Rejection letter makes no sense.

WaddlesEverywhere

Today I got denied my application PIP.

Now I knew this was coming because everyone told me how they practically NEVER accept anyone first time.  But reading the letter why I can't understand what the fudge they are talking about.

Here are some highlights.

* My medication is over the counter - It is not.  My meds are prescribed.

* I can walk 200m unaided - I use crutches to simply get across a room.

* I was at ease and built a rapport with the examiner - I burst into tears twice because I was confused and she even snapped at me for it.

* My aids are self bought - So are many others because they can't wait months for a walking stick and the plastic ones rub me.

* My medical history doesn't support my claim. - My doctor backed me 110%

* I am not under specialist care - I have a physio and a OT.

It was like I was reading someone else's report.  They went on about how I have no learning disabilities.  I never claimed I did!  Is this normal?

calcotti

Unfortunately the assessment reports to help the decision maker make their decision are notoriously unreliable.

You need to do a Mandatory Reconsideration. 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/problems-with-benefits-and-tax-credits/challenging-benefit-decisions/challenging-a-decision-by-the-dwp-or-hmrc/challenging-a-benefit-decision-mandatory-reconsideration/

Identify errors of fact and if you have not yet done so yet make sure you have given examples of how your health conditions impact your ability to carry out the activities looked at.

If you need to provide additional information. If you have already provided information which contradicts what has been said (for example a repeat prescription list) then refer to this.

WaddlesEverywhere

I said that my neighbours help me out a lot.  Would it be an idea to get a statement from one of them confirming they help me?

WaddlesEverywhere

In fairness it all reads as an amazing piece of fiction so I might reread it in bed instead of my usual book.

poppy123456

You can ask anyone the helps you to write a letter of support. However, the only person that knows exactly how your conditions affect you is yourself.
What you should do is write a couple of real world examples of exactly what happened the last time you attempted each descriptor that applies to you. 

Don’t get too carried away with what it says in the decision letter or the assessment report, if you have that. 

WaddlesEverywhere

Yeah I was thankfully prepared for shenanigans because everyone helping me warned me, I have friends who have been through the same but it amazed me when I read it because it was such utter nonsense, I expected it to start with "Once upon a time..."

MissKittenMeow

WaddlesEverywhere said:

I said that my neighbours help me out a lot.  Would it be an idea to get a statement from one of them confirming they help me?

I had 2 friends who help me write letters in support, their letters were mentioned in my assessment as further evidence and confirming some things. So yes I would absolutely get letters from people who assist you. 

dave7

I agree with comments about the pip assessment letter it is rubbish I will appeal as my letter sounds the same as some of the people on here

L_Volunteer

Good luck everyone. Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything to support you further.

It looks like you are doing a wonderful job at supporting each other at the moment though. Take care for now and we will look forward to, hopefully, hearing from you again soon 

Aimee87

I had pretty much the same stupid reasons for stopping my PIP claim after 7 years.
 I use my own crutches to walk, but they want to know why I don't have prescribed aids?! 
They said I can walk 200m, and they came to that conclusion because of the way I was sat down during the video assessment!🤣 Like you, I struggle to get from one side of the room to the other. 
I was told my MRI results don't support my claim. The decision maker said that my MRI results are typical of people in their thirties!! I couldn't believe it! 

I was also told I built a rapport with the assessor and I didn't look stressed or anxious which is a complete and utter lie. 

As a consequence, I had all of my points removed and given zero across the board instead. 

Who do these people think they are! They ask for evidence, and then ignore evidence. These people ruin lives. They've left me with not a penny. 

Good luck going forward. 🤞🏻

dave7

Thank-you very much for your lovely comment I hope you are well