Poor PIP experience

Bear1

I am am in the process of having to apply for PIP having recieved DLA at the higher rate for both components. After filling in the lengthy form and fully explaining how rheumatoid arthritis effects my daily life (have suffered over 20yrs with it and it has got worse) all my joints have gone to bone on bone pain is excrutiating and walking is a labour. Unless people  it they do not fully understand. Anyway I went through my interview/assessment with the health proffessional - in fact a paramedic! However from onset I knew his interest in me was nil - on ticking his points off on his laptop and at the end I felt insulted by his interest- in fact no more than a number to him. Got my result back yesterday and only awarded the lower daily living benefit after receiving DLA at higher rate for both parts. Nothing had changed in my condition except getting worse, so what difference has changing the name to PIP been the. Difference to reduce my grant? Well I have gone back to have my decision reconsidered. If that fails I will appeal further to a tribunal.
anyone going through this has my sympathy.

CockneyRebel

Hi Bear and welcome

Sorry you are going through this. I know the pain you are in.

It is important to understand the difference between DLA and PIP
Have a look at the B&W self test to get an idea of the points system, descriptors and criteria

http://www.mybenefitsandwork.co.uk/pip/indexxx.php

CR

wilko

@Bear1, as the two previous post have stated DLA and PIP are totally two different benefits with different scoring criteria, take a self test on the benefits and work site as sujest end by CR, if you do you will see if you would or could be awarded PIP by the points scoring criteria. 

Matilda

The purpose of PIP is to try to reduce or remove disability benefits, differences between DLA and PIP apart. I was on indefinite DLA top rates both components. Reduced after assessment by a lying and incompetent Atos paramedic to standard both components PIP. Tribunal awarded me enhanced both components.

So don't give up as 65% of appeals succeed.  Disabilty Rights UK site has a guide to PIP including appeals. And the Disabilty Rights Handbook is very good though you have to buy this - available from the Disabilty Rights site.

Bear1

From Bear1. 
I fully understand DLA/PIP requirements, but what would be nice would be for an assessor to treat you as a person when talking to you, not one to talk at for the purpose of ticking boxes off. I do not need to be patronised, it is hard enough living with Rheumatoid arthritis every day.

whistles

I don't know whom I had in front of me. Paramedics who turn up on a three nines haven't heard of my condition anyway. So I didn't ask.

I think it must be subjective what they see in front of them. 
I went from middle care low mobility, to no care and high mobility.
When I did the self tests I made it a 6, 7 or an 8 depending on the day I was having. But always low or no mobility.

My assessor wrote he couldnt help with anything not covered in the description. So there wasn't a doubt I did need help it just didn't slot into the boxes.

Bear1

Whistles. 
It is good to know there are people out there who understand RA and that there are good and bad days, mostly the latter.  I only hope things improve. Ps awake at 3.am doing blog because woke up with pain. PIP doesn't see that. 
Bear1.

whistles

I think this is where pip fails some people. There is no night time care anymore.  So even though they say they are talking about daily living, if you can't sleep that effects the next day of your daily living but it might not be all the time. 

CockneyRebel

There is no distinction between night and day with PIP, although many of the descriptors fit mainly with daytime but certainly help with Toileting might be needed at night

CR

CockneyRebel

LOL mike
we do think along the same lines at times, I for one value your expertise

CR