PIP decision on "Preparing Food"

Summerx

Hi. Would like some advice. Just received my PIP award and scored 4 points for preparing food as they have stated I need supervision or assistance. I can't prepare or cook food and have a care package in place and my carer comes in 3 times a day to prepare all food. I called PIP and asked how they made the decision and was told that as I have no cognitive problems and I can tell someone what to cook this is classed as me needing assistance, even though physically I have no input in preparing any meals. Is this correct????

CockneyRebel

Hello Summerx and welcome

What was your overall award ?

CR

Summerx

Hi CR. I scored 12 points on mobility and 11 on daily living. So enhanced mobility and standard daily living.

Summerx

charlene

Hi Summer, just would like to say hi , also to say nothing surprises me any more regarding PIp.  

In. My case twice I had to call out the fire brigade, forgetting I left food on cooker, and went out.  Also, have weak hands and wrists so can't cut up veg etc.  I did get points but for prompting.

Summerx

Hi Charlene. I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm starting to think they close their eyes and hit a box and see what they get as it seems not many are getting fair scores.

Summerx

CockneyRebel

Hi summerx

Are there any other areas that you might score more points for ?

Have you asked for a copy of the assessment report ?

An MR and or appeal can look at your whole award and can take points away.

Was this a review or a transfer from DLA ?

CR

Summerx

Hi CR

No I don;t think I would get more points.

Haven't asked for assessment report yet and I'm hesitating about the MR as I know they can take points off.

It was a transfer from DLA where I had high mobility and high care.

Summerx

charlene

So sorry Cocknyrebel, didn't mean to butt in. No one was responding to Summerx post, when I started to reply.

Summerx, Cocknyrebel is the expert here:)

wilko

Not wishing to put a downer on your award but moving from DLA to  PIP and getting the award you got I should be grateful and accept what you got remember the two benefits are scored using criteria the DLA focus on your disability and PIP your abilities so with a score like yours leave well alone but the choice is yours. Good luck.

Summerx

Hi Wilko

It's not putting a downer on it, it's being honest so thank you. I'm more likely to leave well alone than to ask for a MR and have points taken off.

Summerx

CockneyRebel

Hi summerx

You should ask for the assessment report straight away
Without wishing to pry, can you tell me what your other points were ?

Also have a look at the B&W self test to get an idea of the points, descriptors and criteria

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

CR

whistles

I probably would leave that award alone. How long is it for?

Summerx

CR I'll put the points up tomorrow and will have a look at that link. Thank you

Whistles I got 4 years

Summerx

CockneyRebel

No problem, glad to help

CR

Matilda

@Summerx

I would say you should have got more points for food preparation because you cannot physically prepare food at all.  My recollection is that that is what the descriptor says, not can't do it themselves but can instruct others.  Suggest you  check what the descriptors actually say - lists are on lots of sites including the Disability Rights UK site.

It's worth asking for an MR if you think your current award is safe, i.e, DWP would have no justification in reducing your current award (though that wouldn't necessarily stop them!).  However 80% of MRs don't change the award.

I got 11 points daily living, 10 mobility, MR made no change, Tribunal awarded me 13 and 12.

Misscleo

You have a good score on both
Why would you risk them taking points off you???
You need to be greatful for what you have.
There are many on here  who got very low points and they are really struggling.

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pee14

Be thankfull for this award PLEASE you don't seem to be thankful enough

Springtime18

I'm concerned that some people basically say be grateful for what Summerx gets. I would encourage Summerx to ask for a MR. I am waiting on one myself, I got 14 for daily living and 10 for mobility. I looked at citizens advice how to complete the form, in regards to the preparing foods, I became aware from CAB that if you need a seat e.g. that is considered an aid. My own award said that I could plan a journey because I had no cognitive problems, I have asked them for a MC as it was clear because I could string a sentence together I was being penalised as I could  in theory plan a journey but physically and mentally this is not possible and need someone to hold on to. Il let you know if I get the 2 extra points waiting for 5 weeks now, I thought that even after appeal at least I tried and could then get closure and accept, and ultimately move on and not let the dreaded PIP it take over.

Nystagmite

To be fair, some of us did originally get nothing.

It is true - the OP should be grateful that they did at least get something.

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