Pip

do you ask for the reports back after the assessment?

My initial text from DWP saying they had the report was about an hour after the assessment. The assessor told me she was writing it as we spoke and asked me to bear with her for taking time to talk. I had a text the next day (if my memory serves me right) saying I had been awarded. I didn't find out which levels until I got the letter from DWP. The backpay was in my account within 2 weeks.

Can I just ask,when you say you've had your pip assessment back,they don't write all the sensitive information you have spoken about and send it via post do they?

@Jane315STARX I got my written notes and scores with my award letter.

Yes. Maybe I could have got 1 more for the daily living (which would have taken me to enhanced) but, I'm okay with that as I didn't think I'd get anywhere near that. My main issue is mobility and I got enhanced for that - would have been shocked if not. Thought I'd get much lower for daily living. The thing that struck me is that you can't treat them independently, i.e., my mobility affects every aspect of my life (washing, toileting, cooking, going out (not mental healthwise, etc). So they can't treat them independently. To be fair, my assessor was lovely and I'm sure she was trying to give me as many points as possible, she gave me lots of advice to improve my living conditions. x

@jason85

I remember transitioning from DLA higher award to PIP years ago.

I remember the real fear when the almost 40 paged form arrived. It was several years ago now, but I remember how daunting it was. I did have disabled friends in my community going through the same thing. There were two great pieces of advice that stuck with me. 1. Write the answers down on paper to each question, check it, and does it state my case clearly on a daily basis? If not, add them to my draft before writing on the form itself. 2. Be sure to take photos of each and every one of your answers, so that you don’t forget anything at a later date when they ask through their suitably qualified person.

I remember that back then, it was even more horrendous than now, and everyone - regardless of their illness had to sit through a formal assessment with their paid medically trained staff. I was on two crutches, and on much medication - but they were ruthless back then. I couldn’t get public transport so attended by means of a taxi. I hobbled in the room and was ‘greeted’ by a stoney faced nurse. She told me to put my crutches down by the wall and take a seat! I laughingly said that I would, but I would be stranded if I did. I can’t recall the interview very well now fortunately, probably the initial shock of it I suppose? She asked me several questions and asked me to raise my arms? It all seemed very strange and degrading. After several weeks I was given an indefinite award of Enhanced mobility and Enhanced for my daily life. I found it to be the worst experience ever.
I have heard that the system isn’t as rigid as it was back then, because it was there to deliberately cut the number of people claiming DLA/PIP.

I heard that PIP was being scrapped after so many people had won tribunals after having their claims initially assessed. You have a right to appeal if you think that they have scored your disability incorrectly, but do be sure to write down the points that you want to dispute and add why you want to in preparation for any appeal. Good luck with your claim ❤️😇

Jason 85

I’m on inhalers for my COPD. I can only take mine when I need it but not as a crutch using it all the time. What I mean is you can’t use it every couple of minutes. If I accidentally take too much, it gives me the shakes. Hope things get sorted out for you. 🙂