DLA to PIP help

SoSiouxMe

I am a 61 year old mother of two girls, and Ninny (Grandma) to two boys.  I have Fibromyalgia, Paroxsysmal Atrial Fibrillation, High blood pressure, arthritis, depression, poor eyesight and am very deaf.  I have just filled out the form to transfer from DLA to PIP having been classed as disabled since I was 51.  Today I got the dreaded appointment to see Atos, who appear to have changed their name!  While on DLA I was on indefinite benefits, but understand that this doesn't happen with PIP.  The thought of constantly having to explain myself to "professionals" who have little, if any understanding of my ailments fills me with dread, and I know I will become one of those statistics who will make a sudden, miraculous recovery and lose not only my benefits, but the Motability car I rely on so heavily.  I live in a small village in Cornwall, in the middle of nowhere, and with an unreliable bus service that never goes where you need to, or involves three changes, none of which I can handle.
Fortunately I have an amazing Family and lovely friends otherwise I think I would lose the will to go on.  Why any of us should have to jump through hoops to get what is rightfully ours defies belief.  Why is the opinion of our GPs, who know us very well, or our various Consultants who are experts in their fields, not taken note of?   It costs far more to give Atos, Maximus et al their rather lucrative contracts than it saves by getting people off DLA, PIP or whatever they decide to call it next, and it does drive so many to the wall, ending up as suicide statistics.

steve51

Hi @SoSiouxMe

A very very big welcome to you I hope that we can help you ???

I'm so sorry to hear that you are about to take the long journey off going through the PIP Assessment's.

Here is some info on Benefits for you I do hope that it is ok ???

https://community.scope.org.uk/categories/benefits-and-finances

Sam_Alumni

Hi @SoSiouxMe - great name!!

I have moved your post over to the PIP section so you can get some info and support

Matilda

@SoSiouxMe

Going through PIP isn't a picnic but many of us do come out the other end OK.  After Atos 'assessment' I was awarded standard both components for five years. At tribunal I was awarded enhanced both components with no end date (though under current rules my award will be up for review in 2025).

I hope you get the award you want first time but, if you do have to appeal, 65% succeed.