advice on mental health, related benefits, PIP and housing

lorrainemorton

Hi. I'm new to the community. Would appreciate any advice on mental health, related benefits, PIP and housing.

Alex

Hi Lorraine, welcome to the community!

That's a very broad topic! Is there anything specific you would like some advice on?

If you're completely new to the topic, a good starting place is to use this checker - http://www.scope.org.uk/support/disabled-people/benefits/check to see what benefits you might be entitled to.

Hope we can help!

lorrainemorton

Thank you for your reply. It's mostly advice on PIP as I've recently been turned down and it's went to mandatory reconsideration. Just interested to hear if anyone been in similar position. Very stressful and I need some hope and motivation.

Matilda

Hi @lorrainemorton - I was awarded PIP standard rate daily needs and mobility and think I should have been awarded enhanced for both.  DWP kept my award the same after reconsideration, I have now appealed to a tribunal and awaiting a hearing date.  Mandatory reconsideration usually doesn't change the DWP's decision but it's not unknown.  However, over 60% of appeals to tribunals are successful.  So, if reconsideration changes nothing, it's worth appealing.

There is advice about making appeals on the Disability Rights and CAB websites and on Scope under Support and Information.

Going through PIP is very stressful, I know, but don't give up hope as many Scope members have won appeals.

If you've got specific questions about benefits you can ask these in the 'Ask a benefits advisor' category,  

lorrainemorton

Many thanks yea I will definitely go to appeal 

ChrisKz

It is definately worth appealing , and it does help if you can have someone with you at the appeal . I have won all my appeals .... I have just scored 0 and asked for reconsideration . Then if that is unresponsive .. its a few letters from professionals to send to appeal committee.. It is worth finding a local disability group near you , that you can actually go in and speak face to face with people . They are there to help . Good Luck  

lorrainemorton

Thanks for info ChrisKz. I've jus scored 0 points totally shocked as I deffo met the criteria. Left me exhausted and depressed will keep fighting for it.

ChrisKz

I just emailed a formal complaint to Atos , as the examiner pulled me about and made me do movement that i would not normally do , from day to day I have just got back from the Doctors as i cannot put weight on my left leg now , since the 4th . I asked for a medical report ( will cost me £25 , but money well spent .. always keep original and get it scanned into your p.c for emails etc) Also being referred to a nerve specialist as losing feelings in fingers and limited movement from every joint

lorrainemorton

Your goin thru an awful time. Ive been told to write a letter and provide evidence for Mr. I will probably have to pay for a medical report from my doctor. Is that the best thing to do?

Matilda

Lorraine - I suggest that you re-post your latest question on the 'Ask a benefits advisor' category as there are benefits experts on there.

lorrainemorton

Ok many thanks Matilda 

ChrisKz

Getting a medical report will help along the line at some point . The NHS don't cover the cost of this service . Depending on what report you want , discuss that with your GP , as there are 2 types and 2 prices .. £25 and £50 . Tell your GP what your going through and they will do what is best for your situation . Contact CAB and local disability group in your area. The more info you can get , the better prepared and more chance of overturning the decision or winning appeal