Pip claim for fibromyalgia
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi guys!
I have just received a letter from dwp saying they have declined my application for pip. I am really upset about this as the lady who did my face to face consultation lied basically saying g I have no struggles what so ever. I struggle on a dad to day basis pain, lack of sleep, tired all the time, memory ect the list goes on and just because she saw me pick my son up that means I don't struggle to do it yes I do when I pick him up I have to sit quickly or il drop him but I'm the only one at home so I have to he's only 1. I struggle to get in and out of the bath I have to use handles or my husband helps me out there's lots more. I have rung and said I don't agree with the decision. What else can I do please help!
1 like, 11 replies
anni_04141 sherri12634
Posted
Hi Sherri
been in your situation not once but twice. Because I can drive a car for a 5 minute journey and basically because I have a child and I am a single parent I wasn't entitled. ( obviously not what was said on paper) but that's the basics behind it. You have to ask for a reconsideration ... write as much as you can arguing your case go point by point from there report ( ask for Atos report) if you can get more evidence. If they still turn you down after reconsideration you can appeal to an independent tribunal. Done it twice and both one my case at tribunal stage. Hope this helps.
sherri12634 anni_04141
Posted
Thank you anni just feel like they twisted what I said as I told them I struggle to walk far distances and struggle to get in and out of the bath I have to use handle bars or my husband has to help me out. They said I can dress myself yea with a struggle as can't bend down I wear flip flops because I struggle to put shoes on and socks. The strength in my hands and arms are really bad I struggle to lift things open things of course I'm going to try my best but does not mean I'm not in excruciating pain while doing it I can't jut sit on my bum until my husband gets home I have to do school runs ect I also have 2 autistic children that need my attention yet I'm not allowed help how is that fair xx
anni_04141 sherri12634
Posted
I cant agree with you more, the system sucks!!! I know exactly what you mean as much pain as your in sometimes you have to carry on. My sons at school so I rest while he's there ready for him to come home. Some mornings I'm late because I struggle to get going. They do twist sometimes I even believe the system is corrupt. Appealing adds so much stress when you have enough as it is. Really feel for you my pip runs out In a year and I'm sure il probably be heading to a tribunal again. I ripped the the report to shreds in the report the assessor said I can't bend but then said I am able to dress with no problems yep makes sense. And told me I can cook because I can sit on a peddle stool. But accepted I could not lift. So ok how would I carry a peddle stool in and out the kitchen each time. It's Ludacris. I think 60% of appeals that go tribunal win. Fight for what you deserve. If you have any questions I'm happy to help. Xx
Mixed44 sherri12634
Posted
The same thing happened to me. What I said in my assessment did not appear in the report at all. I've been struggling in many directions for very long, but everything I said was not accepted. Even the little exercises and tests that I couldn't do during the assessment, went down as "able to do". I took it as far as tribunal and upper tier and even the highest point, but I still failed. The more people I talk to, I discover that it's happening a lot. Don't give up, though x
sherri12634 Mixed44
Posted
It's ridiculous I'm finding there are more and more things I struggle to do. But it's OK for an alcoholic or a druggie to receive pip or dla gets on my nerves fibromyalgia I classed as a disability now so don't see the issue.
Mixed44 sherri12634
Posted
I know what you mean. During tribunal times, I was still going through the process of establishing whether I had fibro or not, even though my gp reports confirmed it in places. Also, a consultant diagnosed me with a bundle of neurological issues, but this wasn't enough for the tribunal, etc. I've since been diagnosed with fibro, but, because I'm battling with another legal issue (which is supposed to be in my favour), I'm struggling to cope. Being diagnosed with anxiety, depression and severe back problem doesn't help, either. I'm fully with you on another point, too, whereby there's more and more things I'm struggling to do, too. Wish there was a solicitor that could help us to be able to take these assessors and the system on. I've made enquiries, but without success x
sherri12634 Mixed44
Posted
Mixed44 sherri12634
Posted
I fought like hell, too, but the judges didn't want to know. Just a thought, if you have access to a local Disabilty Action Group, they can often help a lot x
kaz179 sherri12634
Posted
They are excessively strict with pip. I had my assessment a few months ago and was granted the lower rate care because of getting in and out of bath, I can't always wash my hair because of the pain in my upper arms and shoulders when I raise them and also because of ibs and the stiffness I have when first getting up I cannot twist to wipe my bottom by myself. Yet the mobility side was declined even though I walk with a stick but because I got up and moved with aid of furniture in the house they said I could move around. Keep trying for it x
denise15811 sherri12634
Posted
Hi Sherri,
I have fibromyalgia too and been claiming PIP for almost 3 years. My review last year the mobility part was increased so i now get Standard daily and Enhanced mobility. The mobility i use for the car.
You have 1 month from the date of the decision to get this Mandatory Reconsideration in. If you haven't already done this then ring DWP and ask for a copy of the assessment report. If you already have it then that's a good start. What you need to do is look at those PIP descritptors and see which ones apply to you. Write a letter for the MR pointing out which descriptors you think you should have scored points in. Remember with PIP if you can't do something regularly, reliably, without pain and discomfort then you're classed as NOT being able to do something. A lot of these assessment providers forget about this criteria. Evidence is a huge factor for a successful PIP claim, especially if you have a condition that isn't visible. As much evidence as possible would be great. Most MR decision remain the same so you'll most likely have to fight this at Tribunal. Over 65% of those that appear at their tribunal win! So to appear in perosn is far better than asking for a paper based decision. This whole process is extremly long and stressful but don't give up. Hope i've helped. Good luck!
DMZABO sherri12634
Posted
What is pip? I'm in the States and I'm not sure what that stands for. Is it some form of disability? Thanks