Turned down a second time - claim for pip

these4walls

Well second attempt and refused again. I have agoraphobia, panic disorder. I also have some other type of auto immune disease but because I can’t get to the doctors I don’t have a diagnosis. I do have a diagnosis of chronic urticaria and angioedema from when i had to go to hospital due to breathing problems and swelling of my throat. These are the symptoms of a bigger issue but my agoraphobia prevents me from going to medical places to get help.
Anyway, I’m suffering. I really am. Last time I got refused which was 3 years ago, I didn’t appeal as I decided I was going to end my life. Obviously I didn’t, I do believe that that was the start of my other illness issues, I was in a spiral of depression, hopelessness. 

It took me such a long time to get to the point of going through this all over again, to risk putting myself in the vulnerable position of how I would cope with the possibility of being rejected again. And here I am.

I have no quality of life. I cannot go anywhere to work as I just can’t get there. I’m stuck. 

I guess this is a cry for help. I can’t see a way out. I can’t focus enough to appeal and I wouldn’t know where to start. 

poppy123456

To constantly reapply using the same evidence you previously used (regardless of how long that was) will likely see constant refusals. Best thing to do is to challenge that decision by first requesting the Mandatory Reconcideration. (MR)

You have 1 month (13 months with good reason) to do this and you should put it in writing stating where and why you think you should have scored those points.

You should include a couple of real world examples of exactly what happened the last time you attempted each descriptor that applies to you. Adding detailed information such as where you were, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were.

The most likely outcome of the MR will be the decision remains the same. If this happens you can proceed to Tribunal. Timescales for MR decisions is between 2-12 weeks.

You don't need a diagnosis to be entitled to PIP, what matters is how your conditions affect you against the PIP descriptors.

Please also remember that PIP isn't about your ability to work. People claim PIP and work.

There's some information about MR requests. https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Challenging-a-Personal-Independence-Payment-decisi/Ask-for-Mandatory-Reconsideration

Alex_Alumni

Hello there @these4walls and thank you for reaching out on the community last week, with so much going on it must have been difficult, so this is a really positive step. 

I hope the advice Poppy has shared has been useful for you, and please ask if you have further questions.

I'm so sorry to read you're having such a tough time with your mental health after this knockback, I'll be sending you an email from community@scope.org.uk to see how we can help, so keep an eye out for it

Alex_Alumni

How have things been for you lately @these4walls?  

[Deleted User]

The advice by poppy is spot on, you need to give examples of which descriptors apply to you, I always provided 2 examples on each one and how they would effect me.

L_Volunteer

Thanks for sharing this with us @KerryBemmy