Hi, my name is Mikah16! Overwhelmed with PIP appeal

Mikah16

Hi I am 66 and had both elements of the lower rates of PIP from 2023, due to a backlog they extended my PIP until 2027 but recently requested a telephone review! The outcome they took my PIP away! Of course I sent a MR and last week a chap called me and the forest thing he said us “I’m unable to discuss the mobility part with you because you are now a pensioner” he continued with the Daily Living element! Long story short they, once again denied me. I know I’m right that he incorrectly told me the mobility could not be considered, I was getting it before and after I retired, therefore I am entitled to continue a tribunal appeal for both elements. What I want to know is ; can I get help completing the form as the whole journey has triggered my mental health, anxiety, CFS and depression. I’ve tried my local CAB but they never answer the phone. I’m desperate now because every time I try to do it I feel totally overwhelmed 🙏

Rachel_Scope

Hi @Mikah16 and welcome to the community. I'm so sorry it's affecting your health. Do you have any mentaln health support in place?

I've found some information about the mobility component and reaching state pension age: "You can't get the enhanced rate of the mobility component if you only got the standard rate in your last PIP claim. These rules apply even if your medical condition has got worse." The person you spoke to may have been mistaken about this rule and just assumed that they can't discuss it with you at all.

Here is some information about getting support with the appeal https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/challenging-pip-or-other-benefits-decisions . I see that you've tried CAB, are there any local organisations that could help? They tend to be less busy and can hopefully help you more quickly.

Mikah16

Hi yes I knew about not getting the enhanced awards but I was okay with the standard. That’s why I was told incorrectly, but as you say he may have been mistaken/ unsure.

I’ve had lots of help for my mental health CBT HOPE etc I am on 150mg of sertraline and have just requested to see my GP about increasing the dosage. My MH really peaks when I am under any kind of pressure! It all worsened with LONG COVID, my life now looks very different than prior to that!

I have posted on details for AGEUK but am still waiting for the MR letter to arrive to start the appeal

Mikah16

sorry the link didn’t work

SheffieldMan1976

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1124955#Comment_1124955

This is ridiculous, the DWP Agents don't even know their own rules?!

Rachel_Scope

I'm glad you've got some mental health support @Mikah16. I feel the same when I'm under pressure. It can become really overwhelming can't it? I hope Age UK can help you, but if not, have a look for a local organisation or try CAB again. You'll also find lots of help here when you're ready to fill in the MR form.

Rachel_Scope

@SheffieldMan1976 I know it seems ridiculous but they're only human and we all make mistakes. There are a lot of policies and procedures to follow in any job and it can get confusing.

Mikah16

I thought so too, I spent hours online looking for his information but I realised he was wrong, as I also spoke to a different DWP representative, he was so sympathetic and we had a very long chat where I poured my heart out to him! He encouraged me to apply for a Tribunal appeal! When I think about what I need to say I get so overwhelmed and angry! It shouldn’t be this hard should it 😭

Rachel_Scope

I'm glad you had a nicer person second time round. It's such a shame that the experience can vary so much depending on who you speak to.

Mikah16

I tried calling CAB but it’s impossible to get through the phone just rings and rings, which also adds to the frustration. Thank you for your support as soon as the letter comes back I can start putting it the online appeal. I just need to get started but am struggling 😭

Rachel_Scope

We're here to support you whenever you need it. We have lots of members who are very familiar with the process so ask as many questions as you need to 😊 Can you try and step back from it until the letter arrives to give yourself a break?

SheffieldMan1976

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1124982#Comment_1124982

With all due respect Rachel, having dealt with DWP Agents and Job Centre Plus staff in the past, IMO some of them aren't human, they don't even look the clients in the face during appointments.

Rachel_Scope

@SheffieldMan1976. I understand that a lot of people here have lots of experience with the DWP but there can be bad experiences with staff anywhere. I can imagine it's quite a stressful job.