Do the DWP know something I don’t?

friendselectric30

Hi to all. Hope we’re all as good as can be.

i posted recently how I’ve been successfully re-awarded (increased DL to enhanced - now on enhanced/Enhanced 6 year award). Paper based decision without any involvement from assessment provider (CM in house decision / AR1 form). 

Now, I’m grateful and relieved for my award but what’s puzzling me is that since my initial claim around 6/7 years ago - I’ve always had my claims done on paper. 

I admit my evidence is usually thorough but I feel they may know something I do not regarding my mental health. Not too sure what but I speculate it to be ‘harmful information’ - eg; a diagnosis Im not aware of. 

I’ve had around 5/6 reviews (including initial claim) and never had any contact with anyone other than the DWP. Although my CMHT a while back have had dealings with the AP. It just seems given the the suffering and hardship most have to endure, to get any award at all - makes me wonder what they know that would mean this? 

I’m seeing my Consultant Psychiatrist the week coming up and will be asking although I doubt anything will be disclosed to me.

co - incidentally, a while back during a rough patch I asked the CMHT if I could have a copy of my records they hold. They said I could but they can and will omit things from me? 

Any input would be appreciated. 

poppy123456

friendselectric30 said:

I admit my evidence is usually thorough but I feel they may know something I do not regarding my mental health. Not too sure what but I speculate it to be ‘harmful information’ - eg; a diagnosis Im not aware of. 

That's highly unlikely because PIP isn't awarded based on any diagnosis.

friendselectric30 said:

 It just seems given the the suffering and hardship most have to endure, to get any award at all - makes me wonder what they know that would mean this? 

Not everyone has difficulties claiming PIP. Remember we mostly only read the bad stories on any internet forum.

My daughter has had 3 assessments since i claimed PIP for her in 2017. The first one was a home assessment. The next 2 were paper based. The last review which was last year, a decision letter arrived 10 days after i sent her review forms back.

I have no reason to believe they know anymore than i know and the paper based decisions were because of the form i filled in as well as the extra evidence i sent.

Paper based assessments are rare but they do happen. We've had quite a few members here recently that have also had them.

friendselectric30

poppy123456 said:

friendselectric30 said:

I admit my evidence is usually thorough but I feel they may know something I do not regarding my mental health. Not too sure what but I speculate it to be ‘harmful information’ - eg; a diagnosis Im not aware of. 

That's highly unlikely because PIP isn't awarded based on any diagnosis.

friendselectric30 said:

 It just seems given the the suffering and hardship most have to endure, to get any award at all - makes me wonder what they know that would mean this? 

Not everyone has difficulties claiming PIP. Remember we mostly only read the bad stories on any internet forum.

My daughter has had 3 assessments since i claimed PIP for her in 2017. The first one was a home assessment. The next 2 were paper based. The last review which was last year, a decision letter arrived 10 days after i sent her review forms back.

I have no reason to believe they know anymore than i know and the paper based decisions were because of the form i filled in as well as the extra evidence i sent.

Paper based assessments are rare but they do happen. We've had quite a few members here recently that have also had them.

Thank you for this Poppy - my head is going around in circles. 

I do appreciate your advice though it has helped somewhat.

Tori_Scope

incidentally, a while back during a rough patch I asked the CMHT if I could have a copy of my records they hold. They said I could but they can and will omit things from me? 

Rethink Mental Illness have some information about your access to health records, which you may find helpful to read @friendselectric30

I hope that your appointment goes well this week. Let us know how you get on!

HayleyRX

I know people don't seem to have money back dated on a review that has been submitted by P.I.P, but I have read a few people actually saying they did receive back dated pay when they award was made higher on their review, may I ask if you have ever received backdated money from a review where your claim was awarded higher then previous? Thank you

HayleyRX

There is alot of new claims wrote on this forum and I'm trying to see people who are in a review

heidihelsinki

Hi myine was a review.i got a higher award and they backdated it to when i put the forms in

friendselectric30

Review initiated early April - and once decision late July/early august was made (again in house - still baffling to me).

i had an increase to daily living up to enhanced and I received a back payment in line with when the review was submitted (April - AR1 usual review) 


it seems decision makers alone may have a better understanding of mental health than the “health professionals” at the AP’s do! I got a 6 year award which I know usually for mental health conditions the average is around 2 - year Awards!

Does beg the question if it was always in house, then the quality of decision making would be a lot better Possibly.

HayleyRX

Aw that is great news! Didn't take long for your review

Alex_Alumni

That's good news @friendselectric30 thanks for sharing your update with us all