I'm on my third PIP application, awaiting decision from telephone assessment

julieann136

I am on my 3rd application for pip. Now awaiting decision after telephone assessment on the 1st June. I had previously been turned down with 0 points,  appealled at court and given 0 points there too. I suffer asthma, copd, anxiety depression, panick attacks, insomnia and musculoskeletal pain. Disability rights have asked the court for reasons why they turned me down. They are still fighting to take it further but recommended I apply again in the meantime. I have been on esa for 4 years and placed in the support group. Why are these people so heartless in their decision making? 
I have no faith in the system at all and fear I am about to be turned down again. 

LadyL

Hi @julieann136, welcome to the community. 

Sorry you have been having a difficult time with your PIP application.

I am also in the ESA support group and made an application a few years ago for PIP as I was told I would be entitled to it. However, after a face-to-face PIP interview, I was turned down. There was also an observer present who was there to learn. I found the whole experience very stressful. ? So I never bothered to appeal or reapply. 

I think the problem is it depends on who assesses you as some people may be more empathetic and understanding, whilst some are just checking you match with a list of checkboxes. However, it is never that clear cut. You may be having a better day when you attend your assessment and many worse days otherwise. Also, a lot people who haven't experienced what you are going through for themselves don't really always understand. Then there are those who commit fraud and pretend they need help, and ruin things for those who genuinely need help. ?

Anyway, I'm sure we're not the only ones who have been turned down. Maybe some other members will share their experiences and be able to give you some guidance.

Meanwhile, I know it is difficult but try not to worry until you've heard either way. Hopefully, this time your application for PIP will be successful.

Take care and I hope everything works out for you.

julieann136

@LadyL
Thank you for your comment. Im sorry it didnt work out for you too  I understand there is people who fraudulently claim this benefit, and it is unfair to people do need it, but years of suffering before applying, and doctors notes along with list of prescription medication doesn't lie. My assessor blatantly lied in her report, saying I was very confident, well dressed, made good eye to eye contact and even bent 9ver to pick up a tissue I had dropped on the floor. How do these people live with themselves? I was a total mess, felt very vulnerable, and had clear anxiety at the time. It was so bad I broke down in interview and contemplated leaving the room altogether. My only reason for continuing with this, is the fact that I have been told by dras that I should have won my appeal and for the top rate due to my disabilities. This will be my last time applying though as I feel worn out and put under extreme stress and anxiety from it. 
I feel for you too and anyone else who has been through the same thing. 

Ross_Alumni

Hello @julieann136

Welcome to the community, glad to see you've joined us. 

I am sorry to hear of the difficulty you've experienced when going through the PIP process, sadly there appears to be so many situations where the process can leave people quite upset or angry at how they have been dealt with. I do hope that it goes better for you this time around. 

Do you receive any support from your GP or other health professionals for your mental health and other conditions you mention in your post?

julieann136

Ross scope
Thanks. I was referred to lets talk but I found it hard chatting face to face about my mental health with a complete stranger. I have suffered for years with depression and anxiety, which my gp has always known about and has medicated me for, but I have always only ever turned to my family for support.
Maybe I haven't made things easy for myself. 

LadyL

@julieann136 I understand what you mean as I was in the same situation. I was still trying to come to terms with my diagnosis at the time and was in a state. I also had plenty of evidence from my Rheumatologist and GP. My mum actually filled in the form on my behalf and was with me at my appointment as I wasn't coping. She attends all my appointments with me for support, due to my anxiety and associated forgetfulness. Towards the end of the PIP assessment, I was very tearful and just wanted it to end so I could go home.

As for the assessor painting a completely different picture of you, how can they really know what you're dealing with after speaking to you in such a short time? 

I also dread every time I need to have a reassessment for my ESA. It just feels like you have to keep explaining your health issues to another complete stranger each time and hope they believe what you are going through. It's like being judged over and over again for something not in your control. ?

I'm sure everyone here would prefer to be like everyone else, and not have to keep going through assessments with complete strangers to prove to them you are unwell and need some help.

Anyway, thank you too , and I really hope you get the outcome you deserve this time.

LadyL

@Username_removed I was referring to benefits in general. Maybe there are only a few cases. That doesn't mean people that are genuinely ill are always treated properly and without discrimination. Part of the assessor's job is to make sure the person applying genuinely needs the support. If they get it wrong (give it to someone who has applied under false pretences) I am sure they would also be held accountable to some extent. Therefore, even if it is unintentional, it is possible some applicants may be treated more harshly as a result.

Anyway, it was just an opinion and I wasn't aware I had to research the statistics to offer empathy and support to someone. I was just trying to be supportive as others in this community have supported me.

You obviously have far more experience and are therefore better equipped to help. So I will leave you to it.

LadyL

@Username_removed

Username_removed said: ...If you’re going to talk about the process it’s as well to understand it in the first place. PIP is also nothing to do with “support”. It’s an assessment of functional issues and the ability to do them reliably.

"Financial support for living costs

If you have a long-term health condition which means you need care, or your health affects your ability to live independently, you may be entitled to one of these benefits:

PIP (Personal Independence Payment) - for ages 16-64

PIP can help to cover the extra costs of living with long-term ill health or disability for those aged 16 to 64. You can claim if you’ve needed help with everyday tasks or getting around for at least three months and will continue to need help for nine months or more."

Source: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/practical-support/claiming-benefits-when-you-have-a-health-condition

I know what PIP is and 'support' in that context was used to refer to 'financial support' as above. It is financial support given to help cover 'extra costs' based on the impact your ill health or disability has on your functionality in everyday day life.

Support can be emotional, physical, financial, spiritual, providing advice, etc.

Anyway, I don't why I am wasting my time and energy justifying myself to you. I didn't join this community to be judged by you and to be told what to think. I have enough problems without you adding to them. ?

I thought this was a safe place for people to talk and help one another. Obviously, I was wrong.

Frankly, you have made me feel very unwelcome and feel that I am not allowed an opinion. ?

So I will no longer waste my time discussing this with you. 

lovejoywelsh

Keep and take with you, all hospital appointments letters
I have 4 paper document on all my disabilities, because there well be always something you forget or down play.
Have your appointment local, don't go far. I knew 20 miles for my first appointment, so it failed.