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Hi, my name is PeteteachMe!
PeteteachMe
Member Posts: 7 Listener
My problem is different to most people re pip mobility - the assumption of dwp is that everyone can read - a skill which is not forgotten - yet as a qualified geography teacher and orienteerer my years of skill acquisition have to be forgotten in order for me to get mobility assistance. Surely this is discrimination!
Replies
Can you tell us a little more about yourself and any help that you need ?
What is it that means you need help with your mobility ?
CR
PIP is about functionality and in order to "qualify" you need to put aside your coping mechanisms for the assessment.
Is this your first claim or a change from DLA ?
When did you receive your decision letter ?
Have you asked for a copy of the assessment report ?
Have you asked for an MR ?
As a fellow COPD sufferer I know how mobility can be affected. It is important to understand the points system, descriptors and the criteria for an award . A good place to start is the B&W self test
http://www.mybenefitsandwork.co.uk/pip/indexxx.php
There is lots of info on this site, please have a look and come back with any questions
CR
I'm now at the stage of an appeal to a tribunal - I score a grand total of zero as every answer I gave at interview was interpreted in their favour - when I did the mandatory thingy they quoted me back things which were not in the original judgement and ignored any points I made in my appeal - I am only trying to get the mobility side of pip
I assume that you belive you are entitled to enhanced mobility but I am unsure in which way you think you qualify.
If you could give some more detail as to where and why you should score the points we may be able to offer better advice
What problems do you have planning and following journeys ?
How far can you walk either aided or unaided ?
CR
Many people can plan a journey but may not be able to follow one due to cognitive difficulties ie some people will need the assistance of a guide dog. PIP are not in the least interested in in your qualifications, only whether you can do so now.
If you have no problem with either planning or following any journey the only points you can score will be in the Moving around section.
If you can stand and move unaided 20 -50 metres you will score 8 points and standard mobility award
If you can do so only with the use of an aid ie. walking frame then 10 points and still only standard rate
If you can only do so once and then need to rest for a considerable time then you would not be considered as being able to complete the description to an acceptable or repeatable standard and the next descriptor will be applied
12e which awards 12 points and enhanced rate
CR
Why exactly do you think you should get a mobility award ?
You Knowledge and qualifications do not matter to PIP.
The only thing that matters is what you can and cannot do, I used to be a long distance runner, that does not mean I can walk 100metres now.
CR
If you cannot walk this distance repeatedly, you say you need to rest, or safely and if it takes you twice as long as an able bodied person, you will not be considered as beind able to complete this descriptor. You will then be allocated the 1 - 20 metere descriptor and 12 points for the enhanced rate
So if you haven't been awarded for mobility you should ask for an MR and be prepared to go to tribunal
I hope that helps
CR