Zero points awarded

DaisyMae
DaisyMae Community Member Posts: 6 Listener

Hi

I had my assessment on 4/9 and apparently the decision was made on 8/9 and I have zero points. I was diagnosed in childhood with autism dyslexia dyspraxia and severe depression. More recently diagnosed with ADHD and Bipolar 2. I can't drive because of motor skills and after 11 instructors was told not to. My partner does all the budgeting on average I can cook once a week and need prompting to eat nd drink. I use assistive technology to read and break down written information. I can't leave the house most of the time and am reliant on my partner for everything . I don't understand how zero points were scored

Comments

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community Member Posts: 6,491 Championing

    Hi,

    This is not uncommon. I also scored 0 points initially. Your next step is a Mandatory Reconsideration. If still not enough points then you can take it to a Tribunal.

  • Amberpearl
    Amberpearl Community Member Posts: 4,299 Championing

    How awful

    I'm. Still waiting on my renewal

    Last time I got 18 points

    No. Idea what they will decide this time

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 5,417 Scope online community team

    Hi @DaisyMae, I'm sorry they scored you zero points. As @OverlyAnxious said, this is common and has also happened to me. I went all the way to tribunal and was eventually awarded.

    Here's some information about how to go through the next steps https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/challenging-pip-or-other-benefits-decisions . There are lots of people here who have been through this and can share their knowledge and experience to help you through it.

  • DaisyMae
    DaisyMae Community Member Posts: 6 Listener

    thank you. I don't think they have read a single report I sent in. Thank you everyone

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 5,417 Scope online community team

    It can seem that way. I found it quite upsetting when they said they found that I was able to do the things I had said I couldn't. I'd definitely recommend appealing and as I say, we can help you through it.

  • DaisyMae
    DaisyMae Community Member Posts: 6 Listener

    thank you @Rachel_Scope. I have started to put the MR together. Thank you for your sssuoport

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 5,417 Scope online community team

    That's great to hear @DaisyMae. Remember to come back if you need any support.

  • Epistle_Rich
    Epistle_Rich Community Member Posts: 37 Connected

    I got 0 points too, and was so confused. How can a formal autism diagnosis itself not score a point by default!? Like, surely that signifies some degree of need. Or else what was the point in the label?

    I was eventually told about the MR and Tribunal process too… and frankly, that was just the LAST thing I could think about undertaking ...for the same overwhelming reasons I was persuing PIP in the first place 🙄

    I've said this before, but so much of the support out there in the world can feel like a wheelchair ramp that has a high step at the base of it; a completely invalidating barrier to entry to the entry-aide itself 🤦‍♂️

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community Member Posts: 6,491 Championing

    Labels don't score any points for PIP. It's all about functionality. Some people with Autism will be able to do things that you can't, and you will be able to do things that they can't. That's really what the PIP assessment is looking for, the practical tasks that you can't do specifically, regardless of any labels.

    I completely agree about services not being accessible to everyone though. I come up against those barriers all the time. I probably am on the Autistic Spectrum…but can't even access the Autism assessment to find out! 😅