PIP mental health support please

Sibbs1979

My husband has received pip for a long period now, but had another assessment a couple of weeks back over the phone. The assessment was very stressful for him and he was extremely upset. He suffers with depression and anxiety as well as other physical pains due to a problem with a vertebrae in back/neck.

The report has come back saying he has motivation to work every day and therefore scored him zero on everything!!

We need to go through the stages of reconsidering before appeal. Is there anything you can suggest at all?

poppy123456

The report is a recommendation only and not the decision. You need to wait for the decision before you can request the Mandatory Reconsideration. (MR)

They mostly go with the report but it has been know to go against it.

If you do need to request the MR you should put that in writing stating where and why you think he should have scored those points.

My advice is to post back here once the decision is made if you need further advice and someone will help.

Sibbs1979

Sorry, should have made it clear. This is the result. The assessor has scored him zero and written up to say if he has motivation to go to work then it is showing lack of motivation to do anything else for himself.

Jimm_Alumni

Hey @Sibbs1979, it is quite devastating to read these reports when they are so wrong. As Poppy mentions in your Mandatory Reconsideration you should state where he should have received points but did not, and state why he should get those points. Having real life examples will help as well.

Sibbs1979

Thank you, I do appreciate your support. I am wording the response now. It has knocked him so much, it really has.

luvpink

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/928848#Comment_928848

Hi do you mean that is a decision made by a decision maker because the assessors only make recommendations to dwp decision makers who have the final say and if you disagree you can apply for a .MR

Sibbs1979

It was the final decision, so now I have to go for the MR.

It's so hard, this person has said my husband has motivation to go work which shows he is capable of doing things but lacks motivation for anything else and won't award it based on that.

My husband goes to work because he is so scared of the outcome of not providing for his family. Besides that and sitting I a sports hall watching his kids do their sport, he doesn't go anywhere else but now this assessor has made him feel even worse, useless and lazy. His anxiety is through the roof.

Jimm_Alumni

It really is difficult @Sibbs1979. If that is something said in the report then in the MR you can write reasons why your partner does things that distresses him. What pushes him to do it, and also the extra effects that has later in the day possibly. Mental fatigue etc.

If it comes to it, a tribunal panel will certainly understand that someone will go through distressing situations to ensure they and their family have a place to live. It is best to detail what your husband has to endure to do it though. How that affects his health and the rest of his day etc.

We do have some advice sections on appealing a benefits decision: Appealing a benefits decision | Disability charity Scope UK

Sibbs1979

Thank you so much. That is so helpful