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Need advice - Lost nearly all of my PIP money and can't work

Hello I'm all worried I lost near all my money on pip. I can't work I'm just starting my programme of counselling my partner died 3months now. I didn't need this on top. Very sad for me. I don't know how I'm going to live.
Replies
I'm so sorry to hear that your partner has passed away. I hope that the counselling programme is of some use to you in coping with this loss.
What bad luck that the PIP decision landed when it did.
Have you considered appealing the decision? There's a two-stage process; we know that the first stage (mandatory reconsideration) doesn't always go so well (although sometimes it does!) but once that's out of the way you have a much better chance at the second stage- tribunal appeal (6 in 10 tribunals get a better result than the original decision). It would also be great if you could get some help with the process of appealing - either from a disabled persons' organisation, the CAB, or Age UK (if you're over 55!)
You mention you're not able to work right now - have you looked at Employment and Support Allowance? It's a benefit for people that can't work because of their condition or impairment (with PIP, because it's designed to cover the extra costs of disability, you can get regardless of whether or not you're working)
There are also a couple of bereavement benefits some people are entitled to claim. It would be great if you were able to call the helpline to be talked through this stuff and find you a local source of support for applying and appealing decisions. Or you can email ([email protected]) if that is easier - means you don't have to reveal lots of personal info on here if you don't want to
Take very good care,
-B x
The biggest priority right now is your health and there are some services which can support you with with the benefits and financial issues while you focus on getting stronger. There's a team of us here at the helpline who can help you find some support in your local area so please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We are also blessed to have a wonderful community with some truly incredible people and we're all behind you. Sometimes it helps knowing you're not alone.
I hope this provides you with some comfort at this difficult time.
Best wishes
Debbie
Your welcome if I can help at least one person then its worth it.Its a difficult situation to be in I know but when times do get hard you may not always see a way out so never ever give up nickp xx