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Pip review assessment please help

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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 587 Listener
    edited April 2019
    @Username_removed I meant medical evidence, I'm not great at typing things out. I don't have any up to date medical evidence in regards to my mental health and none in regards to fibromyalgia. 

    What other evidence can you use? If you don't mind me asking. My Son sent a letter of support, he's also my carer.
  • hope25
    hope25 Community member Posts: 36 Connected
    WF2k said:
    @Username_removed I meant medical evidence, I'm not great at typing things out. I don't have any up to date medical evidence in regards to my mental health and none in regards to fibromyalgia. 

    What other evidence can you use? If you don't mind me asking. My Son sent a letter of support, he's also my carer.
    I hope things work out for you .. hugs xx
  • hope25
    hope25 Community member Posts: 36 Connected
    Had my assessment i had to wait 3 quarters of an hour from my appointment time because the assessor wasn't ready , he was pretty quiet tbh asked me a few questions some I don't get why they are relevant but hey ho, I had a letter from my doctor's and a letter from my therapist as evidence so just see how it goes now , but judging from some peoples stories on here I don't think I'll still carry on getting it the last time I went I had a cpn who took me but I've been discharged from them now , it's super stressful all this , I find making doctor's appointment overwhelming this has actually threw me 
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 587 Listener
    Thank you hope, hope you're ok after your assessment and everything went well.

    It is pretty stressful, I haven't been to see my GP since October last year, I find going to appointments or even having people in my home a tad stressful.

  • twonker
    twonker Posts: 617 Pioneering
    twonker said:
    Initially when PIP first came out the onus was on the DWP/assessor to disprove what you are claiming. Over time that has been reversed to suit both the DWP and the assessor. As was pointed out, it is now the case that you have to prove with evidence that what you claim is exactly the truth.
    Are you sure about that? That wasn't what it was like when i first claimed PIP in 2013. As they ask for names of GP's people automatically assume they contact them. They always asked for names of GP's etc, just like they do now.
    Yes, if you have a read of the 1st review of PIP it clearly states that it is for the DWP/assessor to seek out the relevant evidence. That is why they ask for the contact details when you make the phone call. They were supposed to gather the evidence first in order that a decision could be made if a face to face assessment was actually required. If you refer to page 54 of that attached report and especially section 8 on page 55 you will see what I mean.

    https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/387981/pip-assessment-first-independent-review.pdf
  • hope25
    hope25 Community member Posts: 36 Connected
    Thank you , I feel the same but as I'm getting physical symptoms aswell with the panic attacks I was desperate for help they scare the life out of me I don't feel like I'm attached to my self a lot of times aswell it's weird to try explain ... Honestly tho fingers crossed for you I know everyone's different and everyone moves at their own pace we all deal with things differently don't give up keep trying your worth it 
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 587 Listener
    Thank you @Username_removed the thing is Welfare Rights filled in my review form and they never asked for examples :( I don't know if it was because it was a review form or what.

    @hope25 Yeah sometimes it helps to seek medical advice, in my case it hasn't but like you said everyone is different. Fingers crossed for you also :) thank you.
  • April2018mom
    April2018mom Posts: 2,882 Disability Gamechanger
    We have our assessment tomorrow. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. The whole point of the assessment is to basically ask you some questions and look at the evidence. I showed them photocopies of the letters and reports from the doctors and therapists involved last time they did a assessment.
    It was a relatively quick assessment. Try to relax. This is a good opportunity to get the help you need. Do you have a social worker or not? My son’s amazing social worker helped me with the process. 
  • twonker
    twonker Posts: 617 Pioneering
    ilovecats said:
    twonker said:
    Yes, if you have a read of the 1st review of PIP it clearly states that it is for the DWP/assessor to seek out the relevant evidence. That is why they ask for the contact details when you make the phone call. They were supposed to gather the evidence first in order that a decision could be made if a face to face assessment was actually required. If you refer to page 54 of that attached report and especially section 8 on page 55 you will see what I mean.

    https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/387981/pip-assessment-first-independent-review.pdf
    The assessor who sees you on the day will not contact any medical professional unless it is to report an 'unexpected finding'. They do not know who they are seeing until they arrive and the claimants are allocated on an arrival basis to whichever HP is available. 

    Back office HP's who review all claims prior to advising face to face assessment will often try to call GP's, specialists, CPN's etc but more often than not people will not give information over the phone. They also send requests for information to GP's, however these are 9/10 times either not returned or are returned with very limited information, they are filled out by a receptionist on behalf of the GP or not returned quick enough. In the 2 years I assessed, I would say maybe 1/10 actually had useful information on there.

    There is limited time to gather information to try and complete a paper based assessment due to DWP targets which is why is appears that no contact has been made.
    I am in no doubt that what you are saying is exactly the situation due to the targets set by the DWP. Yet the fact is that when PIP was devised the further evidence (other than what the claimant had to hand when sending the PIP2 in) should have been actioned by the assessing company within the 4 week period from first contact to when the PIP2 was returned by the assessing company. The only responsibility was for the claimant to send in what they had to hand and were specifically not to go looking for information they did not have and  should not ask anyone to send it to them as it may well incur a cost.

    As time has moved on the DWP/assessing company has now washed their hands in asking for this evidence prior to a decision being made for a face to face assessment and are forcing the claimant to do the work that they were supposed to do when PIP came about.

    Making the claimant responsible for gathering the evidence can then be used against the claimant if none is sent in by way of unproven statements on the PIP2 resulting in failed claims.

    Irrespective of the reasons why all parties have decided to move the goalposts it is not what PIP is all about It is not for the claimant to 'prove' their case, they have made it by completing the PIP2 it is for the DWP to disprove the claim by way of a face to face assessment if need be. 

    Sorry Ilovecats, this is a bone of contention for me that when a government department are given instructions to do something it is unacceptable for them to turn round and say that it takes too long so pass the buck to the claimant.
  • madquasimodo
    madquasimodo Community member Posts: 140 Pioneering
    twonker the system is borked full stop, when my partner had her F2F we supplied the report from the Neurologist and Physio, both listing what was wrong and how it effected her, the DM made an award, we did the MR and got a call back from the (case manager?) I pointed out during the F2F no musculoskeletal examination took place due to her inability to stand or balance, her ability to do the required ROM was very poor and it was not done, the award was made on the results of her full musculoskeletal examination, which she was supposed to have passed with flying colours, despite pointing out the exam had not been done and the award was based on one being done and her passing they still refused to amend the award, 1 year later the Tribunal offered the enhanced PIP and lower mobility as we sat down (why not phone and stop wasting court time) they asked if she would like to try for full mobility, she did and they gave it to her, a total waste of time and money. 
    Even with evidence showing otherwise the MR ignored the award was made based on an musculoskeletal examination which never happened.
    We did ask her Doctor for a medical report, he refused point blank, stating the DWP/assessment centre had to request it. He would not "do it twice" 
  • hope25
    hope25 Community member Posts: 36 Connected
    I feel so bad for the people that have to go through all this from start to finish , I can't get my head round it and there's people worse than me I wish there was something I could do for everyone ... I get there are people out there that try and have the system over but this is just getting ridiculous ... Genuine people needing help are being forced to into an absolute whirlwind of stress ect... ? ... I know there are some good stories out there about the whole process but it seems there's more bad , how can these assessor's that lie live with themselves I just don't understand ....all these stories of people on here is making me worry about everyone I know its my fault for reading them it's just the way I am but it makes me feel like I need to do something to put it right literally my heart goes out to you all .... 
  • twonker
    twonker Posts: 617 Pioneering
    hope25 said:
    I feel so bad for the people that have to go through all this from start to finish , I can't get my head round it and there's people worse than me I wish there was something I could do for everyone ... I get there are people out there that try and have the system over but this is just getting ridiculous ... Genuine people needing help are being forced to into an absolute whirlwind of stress ect... ? ... I know there are some good stories out there about the whole process but it seems there's more bad , how can these assessor's that lie live with themselves I just don't understand ....all these stories of people on here is making me worry about everyone I know its my fault for reading them it's just the way I am but it makes me feel like I need to do something to put it right literally my heart goes out to you all .... 
    Don't start worrying about everyone else. You have your own problems to cope with.
    It does get to you, some just give up because they can't stand the stress of it all and others just accept what the DWP give you. I've always wondered how some claimants have the fight in them to take on the DWP. 
    In time you just get used to what they want to put you through. 
    I'm 70 next month and looking forward to my next review in 12 months time. I have this system to put up with for the rest of my life.
  • hope25
    hope25 Community member Posts: 36 Connected
    Honestly I can't help it , it's such ashame that we feel let down by the system so much I don't think those in power have any idea what "normal" life is like ... Having communities like this is a blessing in a lot of ways I just struggle with knowing that so many people are struggling ... Fingers crossed for your next review stay strong ?
  • madquasimodo
    madquasimodo Community member Posts: 140 Pioneering
    Blame the government (all of them) there has been a effort to vilify the old, disabled, poor by all governments, each week papers report some benefit cheat, mostly on DLA, which was much easier to get in the past, we all see them, someone playing cricket who claims they can't walk, someone playing football who can't leave the house.
    If you read the government statistics there is a large amount un-claimed in benefits, probably not wanting to be in the "system" or too frightened to try claiming as the forms are not easy, yet the benefit system is geared to ignoring your statement of what you can do, you say you cant manage, the assessor says you can, their word is gospel and must be believed, you are branded a fraud or liar. Even with supporting evidence, they can dismiss anything you show or say, and add their own "version" which is politically enforced doctrine from above. 

    Anyone living with a disability knows how hard it can be to just get out of bed some days, and to face that day after day, in desperation I phoned the Samaritans after a really bad day, after 2 hours on the phone they said call the doctor, I have seen it said on here, some people get a disabled "mindset" they get diagnosed and then hang on to that, in effect becoming more dependant on being "ill". Shocking to hear someone claim that, while there may be the odd cheat making a career out of benefits many would like nothing better than to be free of pain and normal.       
  • hope25
    hope25 Community member Posts: 36 Connected
    Couldn't have said it better myself ! ... You are completely right , we should not have to "prove " ourselves to anyone really especially with supporting evidence from the people who see us and help us deal with our disabilities,  I can imagine so many people out there needing help too it's so sad ? 
  • hope25
    hope25 Community member Posts: 36 Connected
    I answered the assessor questions honestly and to the point I think , but I didn't feel well and was very anxious my partner came with me but I've been reading some stuff on here just wondering as he asked how often I go out even tho I told him I pick my son up everyday from school but have to be with someone will that go against me ? ... Its just playing on my mind sorry 
  • madquasimodo
    madquasimodo Community member Posts: 140 Pioneering
    I am sure someone will comment with more insight which may help. I seen people who don't go out fail the planning bit, as just not going out does not mean you can't go out, some have said going to say pick up from school is different from asking if you could go to a place you don't know or could you plan a route, sadly most of us can force ourselves to pick up from school even if you feel bad, same as going to hospital or doctors, it's a bit different going somewhere new, my partner "should" go to a specialist in London but has put it off as she could not cope with the journey or the fear of being attacked, she is pretty much helpless in keeping a proper walk and needs help, but being stubborn she resents any interference in he perceived walking line. Making life hard seems to be the norm.
  • hope25
    hope25 Community member Posts: 36 Connected
    It's so stupid , I just feel like it puts people in a position it's not fair really , I go to school late on purpose to avoid the haul of people altho I know most of them it really distresses me it's too much 
  • hope25
    hope25 Community member Posts: 36 Connected
    Hi all I'm literally in such a state ive just rang pip to see why they haven't sent me the report anyway it hasn't even been sent out to me , so I asked if he could read some out to me and it seems the assessor has lied on the report saying I was calm ect ... I was not calm as I've told you above it seems I've scored 0 , I don't know what to do now I can't deal with this I have so much going on why do they do this ! ?
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 587 Listener
    edited May 2019
    Sorry to hear that hope25, I'm still waiting to hear about mine, my Son asked for the report a couple of weeks ago but they never sent it, he's just called again, no decision has been made and the person said they'd send a copy of the report.

    Welfare Rights just checked up to see what was happening as well.

    When you get your decision in writing, you can ask for a MR. Do you have a local advice centre there that can help you?

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