ZERO PIP AWARD

geek84

Hi Folks

I received my PIP award letter through the post.

It says it will not be giving me any PIP benefit.

Is it worth appealing against the decision?

Thanks

Albus_Scope

Heya @geek84 sorry to hear they awarded you 0 points. They've done the same to many of us here. It's well worth asking for a mandatory reconsideration, but please do this in writing and not over the phone, as the call centre operative may well take your discussion down incorrectly.
Just to put you at ease a bit, my first PIP assessment was given 0 points, I had to go to tribunal, but was then given enhanced living and standard mobilility without even having to say a word to the tribunal.

geek84

Thanks @Albus_Scope

You've filed me with confidence now.

I thought getting zero points was game over 😀

Albus_Scope

Hah, glad I could help! I've always seen the PIP application process as the start of the journey as so many people get awarded 0 points, but usually end up with something by the tribunal. It's just the time it takes to get that far that's the annoying bit.
I feel like it's a very slow bargaining process. 😆

Amaya_Ringo

I also had 0 points in my original PIP decision, despite mine being meant to be a transfer from DLA to PIP. The assessment report didn't accurately reflect anything said in the assessment, so I appealed. (They basically claimed my disability was something else then refused me PIP because I didn't have a specialist worker for that disability, while ignoring the fact I did have one for my actual disability and that she had written a full report on how it impacted me in real life as part of my evidence).

I went to tribunal and was awarded for 3 years. I had a review in 2021 and that was renewed without needing an assessment in person (they did a paper assessment I think).

The appeal process can be gruelling, but if you feel that you are not being fully heard, it's worth pursuing it.

OverlyAnxious

Just to echo the above, I also got 0 points at assessment & MR. Then went on to get Enhanced Daily Living at tribunal.

geek84

Many thanks for all your responses

Jimm_Scope

Have you decided on doing the Mandatory Reconsideration @geek84? If so best of luck with it. Please keep in mind that a small number are successful, but it opens the door to the next step on the appeal process which is the tribunal. Tribunals are where the decision making is no longer with the DWP but with a tribunal panel, understandably this is quite a bit more fair.

Do let us know how you get on, what the result of the MR is and if you've anymore questions!

geek84

Hi Folks

Yes, I might go ahead with the Mandatory reconsideration.

I will keep you guys updated.

Once again, many thanks for your advice.