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PIP review soon, misleading letter, uncertain on evidence
- Resyst
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1 year 11 months ago #276484 by Resyst
PIP review soon, misleading letter, uncertain on evidence was created by Resyst
Hi there, first of all thank you all for this site, its very existence makes me feel a little less distraught at idea of going through all of this.
I got a PIP letter saying my claim has been extended to October but then a couple of weeks later they are now saying I need to have an assessment.
Perhaps it was to lure me into a false sense of security I don't know. I honestly took it with a pinch of salt anyway, but it's there and I have an appointment due in February.
As for how I'm going to fare in the interview, I'm trying to put on a brave face but it's hard not to feel worried because I feel like I've been slacking recently trying to 'fix' my issues I've more of less given up on for the time being.
For instance, I've managed to get diagnosed with sleep apnea since my last assassesment to explain midnight panic attacks, but I ultimately failed to get on with the machine so I gave it back. I was also on anti depressants but have also given them up because I felt them ultimately doing me no good either.
So I feel like I'm going into this review a bit empty handed and it worries the interviewer will try to pick at this.
I'm also not entirely sure what I'm going to say to the questions but I noticed this site has guides so I'll have a look for those.
I believe I'm claiming more for the mental health side than mobility but hopefully when I'm clued up I'll be a bit more certain.
Thanks for reading and I'll try to make an update soon letting you know how it goes
I got a PIP letter saying my claim has been extended to October but then a couple of weeks later they are now saying I need to have an assessment.
Perhaps it was to lure me into a false sense of security I don't know. I honestly took it with a pinch of salt anyway, but it's there and I have an appointment due in February.
As for how I'm going to fare in the interview, I'm trying to put on a brave face but it's hard not to feel worried because I feel like I've been slacking recently trying to 'fix' my issues I've more of less given up on for the time being.
For instance, I've managed to get diagnosed with sleep apnea since my last assassesment to explain midnight panic attacks, but I ultimately failed to get on with the machine so I gave it back. I was also on anti depressants but have also given them up because I felt them ultimately doing me no good either.
So I feel like I'm going into this review a bit empty handed and it worries the interviewer will try to pick at this.
I'm also not entirely sure what I'm going to say to the questions but I noticed this site has guides so I'll have a look for those.
I believe I'm claiming more for the mental health side than mobility but hopefully when I'm clued up I'll be a bit more certain.
Thanks for reading and I'll try to make an update soon letting you know how it goes
The following user(s) said Thank You: denby
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- BIS
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1 year 11 months ago #276485 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic PIP review soon, misleading letter, uncertain on evidence
Hi Ellis
It can be hard to understand the system, but a lot of people have had their end dates extended, then a few weeks later received the renewal form. This is because they want to try and get through the entire process before the end date, which sometimes takes months.
Do have a look at the PIP guide to claims and reviews. benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip. You will find information about what you may get asked at the assessment. Be aware that the assessors quite throw in a curve ball which if you're not careful, can put you off your stride. It's the sort of question that, when asked you think 'what's that got to do with anything?'. If you get an off question - don't rush to answer it. Tell them you need to have a drink of water and then give yourself a minute to think about what you want to say.
You absolutely should not feel that you have been 'slacking in any way' and please don't say anything like that to the assessor! That sort of remark could easily be misinterpreted and PIP isn't about how much effort you might have made to get better.
It is perfectly alright to say that you have tried a machine for your sleep apnea and couldn't get on with it. Not everyone can. 40% of people in America can't use the machine - you might be able to find a statistic in the UK, which you can quote if necessary. The point is you shouldn't be penalised because you can't get on with it. You tried it.
I can't pretend that not being able to take the anti-depressants won't present you with a problem because some assessors don't appear to accept that some people just can't get on with anti-depressants. But PIP is supposed to be awarded on how much help you need, not on your specific condition or the amount of medication you take - so if it comes up make it clear that you still have problems.
Have a look at the guide and come back if you have any further questions and we will try to help.
Good luck
BIS
It can be hard to understand the system, but a lot of people have had their end dates extended, then a few weeks later received the renewal form. This is because they want to try and get through the entire process before the end date, which sometimes takes months.
Do have a look at the PIP guide to claims and reviews. benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip. You will find information about what you may get asked at the assessment. Be aware that the assessors quite throw in a curve ball which if you're not careful, can put you off your stride. It's the sort of question that, when asked you think 'what's that got to do with anything?'. If you get an off question - don't rush to answer it. Tell them you need to have a drink of water and then give yourself a minute to think about what you want to say.
You absolutely should not feel that you have been 'slacking in any way' and please don't say anything like that to the assessor! That sort of remark could easily be misinterpreted and PIP isn't about how much effort you might have made to get better.
It is perfectly alright to say that you have tried a machine for your sleep apnea and couldn't get on with it. Not everyone can. 40% of people in America can't use the machine - you might be able to find a statistic in the UK, which you can quote if necessary. The point is you shouldn't be penalised because you can't get on with it. You tried it.
I can't pretend that not being able to take the anti-depressants won't present you with a problem because some assessors don't appear to accept that some people just can't get on with anti-depressants. But PIP is supposed to be awarded on how much help you need, not on your specific condition or the amount of medication you take - so if it comes up make it clear that you still have problems.
Have a look at the guide and come back if you have any further questions and we will try to help.
Good luck
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- denby
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1 year 11 months ago #276500 by denby
Replied by denby on topic PIP review soon, misleading letter, uncertain on evidence
Hi Ellis, I know it's only one person, but my neighbour has recently totally failed to get on with her C-PAP machine for sleep apnoea.
And while you need to be cautious about quoting this because damnably 99% of the NHS is unaware [it's not in the training yet!] - 7% of the whole population has a liver enzyme genetic issue. This means that many anti depressants and other meds such as dental anaesthetic and painkillers a] do not work/work properly and b] side effects can be much worse. So If other things eg you have found paracetamol does not work or dental 'numbing' is problematic, you could well be one of the 7 in 100.
For any reader this applies to, if you wish to look it up, it is called CYP2D6. If enough of the 7% find out and inform their doctors, I live in hopes that the NHS will catch up....
Denby
And while you need to be cautious about quoting this because damnably 99% of the NHS is unaware [it's not in the training yet!] - 7% of the whole population has a liver enzyme genetic issue. This means that many anti depressants and other meds such as dental anaesthetic and painkillers a] do not work/work properly and b] side effects can be much worse. So If other things eg you have found paracetamol does not work or dental 'numbing' is problematic, you could well be one of the 7 in 100.
For any reader this applies to, if you wish to look it up, it is called CYP2D6. If enough of the 7% find out and inform their doctors, I live in hopes that the NHS will catch up....
Denby
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