PIP

luna233

Hi everyone,

I wondered if would be able to advise me regarding PIP.  So last October 2022 I applied for PIP as my undiagnosed ADHD was was really affecting me and my. As I was undiagnosed I did however send proof from my GP that i was currently on the waiting list and funding approved for the assesment.  Unfortunately they dismissed my claim and I even appealed it but they still stuck on their answer of not being able to provide evidence. And not a formal diagnosis. 

Anyway in last few months I had to seek a private diagnosis because my mental health was deteriorating and no-one wants to know until that diagnosis is in a piece or paper. I left my job I was currently in. I now have my diagnosis of moderate-severe adhd, on medication and now doing CBT therapy. Now I have all the evidence and have made another claim. 
If I was accepted this time, does anyone know if I could challenge my first claim from October? 

Ps sorry for the long read 😌 

calcotti

You can still request a Mandatory Reconsideration of the decision on October 2022 and if unsuccessful appeal to the tribunal service.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/problems-with-benefits-and-tax-credits/challenging-benefit-decisions/

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @luna233

Welcome to the community I am so sorry to hear it took so long for you to get your diagnosis. I hope the support you are receiving is helping? I see Calcotti has post the link for Mandatory Reconsideration. You can reach out to Citizen's Advice if you need any additional support with the process. 

luna233

Thank you for your replies, that's really helpful. Do you know if PIP have an email address? I can't seem to find one if they do x

Hannah_Alumni

@luna233 At the moment, PIP can only be contacted by phone.

PIP enquiry line
Telephone: 0800 121 4433
Textphone: 0800 121 4493
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 4433
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

luna233

Hi Hannah, 

Sorry again, do you know if there is any help to support with filling out forms and advocating  etc 

poppy123456

You can speak to an advice agency near you. Start here. https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits which form do you need help with? If it's the PIP2 form to reapply then reapplying using the same evidence you previously could see another refusal.

luna233

Hiya so I phoned PIP and they told me if I wanted to make a mandatory claim through  tribunal. That would still be based on the evidence at the time despite having the letters and funding approval. 
So I've just stuck with my current claim which is from 31st march. Still waiting for an assesment date. 

I did state on the form due to my ADHD and filling the form it probably doesn't  project how much it really does affect me but fingers crossed in the assement. 

Also apparently due to funding, advocates supporting in community have stopped or have a huge waiting list. 
Its just a constant battle isn't it. 

poppy123456

luna233 said:

Hiya so I phoned PIP and they told me if I wanted to make a mandatory claim through  tribunal. That would still be based on the evidence at the time despite having the letters and funding approval.

That's not correct. You can send more evidence to the Tribunal to support your claim. What they can't do is take into consideration any worsening of condition.

Please note, one thing i would never advise anyone to do is ring any DWP department for any advice such as this because they very often have very little benefits knowledge. You're speaking to someone from a call centre and not someone from DWP itself.

luna233

Oh I didn't realise that. Thank you for telling me that. I'll try again then 

poppy123456

You're welcome. You can get some expert advice by using the link i posted above. Definitely much better than asking someone from a call centre. Or just ask here, if you need advice and i'm sure someone will advise you.

Hannah_Alumni

@luna233 You can always reach out to Scope's Helpline for additional support too