PIP MR

Hi Susana1

Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is.

Welcome to Benefits and Work

The first thing you need to do is contact DWP and ask for a copy of the assessors report called a PA4

When 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, halfway down the page; www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/pip

For the CRMR1 form to initiate your MR; www.gov.uk/government/publications/chall...ork-and-pensions-dwp

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

Hi Susana1,
Following on from Gary has written, you might wish to think about the issue of safety. There was a recent case that stated that if you had to remove hearing aids whilst bathing and as a result would not be able to hear an alarm, then you may be able to argue you need 2 points for eg a flashing alarm in the bathroom, (Aid or appliance)
Another recent case discussed the problems of anxiety. If you avoid social occasions because it makes you anxious, perhaps because the noise affects the hearing, and that makes you edge, then this could indicate you should have support under 9c. (engaging with others)
Think about whether you avoid certain activities due to your hearing loss. If you do, this could also indicate that you should receive relevant points.
Good luck.
I hope this helps.
LL26