I’m crushed 😞 PIP zero points

Everythingzrosie

Hello everyone.

I applied in March.
I had my telephone assessment 4 weeks ago. I asked for my report and it came today.

I got zero points from the nurse who took the assessment.

I am autistic. I also have Marfans syndrome.
I was diagnosed age 46 as autistic. The report states I mask incredibly well. This results in exhaustion, fatigue and burnout. My physical health suffers and my mental health does too.

How can that be assessed via a phone call lasting 50 minutes?

The report says that I managed to answer the questions with no input from my husband. I cried during the going out part of the assessment because this is what I really struggle with. I scored nothing for this. I hate going out alone. I put on my husband a lot. My anxiety is awful.

I guess I need to ask for a mandatory reconsideration?

Any advice would be very welcome

Thank you

mrsBB

Hi Everythingrosie

aww that's really sad that you scored zero, I am sorry. Your next step is Mandatory reconsideration. I have never done one myself but I think you need to phone DWP and tell them that's what you want to do. Then go through your form and the assessors report and highlight discrepancies, let them know where you believe they got it wrong taking into account the descriptors. Please don't give up, put in for the MR. I hope others may pop in to help with this as doing an MR is something I haven't done.

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

Please have another look at the descriptors to see which ones you fit into.

PIP aren't interested in what you 'hate' or even most anxiety. They're interested in what you can and can't do physically & practically. If you can't go out at all on more than half of days due to overwhelming psychological distress, then you should be awarded 10 points for going out. If you can go out on more than half of days, but always need a person with you, then you should score 12 points for going out.

mix_dage

HI @Everythingzrosie

Please confirm have the DWP made this decision? As it can take up to 8 weeks from assessment.

Have you had a letter from the DWP stating zero award? the HAAS report is not final, until you have DWP decision you have nothing to go on for a MR

The decision maker could call you or ignore health service report and follow the medical evidence. The report as it stands could be referred back for audit..there are many scenarios until you have the DWP letter you must wait. So do not ring and ask for MR unless it’s definitely a DWP letter telling you award is zero.

Meanwhile you can look at advice guides here on scope and other sites on preparing a MR, look upon it as extra time to prepare for MR and possible appeal.

https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/challenging-pip-or-other-benefits-decisions

Good luck

Catherine21

Wow I learnt something today I mask incredibly well so I totally understand yes ask for MR bullet point everything you disagree with ! Be firm if you have to if she didn't say the truth highlight that also get your husband to write a letter stating how he supports you how your disability effects you morning noon evening get list of meds of on any state if they have any side effects says don't send doctors note I always do alot of money if can't afford request SARS form from doctor can go back years got your diagnosis and any consultations you had doctor goodluck

Holly_Scope

I'm so sorry to read this @Everythingzrosie. It must be incredibly distressing, the whole process. I would definitely recommend a mandatory reconsideration. This needs to be done within a month of the original decision. You might find this helpful in giving a bit of detail on the process - Appealing a benefits decision | Disability charity Scope UK. If you want some support in completing the paperwork, Citizens Advice and Turn2us have a service that might be able to help. I hope it goes ok. Please let us know how you're getting on if you're happy to.

Trevor_PIP

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/136508/i-m-crushed-pip-zero-points

You have great responses above. I gather you are discussing the assessment report and you have not had the actual DWP decision letter. Getting zero points from an assessment is not rare and it is nothing personal. You need to wait for the decision letter, as the Decision Manager does not always go on the assessment report, so you could be worrying for nothing. Please wait for the actual decision letter.

Everythingzrosie

oh my goodness you are all so kind and helpful.

I was so despondent after glancing over the score boxes. I got 2 points for needing prompting to make a journey. I missed this after getting upset and put the paperwork away.

I will reply to you all individually x

Everythingzrosie

Thank you. Once I get the decision letter I will do x

Everythingzrosie

This is what I tested on the benefits and work test online. I need to go over the assessors report of this area.

Everythingzrosie

Thank you this is really helpful.

no I’ve not had the decision letter yet, just a copy of the assessment of my consultation.

Thanks for the link, will read it and get my husband to read it for me so that it makes sense.

Everythingzrosie

Thanks this is helpful advice. I thought the amount of detail I put with my husband was enough but I think she’s twisted everything because I have children snd do two school runs (I did state I will find it very distressing if there’s a change in my route or road works and it takes me hours to steady my anxiety)

I don’t think many health professionals that aren’t specialist in Autism can every truly understand how difficult it is to live in a NT world 😟

Everythingzrosie

Thank you and yes I will! I will use the links to help me with this. I will keep this updated.

Everythingzrosie

Thanks for your reply, I am greatful. Yes I will try not to take it literally (very difficult being autistic 🥴 ) and wait for the final decision letter.

Everythingzrosie

I’m reading the report. It’s literally twisted everything I’ve said. I can tell the assessor has very little knowledge of how mental health with being autistic is not something an individual who doesn’t know me or can see me, can score me based on what she hears and reads.

My husband held my hand through out the call, reassuring me, however because he didn’t speak or interact on the call, I’m perfectly fine to talk with strangers!! She couldn’t see him holding my hand! I didn’t think he could talk as the letter stated I must be the one to talk.

Because I have a hobby (gardening) I’m a mother and did an online course, I’m fine managing my days, going out alone and planning journeys. I’m shocked at the assumptions made to make it fit their narrative!