Refused PIP for ADHD as can drive

lyndsayyoung16

Hi. My son has ADHD and anxiety and has just been refused PIP with 0 points all round. It basically says he can manage each of the descriptors independently, even though he can’t and needs prompting and supervision for all due to poor memory and concentration, as well as anxiety induced avoidance. Their justification for this decision is because he cannot suffer cognitive impairment as he can drive. Not what I’m thinking when I stand outside the bathroom checking if he has actually washed during his 20 minutes in the shower or when the smoke alarm is going off because he’s forgot that he put a ready meal in the oven! We are going to appeal - it at least I am - I just don’t know how to explain that he can drive a familiar route but not make a familiar meal. His life is so impacted by his condition, in so many ways, he even gave up a uni offer as feels unable to live independently at nearly 20 years old but it feels like it’s all disregarded! Has anyone else had similar, in regards to the being able to drive whilst trying to claim PIP for ADHD please, that could offer us some advice?

Rosie_Scope

Hi @lyndsayyoung16, sorry to hear that your son's PIP claim was unsuccessful. I haven't been through similar circumstances myself, but I just wanted to pop in to say hello and welcome you to the community. I'm sure other members will have something more to offer than I can and will be along shortly to offer their thoughts and experiences. We've got some lovely and very knowledgeable members, so I'm sure you'll get some support and advice here 😊

Best of luck with your appeal!

Meg24

This has been challenged many times on appeal and I'm pretty sure that there is an Upper Tribunal ruling that throws this out. I drive and get EDL & SRM for MH. It's an old tactic they tried using to deny many many people PIP but it has been challenged successfully many times. I would advise you to contact an independent benefits advisor or a local community law centre (such as the GMLC in Manchester) or the CAB as a last resort, although I'm not sure how good they are at tracking down the latest and most relevant UT judgements. Don't go over the 30 day limit for MR but definitely get help if you can because this decision is wrong. Good luck.

roma2929

i have also been refuse pip sxored two points because of bladder. I have ADHD and dylexic. I feel i was assessed on my driving abilities and because I drove, I could do everything else. Nevertheless, this is not true. I struggle with everything. I have worked all my life, however can never hold a job down. I have not worked since the death of my father 9 months ago. There has been a steady decline with my mental health. however I’ve pushed my self because i what ro live a normal life ans struggle to ask for help. since the loss of my parents and my behavior has been more apparent.