Telephone assessment

Hello Lolly,

Yes please, please do bother. I appreciate it is not easy, but all the mods here know more people than we can remember who have received a grand total of 0 points at the first round and fought on to finally get their correct awards.

However, it is a fight, and if at all possible I would urge you to either find a benefits adviser who can help you with this or at the very least a friend who you trust who will give you emotional support through the process since it can be very demoralising and practical support in proof reading things etc.

You say that you have your PA4 but not whether or not you have received a decision yet. If you have not had your decision then you need to write to the DWP saying where the PA4 is wrong. But remember to focus on the elements which will potentially earn you points. If you are up to it, have our PIP guide open as you go through the report and use it to point out the aspects of your life which you struggle with and need encouragement / help etc.
PIP resources

If you have received a decision then you need to look at making a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) request. This is basically a letter saying that you think they made the wrong decision and why. Again we have guides to help with you with this process. Same link, but you need to scroll down the appeals section.

In either of those letters stress that you have been in hospital for your Mental Health issues, and are still on medication for them. However, do focus on how the issues affect your daily living and mobility rather than on the condition itself – since that is what gets you points!

If you are able to, I would ring up the DWP to find out why they have been ringing you. At the very least it might stop them calling you, and it could be helpful.

I wish you energy to keep on fighting,
Catherine

Hi LollyB

Sorry this has happened to you. I know you are utterly exhausted from the disappointment of your PA4 report, but can I suggest that when you go to the doctor's you don't ask them why they didn't support you, but tell them you need their help and will they write you a letter? Doctor's have limited time and you don't want to get their backs up by suggesting they let you down (even though they did). It always helps if you have an idea of what you want in the letter - confirm your condition and how long and the difficulties this leaves you with. The letter doesn't have to be long.

BIS