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VERY complex Situation Huge error on PIP application (sorry long and messy)

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6 days 2 hours ago #304449 by LoR
Due to complex lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions, combines with other conditions, I was completely overwhelmed by the paperwork, in understanding it, and remembering what I had to take into consideration on the forms. I was awaiting diagnosis (long wait) and had stated this on the form, including dyslexia. I am socially isolated wo had no one to help me and was unaware I could get help, the thought hadn't crossed my mind. So, I tried to apply for PIP and made a big mess I have only recently notices (also due to my condition), where I have great difficulty with reading long text, remaining focused, understanding the text (I take things very literally) and applying it to the forms. What I had done on the forms was start with one condition as I was overwhelmed with trying to put all the impacts of all conditions within the activities they impacted. Start with one condition (online form) and go back and add the others one by one. That was a stupid idea as any slight intrusive thought and I have no idea what I was about to do. It didn't go well. When I focus on one thing, everything else ceases to exist and I totally forgot all the other conditions. I was confused why the assessor kept on about the fluctuating condition and little else but now I know. I was waiting for my ADHD assessment, and stated that. No surprises that I was diagnosed, but I was then diagnosed with Autism, Sensory Processing disorder and high probability of dyscalculia and alexithymia, and that's' excluding the physical condition, one of which left me unable to dress, shower or cook safely, reliably (and the other 2). Add to that incontinence.

The question is this, as they are lifelong conditions and dyslexia is genetic, so also lifelong, these played a major role in my omissions on the forms and being able to follow the instructions, would all of these be disregarded because I couldn't fill the forms in correctly? I only noticed when I I got help for the MR (very late 12 months - I lost the letter twice and forgot about it), they included my diagnosis, but even they did not notice the error. We miscommunicated a lot too.

I applied again separately, and the assessor referred to the first application which I did wrong. Under these situations, I am terrible. I can't do abstract or figurative language and the assessment seemed to be mostly that, I really struggled to answer the questions. There were not questions related to what my support put on the MR. So I had nothing to guide me or jog my memory. My executive function is very poor as is my working memory, so I could not think of anything I needed on the spot.

I feel that the assessors did not have ND experience, or even consider making reasonable adjustments to my literal here and now interpretation of the questions. I honestly feel completely overwhelmed by trying to create order out of a brain that lives in chaos and I don't know what to do.

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3 days 12 hours ago #304502 by BIS
Hi LoR

I'm sorry that you find yourself in this position.

Having a lifelong condition is no guarantee that any claimant will be awarded PIP. It's not so much the condition the DWP focuses on - it's how that condition affects a claimant's daily living and/or mobility. Now, it is challenging if a claimant can't explain how they are affected as per the PIP criteria and even more challenging if they come across an assessor with little or no understanding. The assessor makes a judgment from the information on the form and any additional information at the assessment. Unfortunately, it is a lottery, and some assessors may try to find out more information if they don't have much, and others won't.

I'm unsure from what you've written where you are now with your PIP application.

BIS

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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