Hi, my name is LucyAnne! Denied PIP for C-PTSD.

LucyAnne

I'm new here. I have a diagnosis of complex ptsd.

I applied for PIP. Following the 'interview' they have scored me zero across the board.

I have no words.

Devastated.

Their report is factually inaccurate and I have drafted a response. In fact I was seen by an OH consultant the following day and will send that report as part of my request to reconsider.

I was supported to complete the initial application by Age Concern who said it was strong.

The thing that makes me sick to my stomach is that I was played like a kipper by the assessor who tricked me into thinking she was on my side - a disgraceful abuse of power over a vulnerable person in my opinion.

Devastated that they are making me suffer to get this. Feeling abused by the system and it's Saturday so there's nowhere to get help or talk to anyone until Monday.

So I'm here … :(

Albus_Scope

Hey @LucyAnne and welcome to the community.

I'm so sorry to hear about your PIP scores. I can totally empathise as the same happened to me with my first claim. Also for PTSD amongst other things.

But please try not to let it get to you, as it's not the end of the road by a long shot! There's still the MR (mandatory reconsideration) then the tribunal, which is usually where the action happens. I went from 0 points to 21 points.

If you're struggling, it's worth giving Samaritans a call, they're there to listen. Or we're all here for support too. 😊

LucyAnne

Thank you Albus! It makes me feel much better to hear that I'm not alone and that the 0 score isn't the end of the world! I just managed to speak to my psychotherapist so am calmer now too. Your response is very appreciated. Lucy

anisty

It's not that uncommon to score zero across the board. The system is designed to make you feel alone and give up. But don't!

Just a heads up that your mandatory reconsideration is very likely to fail as well (statistically)

It is a process and delaying tactic you have to go through.

But, once you get to tribunal, your odds of getting an award increase dramatically.

So stick in there! Your local welfare rights office can usually represent you at tribunal and help you prepare. You might be able to get the ball rolling there today as often you can contact them using an online form in your council's website.

Another great site to look at is Benefits and work( in my opinion.) They have a lot of really useful info on there but there is a fee to join their site and download their guides.

Try to see this as just a step in your journey and stick on the road til you get there🙂

mangomungo

they did the exact same thing to me tricked me, acting nice on the phone etc and being sympathetic then got the report full of absolute inaccuracies and lies back scoring 2 points, turns out she was a physiotherapist assessing my mental health so no wonder really it’s like me writing a detailed report on the anatomy of a frog.

I’m sorry that it’s happened to you too as it devastated me. I requested my medical records sending in a further 16 pages of evidence and getting a statement from my partner who helps me and written my own statement saying what they got wrong and where I should have scored the points and I’ll be sending my MR off Monday. The system is vile I hope you take it to MR and that you get the help you deserve ❤️

luvpink

@LucyAnne

Hi and welcome to the community.

Sorry to hear about your experience.

It seems to be happening to a lot of claimants.

LucyAnne

thank you all … what a rubbish system - adding trauma on top of trauma :( x