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New Application For PIP - Advice or Experience Needed
depressedmum09
Member Posts: 34 Courageous
Hi, Im new here and Im hoping someone could put my anxiety at rest. Im a 31 year old female whos life feels like its over.
I initially applied for pip on 10th March 2020 and had my telephone assessment with IAS yesterday.
I am applying for PIP because my bipolar, depression and anxiety has become unmanageable and its ruining my life.
I have attempted suicide twice in 6 months, i cant leave the house without having a severe panic attack, my manic episodes are now at once a month. I dont eat or wash and basically unless my friends literally force me in the shower or to eat something it doesnt happen.
I am so worried about the outcome of the assessment. As soon as my phone rang, i almost didnt answer because i could feel my heart racing and nausea coming. However, i did and i could hardly breathe. I couldnt stop crying and it was all just a blur. It only lasted 38 minutes. The lady on the phone was so lovely, she kept telling me to try and breathe and she would get through it as quick as possible because she knew it was causing me destress. She didnt ask me any questions other than what I put on the original form apart from have you ever worked. I told her ive worked my whole life until my mum died 2017, thats when all my problems started. She asked what i did for a living and i explained i was an engineer. She seemed surprised by it. I dont see why that was relevant? But reading other stories it seems if you had a good job somehow you a capable of working etc (if that makes sense)
Anyway, i barely got through the assessment, the crying and not being able to breathe was a horrible experience but now im just worried because it was only 38 minutes.
I received the text from DWP this morning to say they have my report. I cant even bring myself to call them and ask for the report. Nothing in my life goes well, everything always seems to go against me so I dont think I could take another blow of being let down.
Has anyone had any experiences like mine? A short assessment and the report being sent in less than 24 hours?
Im sorry for rambling on but after reading other posts, everyone seems so helpful so i thought ide see if I can put my anxiety at rest. Thanks xx
I initially applied for pip on 10th March 2020 and had my telephone assessment with IAS yesterday.
I am applying for PIP because my bipolar, depression and anxiety has become unmanageable and its ruining my life.
I have attempted suicide twice in 6 months, i cant leave the house without having a severe panic attack, my manic episodes are now at once a month. I dont eat or wash and basically unless my friends literally force me in the shower or to eat something it doesnt happen.
I am so worried about the outcome of the assessment. As soon as my phone rang, i almost didnt answer because i could feel my heart racing and nausea coming. However, i did and i could hardly breathe. I couldnt stop crying and it was all just a blur. It only lasted 38 minutes. The lady on the phone was so lovely, she kept telling me to try and breathe and she would get through it as quick as possible because she knew it was causing me destress. She didnt ask me any questions other than what I put on the original form apart from have you ever worked. I told her ive worked my whole life until my mum died 2017, thats when all my problems started. She asked what i did for a living and i explained i was an engineer. She seemed surprised by it. I dont see why that was relevant? But reading other stories it seems if you had a good job somehow you a capable of working etc (if that makes sense)
Anyway, i barely got through the assessment, the crying and not being able to breathe was a horrible experience but now im just worried because it was only 38 minutes.
I received the text from DWP this morning to say they have my report. I cant even bring myself to call them and ask for the report. Nothing in my life goes well, everything always seems to go against me so I dont think I could take another blow of being let down.
Has anyone had any experiences like mine? A short assessment and the report being sent in less than 24 hours?
Im sorry for rambling on but after reading other posts, everyone seems so helpful so i thought ide see if I can put my anxiety at rest. Thanks xx
Replies
Good Afternoon it’s great to meet you today😃
I am one of a team of Community Champion’s here at Scope.
We have got a “Member” who is very very good when it comes to “Benefits”
I will forward your post onto her straightaway for you.
Hi @poppy123456
Can you please help me with this “Benefit Post”
We have got more “Senior Members” who I will be able to help/support you with your ongoing problems/needs.
Hi @Richard_Scope @Adrian_Scope @Chloe_Scope
Can you please offer me some help with this post????
I have found you some great info/support on “Bipolar”
http://www.bipolaruk.org.uk/
Please please contact Samaritans 116 123 ASAP if things become difficult again.
Here’s “Scopes” contact details:
0808 800 3333 if you need some more help.
Please please come back to me if you need any further help/support????
@steve51
I feel for the first time since my diagnosis, that I am losing control of everything. My condition is worsening and I am terrified. I dont whether its because my psycotherapy has been temporarily stopped due to covid or whether my medications need changing. Having PIP would help me tenfold, I would really love to be able to afford to have just one private psychiatric appointment, explain everything and see from a different (paid) insight whether I am receiving the best treatment both medication and therapy that would help me. (I feel with the NHS you dont get such dedication because they are so strained)
I need to get back to at least a new normal state so I can be the mum my children deserve to have. Its heartbreaking because I know they miss out on so much because of my illness.
No probs it’s my Pleasure 😃😃
Please let me know if there’s any help/support that I can offer you if you still feel like you are “Losing Control”
@steve51
on quatiapine and sertraline. I’m also under a mental health team all tho our illnesses are different I can still relate and understand all what you have said .
that the mental health crisis teams work really fast but the community mental health team work slower I have access to a nurse she calls me weekly she be able to come out and visit soon . But like you said covid has delayed every thing Which is a pain .
Im dreading the decision, I have a gut feeling Im not going to get anything, all I done was cry on the phone!
I cant believe your assessment lasted so long, mine literally was 38 minutes so I cant help but think that was bad news.
Have you heard anything from DWP yourself regarding getting your report back?
I might ask my friend to call them up on my behalf and see if she can find out any information and request the report to be sent out. Do you know whether the person on the phone can tell you anything on the report? xx
That’s great that you know that you have got things “under control.
Can you see your “GP” if you feel that your meds/therapy session’s aren’t under control anymore???
Please please let us know if you are going to have problems with your “moods”
@steve51
Sorry but I am not sure if I have chatted with you before.
If not then I am one of the team of Community Champion’s here at Scope.
Please please let me let me know if there’s any help you need with your “pip”
@steve51
just way to anxious , I would rather get a final decision ,
No Probs that’s my Pleasure 😃😃😃
Yes if you feel that is the best way.
Please please let me know if there’s anything that I can offer you in the meantime!!!!!
@steve51
I'm glad the woman who did your assessment was lovely. We are all rooting for a positive result for you.
Are currently feeling safe? If you are having suicidal thoughts MIND have some useful information on how you can support yourself. Also, there is some long term plans that you can put in place. Of course, if you feel in danger then please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.
If you feel like the medication isn't working or has reduced its effectiveness, then please see your GP or mental health specialist.
Scope
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Good Afternoon!!!!!
Sorry but I am unsure if if we have meet before???
I just wanted to know how things were going with your “pip”
I can see that you have mentioned about the “Lies” in your report.
@steve51
I understand the anxiety with getting the report back, but the way I looked at it is if the decision maker went with what the assessor said then I would have time to write a good Mandatory Reconsideration. I went through my report with a fine tooth comb to see if the assessor had made any mistakes and wrote those down, but most of my MR was me trying to explain why I thought I deserved more points for certain things. It also gave me a chance to gather any extra evidence that I thought I might need.
By getting the report you're giving yourself a bit long to write your MR, or you'll be able to relax a bit more if they have awarded you enough points
The Assessor pretty much wrote down everything I struggle with, the help I need and the daily struggles I have so thats a relief I suppose. I guess I have to hope the decision maker goes off the report so this can all be over. I have never done something thats this stressfull in my life.
The lady on the phone also mentioned its already with a decision maker so she said from her experience I should have a decision by next week providing they dont want more evidence from me.
With that in my report does that sound like a good thing? Or can the decision maker still request more evidence?
I think both of our claims are pretty similar, with timescales aswell so lets hope we both just get a decision and we dont need to take it further. As soon as I hear anything I will post on here to let you know.
Have you had the text from DWP yet to say they have your report back?
Everything the assessor wrote in the descriptor is correct, however, the options she selected doesnt reflect what shes wrote. She contradicts herself throughout.
For example:
(Her justification for discriptor)
Engaging with other people face to face:
unable to leave the home without another person, severe anxiety to a point where claimant can vomit. Due to anxiety attacks claimant will remain confined to bedroom to avoid contact unless necessary like therapy appointment. Where a friend will come to the home and take her in a car as she is unable to use public transport. Claimant does not leave the house otherwise.
Then awards me:
Can engage with other people unaided. 0 points
I received 11 points in total (based on the assessment from the assessor) for daily living. Thats all. I dont feel it reflects my needs.
Her selections (to award points) is the opposite to what she has wrote in the descriptor box.
Does the decision maker just go off the selections the assessor has made? Or do they read the full report and make a decision from everything?
If the decision is made based on the selections i will receive daily living standard and nothing else.
I hoped i didnt have to do a mandatory reconsideration but looks like I will have to. Its been so stressful up until this point. Im so disappointed.
as far as what I read on here the decision maker can award more points I think . Doesn’t hurt to be prepared . I don’t see how you got 0 points when you can’t socialise with people that makes no sense . Makes me panicked now to what the hell mines goes to say .
do you know when you will get the full letter threw ? Saying whether or not you have recieved pip ? Did you get any thing for mobility ?
I am expecting to receive the award letter soon. I am hoping the decision maker does look at the description and not just the selected answers because they will see she contradicts herself over and over.
If i have any further updates il let you know soon as xx
i know it makes you feel like s*** don’t it when even filling out forms is a hard task all this pip stuff has just reminded me of how ill I am I’m feel very low tonight . I hope your decision is different if not of course appeal . I some times wonder where I get my strength from to keep going ,
Don't worry too much about PIP assessments. Most people don't get it straight away and have to go through the tribunal process. Its a system which SUCKS.
I used a useful website in regards to doing an online assessment (not an official one) which was linked from the Gov.uk website https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-self-test
Complete the test and print out the results with explanations. Set it aside for your tribunal. It is worth following up and you need to understand that the PIP assessment companies are EVIL. both ATOS and IAS have been repeatedly called out about their conduct. It is important for anyone to remember that these companies are paid around £750,000 per annum plus Bonus for denying claims.
because there is a money incentive denials are extremely common. You need to fight unfortunately but to be honest with you preparation is key. At my tribunal November 2019. I took with me one diagnosis letter confirming my disability. The printout from the website above and completed online assessment.
The tribunal was only 3 people. A district Judge, a Senior Medical Professional and a Benefits advisor. They were amazing and we just chatted about what I could and couldn't do and how my disability affects my life in general.
I was awarded my Pip and furthermore they protected my pip until June 2021. where no doubt I will have to start the process again. Although IAS has since confirmed my disability also in November 2019 entering onto Record that its a permanent disability and that I am written off from seeking employment. So I'm not entirely sure how the next review will go in June 2021.
All I am saying is chin up- expect to fail on application but to win at tribunal - last time I looked it was something like 76% of previously denied cases were overturned by the tribunals
All the best
Andy x
It is encouraging however that more people are winning their tribunals which is the most important factor here.
It is encouraging however that more people are winning their tribunals which is the most important factor here.
Hi Andy, funny that you mention about PIP being denied first time around.
My friends aunt works on PIP assessments at the DWP. She spoke to her yesterday and she said if there is doubt on any claim, especially were mental health is concerned they do downgrade it as much as possible but usually accept when an appeal is made. its to stop handing out full awards when its not necessary. She said, people who are genuine and need the help will appeal, those who dont need it will just leave it.
I am guessing I will have to appeal my award judging by the report only but il have to wait until the official letter comes through to see.
Hi Mike. Sadly I have to disagree. this is a topic which I could go into in vivid detail however I do not want to debate the failed system.
However I found this which may make you rethink. Published on the 1st of May 2019, with the headline. "... Complaints about disability benefit assessments up 6,000% in three years, figures show ..."
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/disability-benefit-assessment-complain-uk-government-a8894341.html
You may also wish to review the UN reports from 2017, 2018 and 2019.
I wish we lived in a world where the disabled, poor and vulnerable are not targeted. I do understand that benefit crime had been a major issue in our country but to pick on the disabled who obviously needs the assistance but to deny them is CRUEL by anyone`s standard.
You are welcome to disagree and I’m sure most posters here could also go into vivid detail. As part of my role I have no choice but to read such documents so I am already fully familiar with what they say. It’s a shame if you don’t want to debate as when done properly such things often bring out points which other posters haven’t thought of but fair enough if you don’t. One of the interesting thing about the complaints for example is that the majority were not about conduct but alleged “lies”. More often than not the accusation of lies against HCPs is founded on a complete misunderstanding of their role and the idea that they’re “not qualified” or should be replaced by “medical professionals”. The UN reports are fascinating but don’t really don’t come up with an alternative. Anyone can criticise something but you have to have an alternative and be willing to subject it to examination.
1 - at the macro level governments in the UK (of all colours) absolutely do target the disabled and poor. We are not in any disagreement there. I refuse to use the word vulnerable. I have expounded on this elsewhere but it’s current adoption by government is to undermine the existing rights of people under EA 10 and the HRA.