Claiming pip 1st time advice needed please

Hi Schoolmum.   I help people in my community with their benefits - predominantly PiP Assessments, as honestly - its a horrible process to go through.  What I say next, may upset you or alarm you... but try not to get that way. This is about preparing you for what lies ahead, because a lot of Claims for PiP, cause people to get upset along the way.  But no matter what happens - no matter the result - I urge you to keep going through the process, so you get your correct entitlement in the end.  ......This may be a long response - as I have a complete inability to summerise, and I want to give you all the advice I can to help set you up for a successful claim.  .... So grab a drink and snacks, and settle down and read on... if you want to, that is! Lol.


First off - PiP claiming is a lenghty, and often upsetting process.  It is fundamentally flawed, and yet no-one can figure out how to fix it. My top tip to anyone asking me for help is to expect to fail.  I know that sounds ludicris, but genuinely - get it into your mind, that you will get a letter back with the sentiment of "Yeah - thanks -  but no!" - even if you are basically just a brain in a jar in the back of the cupboard - the fact you can think, they are likely to say you could get a job, and you don't need the help. Honestly - it is like that sometimes! ... But fear not - and fight on!!!!

[Removed by moderator – inaccurate advice and information]

The Claims I've seen fail, are the ones, who might not have been dishonest, but who only went in with emotions, rather than facts and evidence. I.e, they claim they wet themselves all the time, and use incontinence pants costing them money each week...but hadn't gone to the Dr as they were too embarrassed, and it's so stressful.  There is no proof in that... whereas, what they could have done, is taken the medicine info leaflet, with the side effect listed as possible incontinence, and presented a couple of month's worth of till receipts, showing regular Incontinence Pants/Pads purchases, as probable proof, that this is happening to you, and put it forward like that, regardless of it being recorded at the Doctor or not. 

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So I implore you. Do NOT give up. Appeal their Decision if you need to. Expect to fail, and end up going on to Appeal. If you do end up in a Tribunal Court, appealing the DWP Decision, firstly - its not a Court. Its an official building, labelled Court, usually a 1970's office they've rented. Lol. The Judge might be in Robes, but mostly not, just in a suit. No wigs. No witness box, like you see on a TV Courtroom Drama...it's all a bit disappointing really. Lol.  In the Room, will be, The Judge, possibly a court appointed Dr, and maybe an expert, and if they can actually be bothered, a representative of the DWP... But they don't usually bother showing up! That's how little they care! ....  When it's your time, it is important that you listen carefully to every word that Judge says. They are not there to be your friend! They are there to find out the facts of your conditions, and how they affect you... I do not take their manner, or spoken tone, to heart! ...  The funny thing is, that while they may not sound friendly, they nearly always throw people the Lifeline, in the way they ask questions. For example:  "And would you say that your condition makes it really hard for you to talk to people for long?"... Or " Well that sounds difficult, and I'm guessing that may prevent you from handling cutlery, yourself?" ...  both allowing you the opportunity to score points you may have missed out on. If you get upset, they will wait a moment for you to compose yourself. And like I said, it is important to remember that they are not there to sympathise with you, or be your friend... merely to establish the facts, in order to give you your rightful Legal Entitlement, as the Law see's it, based on evidence (verbal, written, etc) you've given them.  .... And if you don't agree with their Decision - Appeal again - you can have 2 go's. You might as well use them.... then if that fails... give it a week, and start again! ... 

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So Appeal, Appeal, Appeal! It's a long, soul-destroying task, but you have everything to gain, with not much to lose. 

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Hope that all makes sense, and helps in some way. 

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Good luck, and know, that the refusal of PiP Benefits at this stage, and at Mandatory Reconsideration, is sadly, all part of the process, BUT that it should all be alright in the end.

Hope all that makes sense for you.  Best of luck with it all.

Adrian_Scope said:

Good morning @pumpkinflower and a warm welcome to the community. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It’s nice of you to support people in your local community too – how long have you been doing that?

I just wanted to take some time to address a few of the points you’ve raised.

PumpkinFlower said:

My top tip to anyone asking me for help is to expect to fail. I know that sounds ludicris, but genuinely - get it into your mind, that you will get a letter back with the sentiment of "Yeah - thanks - but no!" - even if you are basically just a brain in a jar in the back of the cupboard - the fact you can think, they are likely to say you could get a job, and you don't need the help. Honestly - it is like that sometimes! ... But fear not - and fight on!!!!

It might interest you to know that the majority of PIP claims are actually successful. I'm sure you're aware but it’s important to note for those who may not be, but PIP isn’t about ability to work, you can work fulltime and still claim PIP – although I understood the point you were trying to make.

PumpkinFlower said:

And if you don't agree with their Decision - Appeal again - you can have 2 go's.

Just for further clarity for anyone reading; unfortunately it’s not as simple as getting “2 go’s” at appeal. The second is a further appeal to the Upper Tribunal and is based on finding an error in law. Some examples of this can be found on our website. 

I’ve had to remove a few parts of your comment due to it containing misadvice and misinformation, primarily around the assessors and their role.
While it’s commonly believed that they earn commission for finding against a claimant, it’s my understanding that this isn’t the case. If you’ve evidence to the contrary I’d be really interested to read it.
It’s also not advisable to base answers on just your worst days and to do so could be considered fraud and it can actually hurt a claim as well.

I do agree with the sentiment of your message though. It's important for claimants to know they have options and that even if they don't receive an award at the initial stage, it's not always the end of the road.