways and levels of being honest - the grey makes things tough)

scan/photocopy the assessor report highlight every statement of the assessor report you disagree with and write how the assessor misheard or misconstrued what you said (this would be helpful for tribunal as well)

also if you can get extra evidence get it

deb74

Hi@apple85. I have just been looking at the report again and have highlighted the things that aren't true or weren't even discussed. I have been to make an appointment with the CAB I am waiting for an appointment! I don't understand how they can make decisions about things you haven't even talked about. The first time I had an assessment the advisor was really nice. I think I should have asked for a face to face appointment again! I think because my health problems change all the time and are also mental as well as physical the assessor didn't take me seriously. Hopefully the CAB will be able to help. They were very helpful last time I saw them.