What happens if I'm not awarded after MR? Is there any financial support while I'm waiting?

Nicho

Hi iv been on pip for 4 years and due to my health becoming worse, I had to have another assessment from change of circumstances, I received a letter saying I'm not entitled to anything even though iv been getting £250 every 4 weeks for 4 years,I phoned them yesterday and asked for a reconsideration which will be decided within 12 weeks, if they say I'm not entitled to anything, what happens next and is there any financial support while I'm waiting for a decision? As I can't pay my isa or bills
Thanks in advance 

poppy123456

Did you get advice before reporting the changes? A worsening of condition doesn't automatically entitle you to more points for a higher award.

The most likely outcome of the MR is the decision will remain the same. If this happens you can request the Tribunal. In the meantime you won't receive any PIP payments because there's no award in place to receive payments for.

You should put the MR in writing stating where and why you think you should have scored those points. Giving a couple of real world examples of exactly what happened the last time you attempted each descriptor that applies to you. Include details such as where you were, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were.

There's no other benefit that will be paid instead of the PIP while you challenge the decision.

Are you claiming any other benefits?

Nicho

Yes iv sent a form with prescription plus iv ask my doctor for my medical report, I have fibromyalgia, depression and anxiety, ptsd iv explained how it effects my daily living to them, I get carers allowance, child tax credit, housing benefit 

poppy123456

If you have non dependants living with you then your housing benefit will be affected.  You need to report the changes to your local Authority.

Do you claim any other benefits such as Income Related ESA/JSA or Income Support? If you do then they may also be affected.

Nicho

I have my 2 sons living with me and I care for my husbund so he gets esa

poppy123456

If your husbands ESA included the Severe disability premium then this will stop, unless you're registered blind. There will be no non dependant deductions in your housing benefit because your husband claims a disability benefit. (i assume the carers allowance is because you care for your husband)

Nicho

Yes I do which is probably why my fibromyalgia is getting worse

L_Volunteer

Sorry to hear your fibromyalgia is getting worse @Nicho. That sounds really tough. Not least because I also struggle with fibro! Is there anything we could do to make things feel more manageable for you at the moment? 

Nicho

Thank you for your message, stress obviously makes it worse and having to wait 12 weeks to see if I can get pip back is making my depression worse,I don't think I can cope with having to go to court just to get pip,as the reason I was on it is because my health is bad, it's got worse and now they stopped it completely, it doesn't make sence

poppy123456

Nicho said:

I don't think I can cope with having to go to court

Just so that you're aware, it's not a court. It's a Tribunal, which is completely different to a court. Some hearings are held in a court building but you're definitely not on trial.

Nicho

I know but it still makes you feel like you have done something wrong and my anxiety is through the roof to the point where I don't go out my house unless I need shopping, it's just more stress ontop of stress that makes everything feel twice as bad than it would normally be

poppy123456

If it gets to Tribunal stage (most do because MR success rate is only 27%) then you can also get expert help and advice and potentially even representation from an agency near you. Start here. https://advicelocal.uk/

Nicho

I will deffinately need a professional person to come to tribunal and help me with anything I need to write down on forms

Tori_Scope

Have you been able to find some support through advicelocal.uk @nicho? 

Nicho

No I wasn't sure who to ask, I think I will need to speak to someone who can help me if I need to go to tribunal 

Tori_Scope

You should be able to use advicelocal.uk to find someone to speak to if you need to go to a tribunal @nicho Does that make sense? Or is that not what you meant?

poppy123456

If it does get to Tribunal stage and you have a representative, please be aware that they won't be able to speak on your behalf.