PIP Application Rejected

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As I expected my PIP application has been rejected - though more spectacularly than I imagined. Though told to expect to wait for my PIP assessment results in mid-September they arrived yesterday (4th August). They have rejected my claim, - not so much as rejected as flatlined it. I only got awarded 2 points on the whole thing for having to wear a stoma.

There is much I can agree with by the test criteria as actually written out. I can prepare food unaided, though this disregards my need to sit down on a chair in the kitchen to prep food and watch pans, etc. The chair counts as an aid. They asked me about that but fail to refer to it in the results.

I can manage my treatments but I do need a box marked with the days of the week to control dosages, and know when to re-prescribe – my interviewer seemed amazed that I had this devise without in being prescribed – in fact I had one lying around for years – I’m actually a lucky hoarder in that a lot of stuff I hoard just in case it might be handy one day actually does prove useful to me eventually. This aid is not mentioned as an aid to the very job it aids though.

I can dress and undress myself unaided – 0 points there
I can communicate – just answering the phone for the phone consultation killed any hope of a claim there and being able to order food online as opposed to struggling to lug bags from the shop proves computer literacy. From the waist up I’m fine, from thighs down, I’m fine.

They say I can mix with other people ??? With Covid going on mixing with others was never put to the test - so they should not be able to assess this – they’ve nevertheless given me a 0 there too. Though not officially self-isolating I tend to be a loner (and enjoy it) a lot anyway - Howard Hughes would freak from my level of reclusiveness.

On mental health issues 1/. There are no points consideration criteria. They only assess Daily Living and mobility. While I expressed some concerns on anxiety, and pointed out that a/. I don't think the consultants have taken that seriously enough for me b/. I intend to raise those concerns on my next consultation (Aug 31st) they note in the assessment that I have not been prescribed anti-depressants as if that equals complete sanity. They have a copy of a statement on my medical files - a statement from a health visitor stating that she feels my ‘mental health has taken a battering to say the least’ but don't acknowledge it - but given they offer zero points even if you are diagnosed depressed it is almost a side show..

They make zero effort to consider my heavy medication regime, despite questioning me on it in detail - the stoma bag often being visible to others, or my stress in knowing the cancer could return or other areas deemed dormant could go active makes me feel like a time bomb.

I think appealing would be a waste of time given how few points I have. I might upgrade a point or two here and there but reaching enough to win the claim would be impossible. 2 points out of a possible 98 is the worst I ever did in any test, but this is a test where you fail if you can at least write your own name on the test paper.
As I expected my PIP application has been rejected - though more spectacularly than I imagined. Though told to expect to wait for my PIP assessment results in mid-September they arrived yesterday (4th August). They have rejected my claim, - not so much as rejected as flatlined it. I only got awarded 2 points on the whole thing for having to wear a stoma.
There is much I can agree with by the test criteria as actually written out. I can prepare food unaided, though this disregards my need to sit down on a chair in the kitchen to prep food and watch pans, etc. The chair counts as an aid. They asked me about that but fail to refer to it in the results.
I can manage my treatments but I do need a box marked with the days of the week to control dosages, and know when to re-prescribe – my interviewer seemed amazed that I had this devise without in being prescribed – in fact I had one lying around for years – I’m actually a lucky hoarder in that a lot of stuff I hoard just in case it might be handy one day actually does prove useful to me eventually. This aid is not mentioned as an aid to the very job it aids though.
I can dress and undress myself unaided – 0 points there
I can communicate – just answering the phone for the phone consultation killed any hope of a claim there and being able to order food online as opposed to struggling to lug bags from the shop proves computer literacy. From the waist up I’m fine, from thighs down, I’m fine.
They say I can mix with other people ??? With Covid going on mixing with others was never put to the test - so they should not be able to assess this – they’ve nevertheless given me a 0 there too. Though not officially self-isolating I tend to be a loner (and enjoy it) a lot anyway - Howard Hughes would freak from my level of reclusiveness.
On mental health issues 1/. There are no points consideration criteria. They only assess Daily Living and mobility. While I expressed some concerns on anxiety, and pointed out that a/. I don't think the consultants have taken that seriously enough for me b/. I intend to raise those concerns on my next consultation (Aug 31st) they note in the assessment that I have not been prescribed anti-depressants as if that equals complete sanity. They have a copy of a statement on my medical files - a statement from a health visitor stating that she feels my ‘mental health has taken a battering to say the least’ but don't acknowledge it - but given they offer zero points even if you are diagnosed depressed it is almost a side show..
They make zero effort to consider my heavy medication regime, despite questioning me on it in detail - the stoma bag often being visible to others, or my stress in knowing the cancer could return or other areas deemed dormant could go active makes me feel like a time bomb.
I think appealing would be a waste of time given how few points I have. I might upgrade a point or two here and there but reaching enough to win the claim would be impossible. 2 points out of a possible 98 is the worst I ever did in any test, but this is a test where you fail if you can at least write your own name on the test paper.
The main takeaway I get is the DWP don't allow for the range of work someone who suddenly becomes disabled due to illness or injury has done or has experience in. Most of my work has been in stock control (warehousing, sorting rooms) and call centre work )usually disastrously in the latter case).  Warehousing involves heavy lifting, and pushing pump trucks / pallets around - stuff that would split or bust a stoma bag open easily.  Few employers are likely to open up job offers to me outside my skill/experience set and less so with the Covid fuelled higher employment level giving them a lot more young, fit, capable applicants to consider - I was about to apply for post office work again when my diagnosis kicked in - it's now the time that application process starts again but there would be no point in me going for that this time - scary that it has been nearly a year since my symptoms first raised alarm bells - so much of that time spent cut off through covid and my own condition treatments - yes, by the DWP definition I am able to apply for work - there's nothing stopping me applying to be a pilot or a marine biologist - that I have zero relevant experience, knowledge  in such areas or chance of getting the roles is irrelevant beside my ability to apply and waste everybody's time therefore i'm designated fit for work. They don't narrow it down to what you might realistically have any point in applying for anyway. 

latchbrook over 3 years ago

Hi Forester42

I'm sorry to read that your PIP application has been refused.

I can see that you posted about this a couple of days ago in another group and I wondered if you'd seen the reply you've had. If not clicking here will take you straight to it.

I don't personally have any experience with this but I know that the people on the Macmillan Support Line will have and I'd recommend that you give them a call on 0808 808 0000. It's free to call and they're available every day of the week between 8am and 8pm (Monday to Friday) and 9am to 5pm (Saturday and Sunday).

Wishing you all the best

"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

Forester42 over 3 years ago in reply to latchbrook

Thanks Latchbrook, certainly will be contacting the number given, possibly tomorrow

latchbrook over 3 years ago in reply to Forester42

Let me know how you get on.

"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

WallWalker over 3 years ago

Sorry you are going thru this on top of everything else. Something seems wrong. I went to the website called the separate number for people with a terminal diagnosis. I answered her questions and she was so kind. I then called my GP and they filled out DS1500 and then i got my full pip including the mobility. Try again. I didnt do anything with points or anything.