I have been offered pip before tribunal

heyyouguys123

Hi everyone

I applied for the first time for pip in July 2024 for severe anxiety and help needed regarding my brain tumor, thyroid issues and back disc degeneration. They awarded me 0 points. I appealed with an MR and was awarded 2 points mobility. I sent in my paperwork to bring it to tribunal in Jan this year (I live in NI). The appeals service sent me a letter 2 months ago asking if I had anymore evidence to send in, I sent in a folder of all appointments, gp notes, neurosurgery appointments and notes and all thyroid and back letters and doctor notes. I sent in a detailed letter of what I thought I should be awarded for each point and a letter from my husband detailing how he has to care for me.

I have today received a letter from pip offering me standard mobility and standard care, awarding me 10 points for each. This is my first time applying for pip and I’m so unsure if I should accept this as I know I could lose the award. However they have awarded me 0 points in some descriptors where I should have got at least 2/4 more points which would bring me up to higher rate and care.

Does anyone have any experience or advice please? I would be very grateful.

many thanks.

Trevor_PIP

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/138353/i-have-been-offered-pip-before-tribunal

I personally would accept the offer, but it is up to you.

SoJeannius

Hi @heyyouguys123

I personally would accept the offer, as it would put you on the ladder with pip. It is a gateway to services that so many of us need i.e. occupational therapy, blue badge, social services, disability travel amongst many others. Whilst I appreciate you feel that you should have been awarded more points going from 0 points to an award is an amazing result. Once on pip if you feel you need more help with how your disability affects you could always do a change of circumstances, but once again this is a gamble on the outcome.

Pip is a lengthy stressful process that makes you put your life on display, your struggles, your anxieties your living hell in some cases. Ultimately the decision will always be yours and you have to do what you feel comfortable and what best suits your life and situation. Whatever your decision I wish you luck and wish you well x

SoJeannius

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

There is another option. You can accept this offer and then start a new tribunal appeal for a higher award if you believe you are entitled to that.

You would have to wait roughly the same length of time for a new appeal as you have done for this one, and there is a chance that the tribunal could reduce your award at that point, so it is something you need to think about carefully.

Personally I would accept the award now, so you have some PIP money coming in for the foreseeable future. The only reason not to accept the award now is if you are 99% sure of getting the Enhanced award at tribunal with very low risk of losing. In that case, you would be better off having the upcoming tribunal, rather than delaying the process any further. I hope that makes sense.

Wibbles

@heyyouguys123 Does it tell you how long the award is for ?

If it's only 2 years - then you may as well appeal because otherwise, you will be going through it all again………….

heyyouguys123

Hi everyone

Thank you so very much for all your helpful replies. I actually accepted the offer. I spoke to my CAB advisor and they had explained I would likely get a higher award as there were many things not taken into consideration, however I just couldn’t handle the stress and affect it was having on my health. I’m very grateful to get the award after such a long process as I know there are many who give up due to the stress. I have been given the award for 3 years, my condition will not improve however as I am on watch and wait for stereotactic radiotherapy on my brain and my degenerative discs and thyroid issues are sadly just going to get worse.

Thank you all kindly for your help.