PIP - I'm in a bit of a state. — Scope | Disability forum
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PIP - I'm in a bit of a state.

CandyK85
CandyK85 Community member Posts: 4 Listener
edited March 2021 in PIP, DLA, and AA
Hi, 
My situation is a long story (whose isn't?) but I had a mental breakdown just over a year ago which ended up with me under the CMHS because of attempted suicide. I was given a working diagnosis of ASD (aspergers) and severe depression and anxiety.
Long story short, I was eventually discharged and was helped by the CAB to apply for any benefits I was entitled to.
I am recieving UC with the LCWRA component (no assessment was required for that, I think you guys call this a paper assessment?)
And the lady from the CAB suggested I apply for PIP as she was sure I am entitled to it.

I applied in December, sent of the completed form and other materials (reports from my psychiatrist, but I think this has now been used against me and my claim..) and I had a telephone appointment the week before last, and I requested a copy of the assessors report and it arrived this morning.. I've spent the last few hours in a complete wreck and I was scored zeros for absolutely everything. She had copy pasted to every section too and from reading on here this is standard??
Initially I tried to remain objective as I know that the CAB will help me appeal it etc. but the more I read the more of a mess I became. I don't want to go into too much detail of my mental state as I'm sure it's not allowed on here.. but I don't know what to do. 

I know that just because I'm entitled to other benefits doesn't automatically make me entitled to PIP. I get it, but my condition (which I have spent my entire life thinking was just me being a useless pos) has pretty much ruined my life. And to have a complete stranger write down how I have no issues with socialising (I'm a, apparenlt good looking??, 35 year old woman who's never had a proper relationship and has no bloody friends!) but yeah I'm totally fine! I've been fired from jobs because I can't play the "game" of socialising.

Sorry, this has become more of a rant, but I have no one else to talk to because it's Saturday and I need to vent.

How do you guys cope with this system? I don't think I can.
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Comments

  • CandyK85
    CandyK85 Community member Posts: 4 Listener
    I forgot to add why I thought the psychiatrist's report went against my claim... as she quoted the final report where the psychiatrist put "risk remains low in all domains" which wasnt even true either. The medication I'm on only helps my depression (so I'm not always depressed) but it does nothing for my anxiety.. I was told by the psychiatrist that this is due to the autism? I've always been and always will remain anxious and the only treatment available is CBT to help "manage" it.

    This whole thing has really shown to me how terrible the whole system is. I can't afford these therapies and they're not available on the NHS for any length of time or in much depth (which I'm sure is what I need).
    Because I have no history with mental health services until now (as I've tried to cope on my own my entire life as I had no idea the hell I've been living isn't normal) and this is it?

    I was improving recently, if improving consists of doing nothing and not going out or avoiding situations that may tip me over the edge. What kind of life is this?
  • woodbine
    woodbine Community member Posts: 11,521 Disability Gamechanger
    @CandyK85 hi and a warm welcome to scope, you have to remember that PIP isn't awarded for you health but for how your daily living and/or mobility is affected in line with the PIP descriptors, you now need to request an MR (mandatory reconsideration), I would suggest that you try and make contact with your local welfare rights team, imho they are often better than CAB.
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  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,488 Disability Gamechanger
    Welcome to the community @CandyK85 :) You're welcome to vent here if you need to. We understand that the benefits system can be complicated and frustrating at times. 

    I hope you're able to take a look at the above replies. Here's a link to advicelocal.uk. You can use the website to search for teams in your area who can help, if that's what it comes to.

    As Mike said, try and forget about it until you get a notification of the decision. Once you know what's been decided, you can look into what your next steps could be.

    In terms of your mental state, you can absolutely talk about that on here so long as it's not harmful to other members, for example we'd have to remove any mentions of methods of self-harm and so on. It could be worth making a separate post about this in our mental health issues category, if you'd feel comfortable doing so.

    I've sent you an email, as we'd really like to try and help :)
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  • CandyK85
    CandyK85 Community member Posts: 4 Listener
    Thanks, I've calmed down a little now and have just been telling myself there's nothing more I can do right now. I've done all I can by emailing the lady that helps me at the CAB, so I've put the report away just like you said. Reading it really upsets me so much. I'm actually worried about how badly this has affected me to be honest, my mum's worried because I have been making some progress as far as my mental state is concerned and this has just flung me waaay back. Not to mention how it's affecting my view of supposed "healthcare professionals."
  • cupcake88
    cupcake88 Posts: 1,273 Pioneering
    @CandyK85 hi candy welcome to the forum I my self suffer with mental illnesses and I’m under a mental health team  also . I have been going down hill for many years but only started getting help from services like a year and half ago . 

    I get pip I did get my pip first time so I didn’t have to appeal .  But I completely relate in the sense that I can’t work either due to my mental illness you mentioned you have been fired from jobs because of your disability just for future reference jobs can’t fire you if you struggle with socialising as that is to do with your disability I’m just letting you know as in my last job I was badly bullied for being mentally ill so I proceeded to take legal action against them going threw that had given me the knowledge to share with other people who are discriminated against for having a disability .

    you also mentioned bout therapies being expensive they sure are I’m waiting to get my emdr therapy I’m on the waiting list under my mental health team I know your doctor can refer you or your mental health team so you don’t have to pay its under the nhs . 

    Regarding your pip if you don’t get the answer you was hoping for I would do a MR and then take it to a appeal please don’t give up as there have been plenty of members who have been successful at the MR stage and at the appeal stage .

    i also like your self sent off care plans and my prescription list and I remember my report suggested I should only get pip for 18 months as I could be cured after my therapy I was like ok I don’t think I will be cured I think I will also be Poorly but I’m learning how to manage my illness with meds and then therapy . They awarded me pip for just over 2 years . 

    Please keep us updated hope my advice helps a little 
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,741 Disability Gamechanger
    @CandyK85 Just checking in to see how you're doing?  I hope things are well but if you need our support, please let us know. 
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  • CandyK85
    CandyK85 Community member Posts: 4 Listener
    UPDATE: After the mandatory reconsideration (with help from CAB) I have been awarded the daily living award at enhanced rate until 2025.

    I just want to post a follow up that's positive for anyone reading this, don't give up hope. xxx
  • Caz_Alumni
    Caz_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 621 Pioneering
    edited May 2021
    Thanks ever so much for popping back and updating us @CandyK85

    For starters, that's excellent news for you :) and so lovely of you to think about letting our other members know.

    I'm really pleased that it's a positive result for you!

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