Advice needed - turned down for PIP - epilepsy

Sprocket25

I applied for pip, and had it reconsidered. Both times I was awarded 0 points for everything. I have uncontrolled epilepsy which is absence seizures which can literally stop me in the middle of the road in front of a car. I am completely useless when having them.
I have been advised to not be alone at all times, i have to be watched while I cook, while i have a shower, i cant lock my bathroom door. I have not found a medication that works for those yet. I have depression, anxiety, epilepsy, pain in my left hip and ankle due to ruining it walking around after burning my foot some years ago, I have asthma, eczema, hayfever, and endometriosis. 

Do I apply again? Or should I just leave it and move on? 

emkins40

Sprocket I also have uncontrolled epilepsy. I found the epilepsy society guidelines to filling in my pips form invaluable. If you are having absence seizures you should always have someone with you as they are not controlled, I received enhanced mobility due to this alone. For cooking you should have 4 points as need for supervision potential to burn yourself etc and drop things give example of potential injurys that could happen. You could also get engaging with others descriptor on the grounds you feel uncomfortable as people you don't know don't understand your condition. Also due to your depression. You should get at least 1 point for monitoring your condition. In view of your depression and anxiety someone should really help you make sure you take correct medication. I'm trying to work out what points you could get elsewhere as my seizures are not just absence but variable and includes need for rescue medication. You potentially could get a point for limited cognitive ability due to medication side effects. Incontinence when in seizure is no longer included but you don't mention this happens. I definitely believe you should appeal and should get enhanced mobility 12 points but I'm not sure if you can get enough for daily living unless you can do a really good appeal statement or get your doctor to do a report. You see you can argue the supervision in cooking and that's 4 points and the bathing one which would give 2 but you need another 2 points. It's worth a try though to go for mental health support in engaging with others and the medication one. You may just get those extra 2 points. But definitely do not give up as the DWP own guidelines state that as your condition is uncontrolled you are putting your life at risk by bring unaccompanied even in somewhere you know well. You could in theory be crossing a road and have an absence seizure. If it's not too late appeal but you can use if you are a bit late that you needed to seek further advice and guidance. It really depends how close you are to the time frame, I'm more than happy to email you the links etc I used to help me. They want you to give up but you have to remember that decision maker is just a clerk you need to explain in most basic terms exactly what risks are. If you read my other posts you will see what I mean. Good luck

Sam_Alumni

There is a PIP self test you can do online so you can see what you should potentially qualify for,

BenefitsTrainingCo

Hi Sprocket25

I think you should appeal this decision. You must usually do this within one month of the date on the mandatory reconsideration notice but even if you have missed that deadline it may be accepted late. You should have received two copies of the notice, one for you to keep and one to be attached to the appeal form.

You appeal direct to HM Courts and Tribunals service on a form SSCS1 form which you can download and print here. It would be good to get some specialist advice with this but if the deadline is coming up you should do it yourself. In the grounds for appeal section you can simply state that you think the decision is wrong because they have failed to include the descriptors and points that you think should have been awarded. You can simply list the ones you think are relevant in the grounds for appeal section or if you are not sure you can just include the activity areas. Here's a link to a Disability Rights UK guide which includes the activities, descriptors and points in Appendix B from page 32 onwards.

To find a local advice service i suggest you call the Scope helpline on 0808 800 3333. If you continue to need help let us know as we will be able to give further practical advice even though we can't fill out the forms etc for you.

David