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Review form
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3 years 4 months ago #265130 by worrywart
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I’ve had a review form, delayed from last year, I’ve been on PIP many years. I can see the advice on here is to fill it in as if it’s a new application which I will do. My problem is my condition is rare - I had serious surgical complications resulting in an abdominal fistula which means I have a connection from my small bowel to skin, it’s a massive health burden both physically and psychologically. I also have a stoma which I’ve had for 35 years so now I have to wear 2 bags plus a dressing on my butchered abdo, the fistula bag leaks so I’m virtually housebound. It can’t be fixed as my life would be at risk, I nearly died last time from sepsis and respiratory failure. Because they can usually be fixed the DWP give me short awards almost implying I chose not to get it fixed, last t8me the Dwp woman told me in jest to wrap myself in cling film to stop the leaks. This is the level of understanding ( or not) that I have. I also have been diagnosed with PTSD and depression and have a psychiatrists letter as proof, I’m still having therapy,
I feel so broken by my health, it’s ruined my life, and the thought of having to go through all of this is unbearable. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions please.
(As an aside I worked in housing benefit for 25 years before this happened so I’m ok with forms but have totally lost confidence knowing how the DWP can be ),
I feel so broken by my health, it’s ruined my life, and the thought of having to go through all of this is unbearable. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions please.
(As an aside I worked in housing benefit for 25 years before this happened so I’m ok with forms but have totally lost confidence knowing how the DWP can be ),
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3 years 4 months ago #265171 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Review form
Hi worrywart
I am so sorry that you are having such a tough time. I can quite understand why you don't want to write it all down again and let me assure you - that you don't need to. I'm not sure where you read that you should fill it in as if it was the first time - but that is not necessary. We do advise that even if there is no change since you last filled our a review or filled in the application for the first time, you should write a couple of sentences for each question just to remind them of your difficulties, but more than that is not necessary. Do have a look at our advice on filling out a review form in: Guide to PIP claims and reviews, because it gives more detail than I have here.
Personally, when I do this for other people I find the boxes on the form too small and usually write 'see attached notes' and then type up any comments for the individual questions. But it's up to you. I understand your loss of confidence even with your background in housing. It's what makes you realise what a terrible system it is for people to navigate.
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/pip
If you do find that you health will not allow you to write more - add a note saying so.
I'm sorry that anyone has ever suggested you should wrap yourself in clingfilm. That in my view is cruel and unprofessional and there is nothing amusing in your life-changing medical condition. Too often staff get away with those sorts of comments because it is too much for people to complain on top of everything else they are enduring.
Do come back if you have any more questions
BIS
I am so sorry that you are having such a tough time. I can quite understand why you don't want to write it all down again and let me assure you - that you don't need to. I'm not sure where you read that you should fill it in as if it was the first time - but that is not necessary. We do advise that even if there is no change since you last filled our a review or filled in the application for the first time, you should write a couple of sentences for each question just to remind them of your difficulties, but more than that is not necessary. Do have a look at our advice on filling out a review form in: Guide to PIP claims and reviews, because it gives more detail than I have here.
Personally, when I do this for other people I find the boxes on the form too small and usually write 'see attached notes' and then type up any comments for the individual questions. But it's up to you. I understand your loss of confidence even with your background in housing. It's what makes you realise what a terrible system it is for people to navigate.
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/pip
If you do find that you health will not allow you to write more - add a note saying so.
I'm sorry that anyone has ever suggested you should wrap yourself in clingfilm. That in my view is cruel and unprofessional and there is nothing amusing in your life-changing medical condition. Too often staff get away with those sorts of comments because it is too much for people to complain on top of everything else they are enduring.
Do come back if you have any more questions
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- an ex nurse
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3 years 4 months ago #265179 by an ex nurse
Replied by an ex nurse on topic Review form
Hi Worrywart, so sorry to hear of your difficulties and horrified to hear that you were treated so insensitively. As a retired nurse myself I am constantly left astounded by the things I read on the forum that people have had to endure at the hands of so called health professionals working on these assessments. Please know you have lots of support on here .
Take things one day at a time and do the form in small chunks. You can also ring the PIP helpline for an extension to give you more time to fill in the form if you need it,
Sending you all good wishes
Take things one day at a time and do the form in small chunks. You can also ring the PIP helpline for an extension to give you more time to fill in the form if you need it,
Sending you all good wishes
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3 years 4 months ago #265229 by worrywart
Replied by worrywart on topic Review form
Thank you both for your considerate replies. I’m going to try and do a bit a day ot else it gets overwhelming. I will certainly be using the guides as I go along.
I thought I’d read before that you have to treat a review as a new application even if there is no change . Im glad this isn’t necessary and thank you for your help.
I thought I’d read before that you have to treat a review as a new application even if there is no change . Im glad this isn’t necessary and thank you for your help.
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3 years 4 months ago #265244 by an ex nurse
Replied by an ex nurse on topic Review form
Hi Worrywart that sounds like a good plan. Fingers crossed for you that it goes smoothly. Do keep the forum informed as to how you get on.
All good wishes
All good wishes
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