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About to give up with PIP

Hi all. I have anxiety and depression, scoliosis, slipped discs and chronic pain. I worked until July 18 when bullying in work tipped me over the edge. I applied for PIP in Feb 19, decision July 19. I was assessed as 0 throughout which nearly tipped me over the edge. I was due to have an appeal hearing last week but it was cancelled. DWP did a telephone offer of standard care but no mobility, and my CAB solicitor is saying I should accept. I don't understand why. I cannot walk far at all, I cannot go anywhere I don't know, I could not use public transport. Please help me. I try and read guidance on sites but my MH issues mean I get confused and I just need someone to explain this to me. I can't take much more. thank you in advance.
Replies
I'm sorry to hear this & I understand how overwhelming & unfair the system is.
But have courage
Listen to CAB they are dealing with this every day & they understand how it all works
Even if its delaying the outcome because of the Corona virus, you have to start the appeal now.
It's easy to give up because your tired & depressed but Please don't
We are all standing behind you as most of us have been there.
Have faith in yourself I was told & I pass that on to you x
However, you should score some points for 12 if your chronic pain, slipped disc etc mean you can only walk up to 50 metres.
Never give up with PIP. I have been turned down twice but will continue. Last time I went through process on my own. Now I am receiving help from a local charity. Check your area I know Dial no longer help complete forms etc, It is soul destroying and does impact on your health but why give up. Spring is in the air lets look forward and keep trying.
Have actually noticed carrying out PIP assessments in local GP practices, naturally before Covid 19. Not sure if this a good or bad thing any thoughts?
Wonder how many of the assessors would receive it if they suffered any of the conditions we all suffer. That being said I would not wish ill health on anyone.
It’s impossible on a forum to say whether someone will qualify (although often possible to say they won’t) but it’s highly unusual to get offers to match the level of award likely at appeal. See https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/mar/02/dwp-accused-of-offering-disabled-people-take-it-or-leave-it-benefits?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Can walk (but not very far).
Cannot use public transport, anxiety and depression, chronic pain restricting activities.
I think getting mental health descriptors can be very tough, especially if you doing the claim by yourself, because I think they expect people with severe enough mental health problems to require someone to be with them, and those who dont have someone with them seem to have a very hard time getting the descriptors.
For reference I am on standard care and no mobility, and I "did" "accept" the award offered.
From what you have described I think you would have a very hard time of getting enhanced mobility, meaning the difference between standard and nothing is only circa £20 a week. Personally for me considering I also got SDP from the award (which you will also if you on income based ESA, and dont have a carer), then I felt putting myself through the stress of MR and appealing wasnt worth it for the £20. Sometimes people perhaps have a too high expectation of what are entitled to.
So what I mean by this is to look at the descriptors for pip, go through them one by one, and score yourself honestly. If this comes up with a higher award then "consider" appealing.
Also bear in mind you can accept their offer and then after still decide to appeal. Which would mean you get the payments whilst it is ongoing.
But some of it is about realistic expectations. As almost everyone seems to be expecting enhanced awards.
I was expecting an award of standard care, and no mobility, with an outside chance of getting standard mobility.
I ended up getting standard care and no mobility, that was my expectation, so I did not do a MR or appeal.
It was a straight up recommendation from the HCP to the DWP who decided to agree with it.
Not everyone can be in the frame of mind to take on the system at a Tribunal even if they have an iron clad case.
A lot of people will accept what they are given and avoid any further contact with the DWP.
Scope
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