PIP Journey!!!!

rob56

Hi everyone,
Just wish to share my PIP Journey with you all..It has been an awful nightmare of a journey.
After my wife died in 2018 I was made to move into a single occupancy bungalow via my local housing association.
Prior to these life events I was in receipt of my 2nd 5yr DLA award.
In October 2018 I was forced to apply for PIP due to discontinuation of DLA.

I applied and a worker from my local MIND Charity helped me in person to complete the How my disability affects me and we sent that off with my evidence.

I scored absolute zero foe both components..Due to my bereavement I just let that one go.
In October 2020, I was encouraged by MIND to apply again..I did this as above and once again was scored zero. 

I have bipolar affective disorder, asthma, osteoarthritis of my lower back, ADHD, intestinal blockage at times, I take regular daily medication and see a psychiatric team.

So, with support I asked for a mandatory review, this took place and again denied.
So, with help and support I started the PIP Tribunal process..That was 3yrs ago, yes that's not a typo!!
On October 31st 2023 a judge reviewed my paperwork and he decided the following:
1. He awarded me both care and mobility component at the enhanced rate.
2. This would be backdated from October 2020
3. The award is for an indefinite period of time.

I know we had to deal with Covid and all that entailed..I realise that court cases throughout the judicial system were halted. However, even the judge stated that in my case I had been neglected and let down by the DWP.

Over the last 3yrs I have had to heavily rely on my family, neighbours and friends for food etc. Due to working all my life from age of 15yrs old up until I couldn't work anymore within the NHS due to my own mental health problems I have been placed into the contribution based ESA group..Therefore that meant I wasn't eligible for any of the government's cost of living payments or any other help.

I'm obviously overjoyed that I won the PIP Tribunal eventually and I hope this might give others hope.
Rob

parleigh21

Aww @rob56 this is amazing news. So sorry to hear you’ve suffered all of this since the loss of your wife! I guess though this is proof to never give up on what you believe you deserve! I hope the large back pay lets you lead a happier life I’m sure it will xx

poppy123456

That’s great news! Though that was a very long time to wait for a decision. During Covid Trubunal waiting times were reduced drastically too but they have now increased to almost a year for some areas. 

You mentioned also claiming contributions based ESA and no other help. Is the ESA the old contributions based or New style? If your claim started anytime from end of December 2018 then it will be New style. 

You also mentioned renting your home, are you claiming for help with any rent for that? 

Are you receiving any pensions? 

honestjon

rob56 said:

Hi everyone,
Just wish to share my PIP Journey with you all..It has been an awful nightmare of a journey.
After my wife died in 2018 I was made to move into a single occupancy bungalow via my local housing association.
Prior to these life events I was in receipt of my 2nd 5yr DLA award.
In October 2018 I was forced to apply for PIP due to discontinuation of DLA.

I applied and a worker from my local MIND Charity helped me in person to complete the How my disability affects me and we sent that off with my evidence.

I scored absolute zero foe both components..Due to my bereavement I just let that one go.
In October 2020, I was encouraged by MIND to apply again..I did this as above and once again was scored zero. 

I have bipolar affective disorder, asthma, osteoarthritis of my lower back, ADHD, intestinal blockage at times, I take regular daily medication and see a psychiatric team.

So, with support I asked for a mandatory review, this took place and again denied.
So, with help and support I started the PIP Tribunal process..That was 3yrs ago, yes that's not a typo!!
On October 31st 2023 a judge reviewed my paperwork and he decided the following:
1. He awarded me both care and mobility component at the enhanced rate.
2. This would be backdated from October 2020
3. The award is for an indefinite period of time.

I know we had to deal with Covid and all that entailed..I realise that court cases throughout the judicial system were halted. However, even the judge stated that in my case I had been neglected and let down by the DWP.

Over the last 3yrs I have had to heavily rely on my family, neighbours and friends for food etc. Due to working all my life from age of 15yrs old up until I couldn't work anymore within the NHS due to my own mental health problems I have been placed into the contribution based ESA group..Therefore that meant I wasn't eligible for any of the government's cost of living payments or any other help.

I'm obviously overjoyed that I won the PIP Tribunal eventually and I hope this might give others hope.
Rob

Well done and I agree you shouldn't have had to go to tribunal before someone acts fairly it happens too much and it's unfair.
Maybe one day the dwp ( some parts of the dwp)will stop the silly games they play with claimants 

woollywonder

I am  very very happy that you have had such a wonderful outcome! How awful though that you have had to wait so long for your difficulties to be acknowledged and to be awarded the appropriate levels of PIP. It offers hope to many to read  your story, so thankyou for sharing with us. I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your wife, let's hope that she is dancing with joy for you now

honestjon

Totally shameful conduct from the DWP and it's time they were stopped from doing this to people.
Hoping things change for the better in the future 

Rosie_Scope

Hi @rob56, welcome to the community and thanks so much for sharing your experience with us.

It's awful what some people have to go through to get what they need, but I'm so glad to read your tribunal was successful after such a long and difficult journey.