Really hoping for insight/advice on PIP application

soapyt

I applied for pip mid May, had a telephone assessment mid August. 

After my phone assessment I requested a copy of my report. I added up the points and they only equated to 6. I was really disheartened by my report (as many sadly are) and on a lot of points the assessor had ticked (for example) 'requires an aid' for cooking when I extensively explained to the assessor that I need either supervision or I can't cook at all. I have bowl incontinence caused by a health disease and this stops me being able to safely cook as if I had to abandon the hob and be stuck on the toilet for up to an hour a fire could easily occur as well as the struggle of physically standing for long periods of time to cook.

I wrote a letter to the DWP explaining how I was really upset that the assessor had ticked x box when I feel as though it should have been X box because of such and such reason. The assessor in her justification of which box she selected used the word 'suggests' a lot (for example) the claimant studies X subject which suggests they know how to manage medication independently, the claimant didn't appear tired on the phone which suggests they can cook independently. 

I have called PIP for an update and apparently they have wrote to the assessor for her to give her reasons for why she selected the box she did and they've now received that back but I can't see it.

Do I have ANY chance whatsoever of getting those extra points and being awarded? This process has caused nothing but stress and anguish

poppy123456

It would be impossible to predict what the decision will be at this stage. Once the decision is made, if you're not happy then you can challenge that by first requesting the Mandatory Reconsideration.

Alex_Alumni

Hello there @soapyt and welcome to the community, thanks for reaching out this morning. I'm sorry to hear how much the assessor's report has upset you, it can be very difficult reading these reports, so make sure you take time to look after your mental health by taking a break. 

Am I right in thinking you haven't yet received a decision letter about your PIP award? As poppy has mentioned, once you have the decision confirmed, you can challenge it by requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration. 

If you'd like a clear overview of all the stages of appealing PIP decisions, then Turn2Us explain things on their website. I hope this is useful for you, and let us know if anything else comes up in the meantime. 

Remember the community is here to support you

Alex

poppy123456

poppy123456 said:

It would be impossible to predict what the decision will be at this stage.

That was meant to read "wouldn't" not would.