PIP ..... Finally

My 31 year old son received a text from the DWP this morning. His PIP has been awarded.

A few months ago we got the dreaded letter informing us that his indefinite DLA was going to be changed to PIP (as I'm sure most of you are aware - this started a chain of pretty horrid events)

My son has Mental Health issues - Paranoid schizophrenia, Bi-polar, manic depression and THE buzzword .... Borderline Personality Disorder.

He was on a high day when he went for his first interview and was bouncy and laughing and manic. Of course, the ATOL clerks are not trained in mental health issues so they threw his claim out. We appealed - (you should see the size of his medical file) and were turned down again. We insisted on a tribunal where I accompanied my son - The three "judges" (because that's what it felt like - and it was held at the County Court) told me I was not allowed to speak. They then continued to psychologically run rings around him, mis-interpreting his words, mis-reporting his answers and even telling him that borderline personality disorder could mean anything. They hadn't seen his medical file so they threw the case out.

My son instantly went into suicide mode and was prescribed tablets from his GP - only 5 at a time because they were so concerned. I decided to reapply for PIP for him.

We had his interview a couple of weeks ago. He was NOT a happy bunny. He pulled his hoodie over his head, wore his sunglasses and refused to speak to her. I explained why he was like that and I answered all her questions. I also reported how disgustingly he had been treated and that thank God he wasn't one of the dreadful statistics of suicide thanks to the DWP.
We refused the "Maths test" and I asked if she was actually serious giving out maths tests to people. What on earth was that going to prove. Apparently it was to gauge their concentration. So I told her in no uncertain terms that the test was degrading and could deem totally inaccurate results.

My advice? These people are NOT Gods - they are human beings. I told my son to be polite and respectful but recalling my own experiences with them, don't be frightened to challenge them. Tell them what your life is like on your worst days because if you even mention good days they just seem to focus on them.

I also think that maybe, the fact we reapplied might have made a difference, so don't accept defeat.

I'm so glad that your son finally got the award he deserves! You deserve congratulations for your perseverance with this, it must have taken its toll on you too.

I understand why you made your comment about 'worst days' but must warn other members against reporting only the bad days as this potentially leaves them open to claims of fraud at a later stage