I Have Been Awarded PIP

dreamdaisy
dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
edited 8. Oct 2019, 16:48 in Work and financial support
As some of you may recall I had my interview on 31.07.19 and today received the letter. I was pretty sure I was not going to be transferred from higher rate mobility DLA and in that respect I was right.

I have been awarded standard rate mobility and standard rate care which has utterly astonished me. Yes, there are innacuracies in the letter which are irritating but minor; as the letter was 'written' by someone who wasn't there and whom I have never met it merely reflects standard beaurocracy at its ineffectual best. The award is valid until June 2023. I hope I am too.

DD
Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    :D:D:D:D:D

    I remember. I'm delighted though not at all suprised. (I always knew you were an old crock - crock of gold, that is :wink: )

    Disability, as we all know, is expensive. I'm sure you deserve it and I'm very pleased for you. t115006
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • kfrweaving
    kfrweaving Member Posts: 45
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well done! I just have to wait for one more piece of medical paperwork and then i can send off my PIP application. I'm not getting my hopes up after being knocked back already, but i've got a better doctors letter than before. Fingers and toes crossed!
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you Sticky and kfr, it has now sunk in that I am worse than I felt and thought but after so many years of it it's hardly surprising. :lol: I am fortunate in having a supportive spouse and apparently, because I have been awarded standard care, we can now apply for Carer's Allowance, another shock to one's independence system.

    Good luck with your case, kfr, I hope they find in your favour as things are far from easy for you. Mind you, they're not easy for anyone on here. :| DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Handicap135P
    Handicap135P Member Posts: 6
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    New to Forum excuse shorter message, yeah I went with friend awful Pip experience, friend was assessed constantly, even how she walked, put her bag down, presentation. Whether claimant was anxious, answered questions, gait, understanding. Tough questioning, how did u get here? rigorous interview. Ask for report of assessor they will send u a copy, alot of it accurate but vital words missing such as breathless when walking more than 50 m. So sad change to PIp tougher, for enhanced mob rate u need to only walk 20m or less to qualify. Very very sad, alot losing their higher rate dla which was originally for life. Just to save money... Pn
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 3,635
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Handicap and welcome to the forums.

    The system for claiming for PIP is very difficult and many are finding they have to appeal, often with a high success rate.

    It is well worth contacting Citizens Advice (CAB) to ask for their skilled and professional help if turned down and you need to make an appeal.

    Do come back and tell us more about yourself and join in with conversations on the forum.

    Best wishes
    Brynmor
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I was asked the same questions which I did not mind in the slightest, I saw them as reasonable requests for information. My spoken answers married up completely with my written ones so I guess that reassured them I was not over-egging the disabled pudding. The public purse is not a bottomless pit of money and I had no issue with being assessed.

    The actual process is clumsy and inaccurate as it is trying to be all things to all people but disability, and how people are affected, react and cope are as varied as the illnesses. Factor in the fashion to medicalise things which are just bad luck it's no wonder the NHS and the benefits system is crumbling under the demands of the disgruntled who seem to think they should be able to have what they want, when they want. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Handicap135P
    Handicap135P Member Posts: 6
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Ac ompanied a friend to grueling interview, for PIp, this friend was already on DLa, had been for considerable time at high rate mobility, questions seemed to focus on length of time u could stand, how u coped with daily tasks, dressing etc. Strict obs by assessor. Friend requested report from assessor, basically details accurate, assessor was welcoming, smiling throughout, on the getting around section there was absence of vital words such as sob when walking short distance. The whole 45 mins was tense and on the spot scenarios. Another friend who had high rate mob allowance on DLa was declined any payment at all for PIp. She wouldn't reapply it was far too scary. Taking ages to do this.. Gooduck. Fight for your entitlsment
    Amigo
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Only 45 minutes? Mine lasted 80 and was physically gruelling as it was very hot, took place in a 17th century building with woefully inadequate ventilation and appalling seating. I was thankful I had my rollator which was just little less uncomfortable than their ridiculously low, armless chair.

    I would rather have had higher rate mobility and nothng else but knew I would not get it because I use aids which enable me to complete their distances: not without pain of course but that is hardly relevant as even with higher rate it would all still hurt. What stunned me was being awarded the care component because I was not expecting anythng on that front. Challenges arise and I find ways round them which I thought would appeal to their necessary parsimony. Anyhoo, the upshot is they decided I am worse than I thought which is rather upsetting. :roll:

    I am sure there are many others who, like me, transfer easily from DLA to PIP but here we hear more often from those who fail and go to appeal. I hope my story may encourage others who are going through the process; come 2023 and my review I see no reason why it shouldn't be just as straightforward. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Handicap135P
    Handicap135P Member Posts: 6
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My word 80 mins that's far too long, I noticed, from time to time, the assessor would chirp in, u r doing well, did that mean u r saying the right things to get your benefits reduced lol. Advice to anyone waiting for review, keep all your notes u made when writing your very long form, I have arthritic fingers, friend too, but she needed support withe the questions. There is a booklet that helps supplied by PIp so this clearly explains what they are looking for in the questions. If u explain u cannot peel spuds well due to pain, they might ask at review do u have aids to support u with this. Couldn't understand the work issues and how long u r on your feet, for gods sake friend isn't a postmistress or works at a Coffee shop all day. Be aware in review if u write on the form u don't mix well with others, they may put words in your mouth, eg Do u chat and socialise with colleagues every day, when r u depressed and lonely then? Is that when u r alone! It says u can apply for the award if u r a banker raking in millions, if u meet the criteria then there is no excuse u should succeed. Amigo
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    It's about problem solving, not problem-succumbing, isn't it? I can't remember when I last peeled a spud or a carrot: a good wash and scrub with a nail brush suffices. Sweet potato and other tough-skinned veg I put on our metal carving board (the teeth hold it in place) and slice the skin off with a Chinese cleaver (so much easier than fiddly knives). I love chopping veg - a good swoop from on high (or as high as I can reach with dodgy shoulders) with the cleaver and hearty yell usually does the job and is very satisfying. I regard picking up any flying chunks from around the kitchen as physio.

    I photo-copied my form and completed it over a few days. It wasn't that onerous (I used my fattest pen, did it all in block capitals and did not resort to text-speak to save my fingers as it was an official document) but it was depressing as I counted up all the changes I have made. I then kicked myself up my backside and reasoned that without being flexible in my thinking I would be far more inflexible in my joints. Being awarded standard rate care remains a shock.

    I am fortunate that forms do not frighten me, and neither does officialdom: when I was working my little business was to do with teaching literacy skills so I can and do appreciate just how daunting these things can be. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben