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7 years 10 months ago #157641 by Philtfa
Replied by Philtfa on topic MY PIP Journey
The PIP2 form arrived on Saturday so have had an 'enjoyable' bank holiday weekend collating my evidence, making notes and drafting answers to questions. This is turning into a military style operation!

I'm fortunate in being quite good with forms and writing reports etc but how must it be if you're not? An absolute nightmare I should think as evidenced by the number of people asking questions on this, and other, forums. Also, given the very high percentage of successful appeals I would say this to be a very flawed process. Although I doubt the DWP are worrying about that.

I'm trying to write down absolutely everything I do, how I do it and how it affects me down to the finest detail but what a chore this is.

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7 years 10 months ago #157644 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic MY PIP Journey
Phil

I don't envy you, completing the PIP from can be both long winded and distressing, try and pace yourself.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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7 years 10 months ago #158154 by Philtfa
Replied by Philtfa on topic MY PIP Journey
17 days after receiving the PIP2 form and I've been reading and writing everyday so far. I'm quite happy with what I've written, I've got detailed answers to all relevant questions and keep checking and double checking for consistency. I've also written a diary about two typical days. I've mapped my health conditions to my ability to do, or not do, the respective topics. I've even tried playing the role of assessor and 'assessed' my own answers! Got enhanced rate for both btw!!

The things worrying me are:

The unknown of a face to face assessment. It feels like an exam whereby you have to perform to a certain level to pass. What if I don't come across well, say the wrong thing etc?

The Assessor. I've read all the horror stories, what if my assessor is completely unsympathetic with some sort of personal agenda?

Lack of evidence. Although I have diagnosed conditions and most, if not all, are documented I am not actually sending much evidence with my claim. The DWP tell you not to get any medical evidence as they will get it but hearsay seems to indicate that they don't!! Am really worried about this.

Losing my motability car.

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7 years 10 months ago #158174 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic MY PIP Journey
Phil

You'll see a lot of negative comments about the assessment process on sites like B&W and I wouldn't try and suggest that there aren't major problems with how many of these are done, but you must bear in mind that those who post on forums actually represent a minority of claimants and the reality is that the majority of PIP assessments are carried out professionally and the claimant receives the benefit that the deserve.

I say this knowing that it is unlikely to reduce your stress at having to go through the process, but the odds are actually in your favour that you will get a good assessor.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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7 years 10 months ago #158525 by Philtfa
Replied by Philtfa on topic MY PIP Journey
I have a question about Activity 6 - Dressing and Undressing.

Does a bed, or chair, count as an aid or not? The DWP Assessment guide says "...chairs or beds are not considered aids." but your guidance booklet refers to an upper tribunal whereby "...a bed can count as an aid to dressing if you need to sit on it whilst getting dressed."

Is this now DWP policy or will the HP assessor still be working to the assessment guide that I am. In which case I may not get the required 2 points.

Thanks.

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7 years 10 months ago #158559 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic MY PIP Journey

PhilB wrote: I have a question about Activity 6 - Dressing and Undressing.

Does a bed, or chair, count as an aid or not? The DWP Assessment guide says "...chairs or beds are not considered aids." but your guidance booklet refers to an upper tribunal whereby "...a bed can count as an aid to dressing if you need to sit on it whilst getting dressed."

Is this now DWP policy or will the HP assessor still be working to the assessment guide that I am. In which case I may not get the required 2 points.

Thanks.


There's been some debate over this, the DWP have one view predicated to some extent on the fact that healthy individuals will often use a chair or bed o get dress or undressed, in a recent Upper Tribunal Case a senior Judge took the view that they could be treated as an aid.

All you can do is argue your case, although I would spend some time explaining the additional difficulties you would have if you could not use a chair or the bed.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Philtfa

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