unfair benefit

wendiii

My sister in law failed her pip medical at the beginning of feb 2020 She said she sent in a letter not really an appeal But in the letter she wrote, she never visits the doctor because he's never done any good for her and never takes medication apart from over the counter pain killers She walks her 2 dogs because she feels safe with them, She said she has numerous problems but no evidence of any except a letter from the hospital that was 4 years old which she also sent with the letter. She admitted she can cook small meals.. She received a letter saying she had won her pip appeal and has been awarded top rate for both components, It isnt her fault like she says she couldnt have been more honest. But another friend has a rare form of arthritis and his hands are swollen twice their size, he can barely walk and had doctors and specialist supporting letters saying the medication will eventually make him blind and he will be in a wheelchair in the next 10 20 years, he went for a new claim medical at the same time my sister in law sent in her letter, my friend has been awarded low rate on the mobility component nothing for the other..This is the most unfair system ive ever come across.. just saying ;-)

woodbine

How can it be unfair if you sister in law got enhanced rate for care and mobility £120 per week? Your friend can request a mandatory reconsideration and if that fails he can appeal, one should remember PIP isn't about what illnesses/conditions you have but what care and/or mobility issues arise from them.

wendiii

The appeal form my sister in law says things like The medical examiner says you had normal balance and movement in your feet but had some problem standing on tip toe, for that i award you 10 points. When my sister in law sent the letter after the decision she admits she was honest by more or less saying she doesnt really have any problems at all, and she never expected the outcome to be the way it is, (although im unsure why she bothered in the first place)..It isnt about appealing as my friend is glad of the little help he has been given, and when i suggested he should appeal, He refused saying he was grateful and didnt want the hassle... When i read that with an appeal its best if you provide supporting evidence, and my sister in law provided a letter of a hospital appointment from 2017 and thats classed as supporting evidence.. This is by no means aimed at her, she was honest with everything she says. My views is its a very unfair system..If you dont agree thats fine it doesnt change my opinion..:-)

wilko

Hello as you will know pip is a benefit awarded on your abilities to function, preform the activities know as the pip descriptors safely, repeatedly and in a timely manner. PIP, is not awarded on a disability, diagnosis or illnesses or the prescription medications you are taking . Your sister got a very good award enhanced in both.

mikehughescq

The thing to bear in mind here is that neither you or your sister in law seem especially familiar with PIP, which is always going to lead to misunderstandings. For example, she may have submitted an appointment letter. It will however have been given little to no weight as it’s evidence of nothing in particular. Similarly, there is no requirement for corroborative evidence in social security claims. Obviously it helps, but cases are decided on the balance of probabilities.

It’s also true that few people share the extent of their health conditions in full. It’s a struggle to articulate at the best of times so it would actually be extraordinary if your sister in law had in fact fully disclosed to you. It’s more likely she’s underplaying for a variety of reasons.