PIP and LCWRA

CloudBird

Hello all. I need some advice please.

I have a history of mental health problems covering decades but in the past ten years these have been documented and diagnosed. I was given a diagnosis of BPD and subsequently ADHD and I have depression which I am receiving medication for in 2015. I have been back and forth to the doctor for depression and was sectioned in 2015 because of this. Since then I have had bouts of illness where I have taken time off from working in temp jobs (never had a permanent job because of my mental health easier to leave with a weeks notice) and have financed myself during this time though the use of credit which is a whole different matter.

I was ill last year and went on ESA then came off and then went on UC in February this year. I had bad depression last year and went on sertraline which I am taking together with my other meds.

I spent the whole of December in bed but as the months progressed, felt better again but I often have days when I’m feeling particularly unwell not able to cope and feel hopeless and lost. It’s a cycle thing. 

It was suggested I claim pip, so I did and whilst waiting for that to happen, I was contacted by my work coach who said I had a UC assessment. I didn’t think of this as I was now working self employed as a friend had offered me some work.

I had the assessment over the phone which I did not prepare for and then three days later my PIP assessment which I thought did prepare for. 

I received information that I have been awarded LCWRA but the pip I scored 0 points. I am going to put in a mandatory consideration but I think I need some help.

the LCWRA claim call happened when I was having a bad day, and the PIP claim when I felt OK. I’m working at the moment so it is irrelevant at the moment if I get LCWRA but I think the PIP is more important, even the basic pip level, as with age, my mental health I feel is declining, not getting better and I genuinely worry about what will happen to me. I’m single and have been sofa surfing for the couple of years and staying with family because of my mental health. 

I’m going to write saying I want an MR but is there anything else I should ask for when I do this? Also, should I ask for my report from the UC assessment. 

Thank you

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @CloudBird

Welcome to the community!  

It sounds like you've been through such a tough time. I'm glad to hear you have been getting support with your diagnoses.

You can always reach out to Citizen's Advice for additional support with the Mandatory Reconsideration.  They even have a page called Challenging a PIP decision - Mandatory Reconsideration that you may find useful to read. Please keep us updated!