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PIP decision on "Preparing Food"

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????
Replies
What was your overall award ?
CR
Summerx
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
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
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
Summerx, Cocknyrebel is the expert here:)
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
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 got 4 years
Summerx
CR
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.
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.
It is true - the OP should be grateful that they did at least get something.
If you can tell someone what you want them to cook for you that's assistance in their eyes.
It doesn't seem to matter what help you have in place, it's whether you can prove that the help you currently get is even necessary. I live in warden supported, didn't get standard care. I am probably living somewhere to enable me, not disable.
I'm not concerned springtime18, because the pip is about what you can do. It's about being honest about your ability not disability. I don't fit the criteria, that's the whole point in the sick change, to dump a load of us.
If everyone who has an award below what they're entitled to decided they should be grateful and said nothing or didn't question an incorrect decision nothing would ever change and the assessment companies and DWP could be as corrupt as they wished and there would be a lot of very sick people not getting the help they need..
not making do with the decision of someone who asks some questions and depending how you answer depends your points.
the system does not work.
its hard enough going through this process without people making you feel even worse
i thought this site was for help, information and SUPPORT
We are here to help and support each other.
I hope that summerx has not been put of by some of the comments
Some of the descriptors can have consequences on others, especially when the reliability factors, that are often overlooked, are applied.
CR
Susa