Over 65 - Too upset and embarased to appeal

Earlier this year I was notified that I was not entitled to any PIP award. This is after being in receipt of the full DLA award for some years. And because I am over 65 I cannot ever apply again.

I was written to and asked to apply for PIP to replace my DLA award. I phoned to ask for the form. Before the form arrived I received a later asking why I had not submitted the completed form. I contacted them and the form was then received but with only a few days to complete it. I asked for an extension. They gave me until end of Christmas week. I said it would not be possible to get medial information during that period. My request was dismissed.

The form was completed and sent off together with a range of medical reports. Within a couple of weeks I received an appointment for the assessment. My doctor had let me down badly. Despite requesting a medial report well in advance, I only received it on the day before the assessment. It was later also confirmed to me that the department had not requested any medial reports from anyone involved in my care.

The assessment interview was terrible. The assessor had not read anything beforehand and rushed though the interview. In the copy of the report, which I had asked for later, there were so many wrong observations - such as I had no condition or treatment side effects (they we all listed on the form and in the medial report but I had not been asked about them) and that I had no mobility problems. This was not true. I became quite distressed over the process.

Although I have disability caused by a medial condition, for which I take a lot of medication, my mind is sharp. In hindsight, this seems to have been interpreted as being able to plan and manage everything. Yes I can plan things but carrying them out is a problem, which I had tried to explain during the assessment but it was so rushed I didn't have a chance. I did request the mandatory reconsideration but the response was dismissive. I subsequently contacted them to ask if they had received all the information that had been sent to them and if this had been taken into account in the reconsideration. They were not able to confirm anything.

The whole process was rushed and really unpleasant and stressful. I was to upset at the time and could not face having to go through the appeal process. I was also fearful that the appeal would lead to others knowing about my medical condition and the issues I have with it.

It seemed to me, because of the way it was dealt with, that the outcome had always been pre-determined and being over 65 it would ensure I would not be able to claim again.

Hi and Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explain where everything is

Welcome to Benefits and Work

I'm sorry that your PIP claim was refused

How long is it since the MR decision? If it is less than 1 month you can still review your decision not to appeal.

Otherwise, the only option open to you is to claim Attendance Allowance. This has a daily care element but no mobility.