Hi, my name is emj! Appealing PIP?

emj

Hi, I recently heard back from pip regarding my review and they gave me less points meaning I lost enhanced care and only got standard care. My heath has got worse since my last review so I don’t understand how they have taken points off me this time. I was very clear when I had the phone assessment how I was struggling every day and how much medication I was now on and 2 new diagnosis since my last review. I did a mandatory reconsideration but just heard back that the award is staying the same. I’m thinking of going to appeal as I don’t understand why they have taken points off me when I have got worse and need more help since my last review. By taking points away this time, are they saying my health has improved and I know longer need that help? Because that is certainly not true. Should I appeal this? 

MW123

Hello emj 

I'm sorry to hear that you have lost points, and I truly understand your frustration with the PIP system. It can be quite confusing, and I wish I could offer some advice, but unfortunately, I don't have enough knowledge about its workings. 

Being part of Scope has opened my eyes to the fact that PIP decisions depend on how you complete the descriptors and how they interpret your answers, rather than solely focusing on your medical condition or medications. 

I'm currently waiting for the decision on my review, but I'm not feeling very hopeful about it. My responses to the descriptors were poorly addressed, which adds to my concern.  If you decide to appeal, I sincerely hope that you'll be successful. 

poppy123456

It's not so much the answers you give, it's more about the detail. When you filled out the form did you treat it as a new claim? A lot of people tend to just write "no change" rather than go into as much relevant detail as possible, without telling your life story.

It's entirely your decision whether you proceed with Tribunal. If you do decide then i'd advise you to either request a telephone/video hearing or appear in person. Either one of those will give you the best chance of a decision in your favour. Stats for these are 70+%. Paper based hearings have a much less success rate of between 5-8%.

Ema_Scope

@emj I'm sorry that your Mandatory Reconsideration was not successful. Scope have some information about appealing a benefits decision that might help you appeal at tribunal.