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PIP new Claim - 0points - MR - feedback help!
- RHW
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6 months 3 weeks ago #290716 by RHW
PIP new Claim - 0points - MR - feedback help! was created by RHW
hello,
i recently submitted a new claim for PIP using all the guidance (god send) when i finally had my assessment (2 videos cancelled ended with a telephone apt that lasted 2 hours) i thought it went well, the assessor was understanding etc. anyway i was awarded 0 points across the board. I've received my report today as i wanted to see exactly why - the feedback on the decision letter was confusing.
basically its been put that because i work i don't have any issues and that for example whilst i struggle to shower due to my ADHD (i filled out more info) this isn't considered? and because i work this refutes that. I'm confused as holding a job doesn't stop you claiming PIP and there are obviously many reasons i need a job and have one but also I having one drains everything out of me and enhances the issues i face.
i will be doing a mandatory reconsideration because even thought i used the guidance and wrote all my example to follow it they have just said that me working on the MOD (anyone know what on the MOD means) discredits it and this seems particularly confusing for me. also they have used the example that i passed my driving test (18 years ago) as reason to say i can understand stuff. its very odd for me. it obviously feels personal (i know its not) and its triggered me because i need to go through it all again but has anyone has similar?
they've also said because I'm not on meds for my anxiety/depression (i believe this is due to my ADHD which I'm currently trying meds for) and not under a specialist - I've always been under my doctor then there mustn't be an issue. i was medicated for most of my adult life - not benefit, i stopped medication for depression as the side effects weren''t good for me due to the high dose. i find ways of coping and i'm learning more due to my ADHD and Autistic traits diagnosis (need an autism assessment) this is helping me - why do i have to be medicated or under a specialist? i didnt think you needed too - i thought my medical record showed it all really.
so rant over and sorry its all over the show. just after any insight or experiences.
i recently submitted a new claim for PIP using all the guidance (god send) when i finally had my assessment (2 videos cancelled ended with a telephone apt that lasted 2 hours) i thought it went well, the assessor was understanding etc. anyway i was awarded 0 points across the board. I've received my report today as i wanted to see exactly why - the feedback on the decision letter was confusing.
basically its been put that because i work i don't have any issues and that for example whilst i struggle to shower due to my ADHD (i filled out more info) this isn't considered? and because i work this refutes that. I'm confused as holding a job doesn't stop you claiming PIP and there are obviously many reasons i need a job and have one but also I having one drains everything out of me and enhances the issues i face.
i will be doing a mandatory reconsideration because even thought i used the guidance and wrote all my example to follow it they have just said that me working on the MOD (anyone know what on the MOD means) discredits it and this seems particularly confusing for me. also they have used the example that i passed my driving test (18 years ago) as reason to say i can understand stuff. its very odd for me. it obviously feels personal (i know its not) and its triggered me because i need to go through it all again but has anyone has similar?
they've also said because I'm not on meds for my anxiety/depression (i believe this is due to my ADHD which I'm currently trying meds for) and not under a specialist - I've always been under my doctor then there mustn't be an issue. i was medicated for most of my adult life - not benefit, i stopped medication for depression as the side effects weren''t good for me due to the high dose. i find ways of coping and i'm learning more due to my ADHD and Autistic traits diagnosis (need an autism assessment) this is helping me - why do i have to be medicated or under a specialist? i didnt think you needed too - i thought my medical record showed it all really.
so rant over and sorry its all over the show. just after any insight or experiences.
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- Gary
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6 months 3 weeks ago #290739 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic PIP new Claim - 0points - MR - feedback help!
Hi RHW
All we can says, you are not alone. Unfortunately we come across your situation very often.
Now you have the assessors report, you will have a better understanding of how the DWP Decision Maker has come to their conclusions and you will now be able to argue against them.
I usually use a highlighter to highlight any inaccuracies, once you have gone through the report you then set out why you are applying for a MR and go through each descriptor one at a time why you disagree with the assessor and try and match it with any supporting documents you may have sent in.
Understand that the assessor is offering an opinion when they say 'in my opinion' you can do the PIP activities, tackling these head-on is unlikely to be successful, you need to show that the basis of that opinion is founded on incorrect information, so try and refer to your evidence to undermine what they have said, remember they are just an opinion which is not based on fact.
Also, try and stick to issues that lead to your scoring points, I often hear members referring to the assessors spelling, as an example, whilst it may show a lack of professionalism, raising it as an issue isn't going to help you get an award.
Your primary task is to show that you meet the criteria, there are many reasons you may have failed, you need to address each of these but don't get bogged down in criticising the assessment report unless you can clearly show that it is incorrect, it is a lot easier to argue the facts of the situation.
Lastly, make sure that you understand the criteria that you are being assessed against you can put the best case forward that is possible but you won't score points if you do not meet the PIP Descriptors.
The first stage to challenging a Decision is for you to request a Mandatory Reconsideration, this needs to be done in writing to the DWP, within one month of the Decision, to the office that dealt with your claim, have a look at our PIP MR & Appeal guide; benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip
For the CRMR1 form to initiate your MR; www.gov.uk/government/publications/chall...ork-and-pensions-dwp
LL26 did a very good post on PIP and driving which I pinned to the forum; www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/kunena/10-dla-...8543-pip-and-driving
When you have a better idea of the issues with your claim, come back to the forum and we will do our best to help.
Gary
All we can says, you are not alone. Unfortunately we come across your situation very often.
Now you have the assessors report, you will have a better understanding of how the DWP Decision Maker has come to their conclusions and you will now be able to argue against them.
I usually use a highlighter to highlight any inaccuracies, once you have gone through the report you then set out why you are applying for a MR and go through each descriptor one at a time why you disagree with the assessor and try and match it with any supporting documents you may have sent in.
Understand that the assessor is offering an opinion when they say 'in my opinion' you can do the PIP activities, tackling these head-on is unlikely to be successful, you need to show that the basis of that opinion is founded on incorrect information, so try and refer to your evidence to undermine what they have said, remember they are just an opinion which is not based on fact.
Also, try and stick to issues that lead to your scoring points, I often hear members referring to the assessors spelling, as an example, whilst it may show a lack of professionalism, raising it as an issue isn't going to help you get an award.
Your primary task is to show that you meet the criteria, there are many reasons you may have failed, you need to address each of these but don't get bogged down in criticising the assessment report unless you can clearly show that it is incorrect, it is a lot easier to argue the facts of the situation.
Lastly, make sure that you understand the criteria that you are being assessed against you can put the best case forward that is possible but you won't score points if you do not meet the PIP Descriptors.
The first stage to challenging a Decision is for you to request a Mandatory Reconsideration, this needs to be done in writing to the DWP, within one month of the Decision, to the office that dealt with your claim, have a look at our PIP MR & Appeal guide; benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip
For the CRMR1 form to initiate your MR; www.gov.uk/government/publications/chall...ork-and-pensions-dwp
LL26 did a very good post on PIP and driving which I pinned to the forum; www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/kunena/10-dla-...8543-pip-and-driving
When you have a better idea of the issues with your claim, come back to the forum and we will do our best to help.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: RHW
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- rhubarbleaf
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6 months 18 hours ago #291830 by rhubarbleaf
Replied by rhubarbleaf on topic PIP new Claim - 0points - MR - feedback help!
Your experience seems exactly like my recent reassessment. 0 points.
Every time, for ten plus years it’s been mandatory reconsideration and often tribunal, but never no points. I was expecting to go back to higher living this time as my condition has worsened, it was lowered to standard 2 years ago (but I’d had enough and I didn’t appeal it.) During the assessment (which was 2.5 hours long) I responded to the assessor that I hadnt driven for years, and no I can’t use a bus, I don’t go out alone. The decision maker said “ The evidence indicates that you have a full driving licence and you used to work as teacher, which shows adequate cognition.” 🤷♀️
Good luck with your appeal.
Every time, for ten plus years it’s been mandatory reconsideration and often tribunal, but never no points. I was expecting to go back to higher living this time as my condition has worsened, it was lowered to standard 2 years ago (but I’d had enough and I didn’t appeal it.) During the assessment (which was 2.5 hours long) I responded to the assessor that I hadnt driven for years, and no I can’t use a bus, I don’t go out alone. The decision maker said “ The evidence indicates that you have a full driving licence and you used to work as teacher, which shows adequate cognition.” 🤷♀️
Good luck with your appeal.
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