Pip appeal

jonno1971

Hi i just been diagnosed with CIDP  yet was refused my pip as they saw no evidence..any advice out there???

pollyanna1052

Hi, what symptoms does CIPD cause you? Do you need any help with personal care or mobility? These are the things DWP are interested in for PIP...also any equipment you need. Did you try the PIP self test scorer?

I`m afraid they dont take much notice of a diagnoses, only how it effects you

jonno1971

Hi yeah it effects my grip strength and walking.. I had no evidence but consultant now given it me

pollyanna1052

Are you still in the time frame for a Mandatory Reconsideration on your PIP claim? ie 1 month

jonno1971

Yes I am. I really think I maybe did it premature as originally doctors thought I had ALS now been diagnosed CIDP and have anlot of documentation which I did not before.

chiarieds

@poppy123456 I wonder if you could advise here, please. I hope you don't mind me asking.

poppy123456

HI,

Thank you @chiarieds i'm sorry for the late response but i've only just seen this.

@jonno1971 It doesn't matter whether you applied before you had the correct diagnosis because PIP isn't awarded based on a diagnosis. It's how those conditions affect your ability to carry out daily activity based on the PIP descriptors.

You have 1 month from the date of the decision to request the MR which you should put in writing. You should state where you think you should have scored those points and your reasons why, adding 2-3 real life examples of what happened the last time you attempted that activity for each descriptor that applies to you.

You should send relevant evidence with the letter to support your claim. A letter stating a diagnosis, isn't going to help you. You'll need other evidence that states how your conditions affect your functional ability.

Having some understanding of the PIP descriptors will always help. It's very easy to think you should score a certain amount of points but it's not always possible to score as many as you think.

You can have a disability but not be awarded PIP because if you don't fit the descriptors you won't score those points for an award. I'd advise you to have a read of this link because it will give you more understanding.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

Do be aware that most MR decisions remain the same so you'll very likely have to take it to Tribunal. Appearing in person will give you the best chance of a decision in your favour. Waiting times for hearings are huge across most of the country and you could be waiting a year from the time they accept your appeal at Tribunal.

I'd advise you to get some face to face advice from an agency near you and this link will tell you what's local to you.

https://advicelocal.uk/

jonno1971

Thankyou for your help

chiarieds

Hi @jonno1971 So pleased that poppy replied as she knows so much about benefits.

The only thing I would add is that you need to be able to do any of the PIP descriptors 'reliably.' This means safely, timely, so if the task described takes at least twice as long as someone who has no difficulties, this should be mentioned, or the activity causes you pain either during or after any activity, this too should be mentioned.