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Worried - Waiting for PIP decision
mike99
Member Posts: 12
Hi I'' Mike.. I am waiting for my pips decision.. I am so worried I am going out of my mind. I also have history of severe depression and attempt of suicide. I cant sleep due to worry of loosing my benefits and motorbility vehicle. I have violent headaches worrying about it.. I have been on foodbank now for a few years. My house is going to be taken from me and it is adding to my concerns.. What do I have to do if I loose pips..?
Replies
Please also remember that even if your PIP is rejected at first, you can appeal against the decision (known as a 'mandatory reconsideration'). With regards your worries, you might like to try an app from the NHS called 'Don't Panic', which includes an audio self-help guide on 'dealing with worry'. All the best.
I can see why you feel the way you do. All of the worry you're experiencing becomes overwhelming and it's easy for your thoughts to spiral out of control while all the time feeling powerless and at the mercy of the system.
So much depends on the decision you're awaiting so it's natural that you're worried but with your already fragile mental health and history of severe depression and suicide attempts this is concerning and I want to make sure you're getting the right support from your GP or mental health professionals.
If you want to talk about the PIP and the worries you have about losing your house, please get in touch with me at the helpline. We can arrange a telephone appointment to look at the issues and work out some options whilst making sure that you're getting the right help. I know it can be difficult to talk about personal things on a public platform like this so if you would like some privacy send me an email [email protected] and we can arrange that telephone appointment.
This community is wonderfully supportive and there are plenty of people willing to listen and support you.
Best wishes
Debbie
You can get advice about appeals on this website and on the Disability Rights and CAB websites.
So sorry to hear about your PIP decision. You've been quick to get the ball rolling for a challenge on the decision and that's good. As Matilda has said above, the success rate at appeal is really high so do pursue an appeal if the Mandatory Reconsideration is upheld.
Would you like me to see if there are any local advice agencies in your area who can support you through this if you go to tribunal?
I just wanted to pick up on the issue of your daughter recording the assessment on her phone. With PIP assessments, you can arrange to have them recorded but there are guidelines you have to follow including providing the right type of equipment. You need to ask the healthcare provider in advance and at the end you have to immediately give a copy of the recording to the assessor. I'm afraid you won't be able to use the recording your daughter made as evidence to support an appeal. This evidence would not be admissible in court. Had they discovered you were recording the assessment it's likely that they would have stopped the assessment. Of course I understand your reasons for wanting to record what happened at the assessment but I wouldn't want to encourage others to start covertly recording assessments as there is the risk that the assessment will stop and the case be sent back to the case manager who may disallow the claim for not participating in the assessment. It's just not worth the risk.
I'm really pleased to hear how helpful you've found this community. Let us know how things progress with the mandatory reconsideration. There's lots of support here and we're all supporting you.
Best wishes
Debbie
It's really terrible the way that you were treated during the assessment. I'm glad that it's being taken seriously and will be investigated. Nobody should be made to feel the way you did during your assessment. Please let us know how you get on with this and whether they take any action. If you ever want to talk, let me know.
All the best
Debbie