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

LucyAnne
LucyAnne Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
edited March 1 in PIP, DLA, ADP and AA

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 … :(

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Comments

  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 9,117 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    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
    LucyAnne Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    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
    anisty Online Community Member Posts: 626 Pioneering

    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
    mangomungo Online Community Member Posts: 158 Empowering

    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
    luvpink Online Community Member Posts: 1,354 Trailblazing

    @LucyAnne

    Hi and welcome to the community.

    Sorry to hear about your experience.

    It seems to be happening to a lot of claimants.

  • LucyAnne
    LucyAnne Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

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

  • Dendoo
    Dendoo Online Community Member Posts: 186 Empowering

    I’m

    was the last person that would ever apply for pip! I’ve had health issues for over 2 decades and I kind of slipped through the net after lots of ignorance and just carried on until I couldn’t any longer . Took me ages to ask for help Infact it was like going back round hamster wheel ! I was advised to apply for pip last summer I couldn’t carry on as I was I’d burnt myself right out physically and mentally . So I did . I didn’t get the points I needed so asked for a mr , got another 4 points added for mobility so I still didn’t have enough for any award . I’ve reached the point where me who has had her spirit flattened over the years has had enough of been messed about! I’m hundred per cent truthful in what I say so I’m ready to fight now . I’m not getting any younger and I need to salvage/improve the rest of my life so while I’m nervous and always will be more so in circumstances like this , the fire in my belly is bigger ! I’m not saying it’s going to be easy but after putting myself through all this I’m not giving up now after all the stress this has caused me and years I’ve had to cope alone . I hope all goes well for you x

  • Enduring_Rogue
    Enduring_Rogue Online Community Member Posts: 33 Contributor

    Your comments resonate with me. Going through a similar situation with C-PTSD, ADHD with depression and GAD. I did MR over phone today with PIPas I only scored 6 for daily living. I am interested to follow how things go for you, hopefully a successful outcome 🤞❤️

  • Dendoo
    Dendoo Online Community Member Posts: 186 Empowering

    Hi thank you x I’m sure there’s plenty feel like I do when you reach this point ! Took a lot of stress and frustration and cost to get me where I am now. Please don’t give up either x. Im not asking for ‘special privileges ‘ I just want to improve my life I just need the help more so now . I can plod on alone I just need to be ‘accepted’ shall we call it that I do have problems and this help would enable me to carry on plodding on but improve my life at same time . Will update as I can . I actually need to hear back off my welfare rights helper I sent the report to them . Take care and please update too x

  • Enduring_Rogue
    Enduring_Rogue Online Community Member Posts: 33 Contributor

    I feel the same, money would cover my counselling costs, as no help from NHS mental health services yet, no sign of an ADHD assessment yet either. I think the validation is more important. Funny how in our most vulnerable states we have to fight the hardest. To those who think mental health issues aren't that bad, or that living on benefits is a lifestyle choice, they are lucky. I wouldn't wish what we are going through on my worst enemy.

  • Dendoo
    Dendoo Online Community Member Posts: 186 Empowering
    edited March 17

    I agree with you cos if I’d been awarded it would have of been spent on ‘ examinations/assessments’ I know I need. I’ve bought all

    My

    Own stuff for so long now . I’ve even paid for private blood tests when I’ve knew something was wrong and none nhs treatments and I was right . That’s another story but gave me the fire to go and ask for what was needed to my gp and I got it there was no frowning when I had proof in my hands . I can’t afford to do them things now . You would think they didn’t want us to improve pfft!