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assessees report pip

frogy
frogy Community member Posts: 21 Connected
edited June 2017 in PIP, DLA, and AA
Hi wildlife I had my assessment for pip on the 26/5/2017 very kind soft spoken lady lasted 35 minutes did not want to look at my important hospital reports my friend got out of the bag for me my friend also took a covert recording of the assessment ,4 days later my friend phoned DWP for assessment report ,when we got it and he read it out half of it was different to what I said my friend friend worked out the descriptors out looks like I scored 11 points for care but only 4 points for he put on my form I could walk 20 metres but no more than 50 metres in a lot of pain they said I could walk 50 metres but no more than 200 metres which is a lie there are also other lies that don't match my form now I no why my friend wanted to covertly record the assessment kindly asking for help what to do next FROGY

Comments

  • Liam_Alumni
    Liam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 1,101 Pioneering
    Hi @frogy,

    Sorry to hear about the issues you've been having with your assessment. I'm afraid I've had to remove the address you mentioned, but I've moved your discussion to our Ask a Benefits Advisor category, where @BenefitsTrainingCo may be able to advise.
    Liam
  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,671 Disability Gamechanger
    @wildlife there is a post for you here.

    @frogy though I understand the frustration, secretly recording your assessment is seen as a big no no.  You are allowed to make notes, but you must ask permission to record and I believe that the recording has to be on a dual recorder where you hand one copy straight to the assessor.  

    If you are caught secretly recording the assessment, they can terminate your interview immediately and this could hinder your assessment outcome.

    Scope
    Senior online community officer
  • frogy
    frogy Community member Posts: 21 Connected
    Hi Sam my friend recorded the full assessment without assessor noticing ,he done it because all the lies they tell to reduce the people that are on benefit but people like me and others that need it these lies have to stop its not fare thanks FROGY
  • wildlife
    wildlife Community member Posts: 1,293 Pioneering
    edited June 2017
    @frogy, I do understand your frustration and probably even anger at the lies the assessors are resorting to robbing you and so many of us of benefits we are entitled to. However my thinking on the covert recording is that by doing this you are coming down to their level instead of rising up above it and letting the assessment company and DWP know you're not going to stand for this. I can only advise you as a forum member and not as a benefit advisor so I'm no expert but I have achieved a turn around in my own claim without going to a Tribunal. I know you only have your assessment report but haven't had the decision letter from DWP. However as most if not all Decisions are based entirely on the points given by the assessor I suggest you write to ATOS/CAPITA whoever did your assessment with a formal complaint stating what you disagree with on the report. Please do not mention the recording just use it privately to remind you what was said. I would also contact DWP either by phone or letter or both to tell them you've complained about your assessment report and ask for a call back from a Decision Maker to discuss your claim. Tell them about the assessor refusing to take medical evidence and send it to DWP if you haven't already done so. If DWP haven't looked at your claim yet you may have to wait till they do or even till you get your 1st Decision letter but at least you're staying one step ahead and letting them know of your complete dissatisfaction. My advice to anyone faced with lies is to keep complaining, keep writing and ringing both the assessment people and DWP. Stay strong and proactive, do not give in. Turn your negative thoughts of hurt and anger into positive action. Hope that helps..

  • frogy
    frogy Community member Posts: 21 Connected
    Many thanks for your help wildlife I will do the things you said thanks again FROGY
  • wildlife
    wildlife Community member Posts: 1,293 Pioneering
    @frogy you're welcome. Let us know how you get on.
  • BenefitsTrainingCo
    BenefitsTrainingCo Community member Posts: 2,621 Pioneering

    Hi @Frogy,

    Couldn't agree more with what @Wildlife says. Get a detailed and coherent complaint in writing to them.

    I won't say anything further about the recording other than that I agree with the others on this too.

    In the fullness of time it will also (probably) need a Mandatory Reconsideration then appeal, and CAB have some useful information on this:- https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/apply-to-tribunal/

    Good luck!

    Kind regards,

    Mary

    The Benefits Training Co:

  • frogy
    frogy Community member Posts: 21 Connected
    Kind regards Mary,I will do what you have said,I am bit worried after mandatory consideration consideration the points the assessor put in her report will be reduced because it looks like she as given me 11 points for daily care only 4 points for mobility for permanent drop foot and not being able to plan a journey with out help and falling over because of my foot drop thanks FROGY
  • BenefitsTrainingCo
    BenefitsTrainingCo Community member Posts: 2,621 Pioneering
    Hi frogy,

    I agree with my colleague's advice, and that of everyone else on here. If you do submit a request for mandatory reconsideration make sure you go through all the activities and say how many points you should have scored. It's possible you should actually have got more than 11 for daily living, for example.

    It is always a risk, because they do look at the whole award, but just put in all your arguments and evidence. From what you say, you have good arguments for more points in the mobility component too, in both the mobilising and planning a journey activities.

    Good luck!

    Will
    The Benefits Training Co:

  • frogy
    frogy Community member Posts: 21 Connected
    hi every one frogy here ,I received my pip decision today that brown envelope,just as I thought I only got standard daily 55.65 a week and no mobility because all of the lies the assessor as said if I ask for mandatory reconcideration I am worried they will take away what they have awarded me if that appends I wont be able to pay my bedroom tax and 30 pounds a month council tax and loose my adaptive bungalow I am not sure what to do can someone help please FROGY.
  • BenefitsTrainingCo
    BenefitsTrainingCo Community member Posts: 2,621 Pioneering

    Hi @frogy

    So is this the first decision now, not the Mandatory Reconsideration?

    What I would recommend, if you are worried about them taking your points away, is that you try and find a benefits specialist who can give you some face to face advice on it - even if it's just a one off. CAB or Welfare Rights (in the local council) or some Money Advice teams (for Councils and housing associations etc) can sometimes do this....

    It never harms to be cautious!

    Good luck!

    Mary

    The Benefits Training Co:

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