Pip assessor report lies

ak86

Just received my report and I've been awarded 0 points. Its full of lies, she has written that I am not under physio or planning a referral when I am and actually have an appointment on Monday. She said I'm not under a dietician and no referral is planned when I have has a referral I just am useless at responding to letters and was taken off the list. The list goes on. They are comparing my report from 2019 to the current one when my mental health has significantly deteriorated due to covid, loosing my best friend of 35 years, my daughter being seriously unwell. Has anyone had a turn around after an appeal? 

calcotti

The report is not the decision. You can try contacting DWP now to see if you can influence the Decision Maker. Once you have a decision if you are not happy you have to request a Mandatory Reconsideration and if taht doesn't result in a change (only 27% do) you can appeal to the tribunal service where success rates are much higher.

Sue_Alumni

Good morning @ak86

Unfortunately as you will see from this forum it is not unusual for people to have complaints about the PIP assessment or that the assessment report did not accurately reflect what was said. 

As advised the report is something that the DWP decision maker takes into account - it isn't the actual decision.  If when you do receive the DWP's decision it isn't what you had hoped for you can ask for the decision to be looked at again and, as advised, this is known as asking for a mandatory reconsideration.  If you need help compiling the reasons why you want to ask for a mandatory reconsideration you might want to try contacting your local Citizens Advice or other local advice centre and they should be able to help you.  

It is not enough to challenge the DWP's decision on the ground that the assessment is unfair.  You need to explain why, because of your health conditions, you struggle with the various PIP activities and as a result you are entitled to PIP.  

For example, you mention that your mental health has deteriorated.  You should try and explain how this impacts on you on a daily basis and give examples.  Do you rely on other people for support and encouragement before you are able to do things - you should explain all of this. What would happen if you didn't have that help ? If you're on medication explain the effect it has on you. Does it make you feel drowsy and /or nauseous so you may lack motivation and impetus to do certain activities. I mention these things as a prompt so you can think about whether they are relevant to your own circumstances. 

You can also complain to the company that carried out the medical assessment using the contact details on its website. This is either:

• Independent Assessment Services, owned by Atos

• Capita Health and Wellbeing

If you don’t know who assessed you, check your appointment letter or check the assessment company map on GOV.UK.

Take care and do keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

Ross_Alumni

Sorry to hear of how your mental health has worsened recently @ak86, and that you have been through a lot lately. Do you receive any support at all to manage your mental health? For example, is your GP aware of how you feel and are they supporting you to manage it?