PIP: Victory - at last

General health and lifestyle
1

Hi everyone.

Sorry I have not been around for some considerable time.

As some of you know I have been waiting for my Tribunal hearing and have been preparing my case for my day in court.

Well that day has come and today, Tues 1 August, I appeared before a judge, a doctor and a disability representative.

The hearing was not stressful. All three members told me they had read all the evidence which I had supplied. They showed empathy and understanding and listened to my answers to the questions they asked.

Interestingly no rep from DWP showed their face.

The hearing lasted 35 minutes, I was sent out of the hearing room while they made their decision. I was called back in and told they had reached a decision.

I have WON - PIP backdated to October 2016 (not to February 2017 which DWP said PIP should be backdated to IF their decision was overturned) and have been awarded PIP daily living component standard rate (which is what I applied for and believe I am entitled to) until October 2020.

The judge reported in the Decision Notice that the decision had been based on my evidence and that of my carer. It is worth noting that this is what DWP rejected at ever step of my PIP journey - original decision, MR, appeal submission.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have offered me advice and support. When I started my PIP journey I knew nothing about "criteria", "descriptors", what was and what was not covered by PIP, "assessments", the 165 page DWP Guide for Assessments. It has been a huge learning curve.

I would suggest to anyone who is starting or is on their PIP journey to stick with it, even though it may be stressful and/or daunting. Please do not give in. There are good people on this site who can offer sound advice, share experiences and support.

We can and will win what is rightfully ours.

Thank you one and all.

Steve.

I

 

2

That's great news Steve, well done! Always great to hear possitive outcomes!

3

Thanks Denise

I would like to say that I am grateful to you for your support, in the early days of my journey, which helped me see it was worth going to Tribunal, and also for your reassurance when I read DWP response to me taking my case to Tribunal.

Steve

4

You're very welcome Steve! I do actually remember trying to convince you lol i bet you're so glad you did now? It's always worth taking it to Tribunal because 65% of those who appear at their Tribunal are successful.

5

Glad it worked out for you it is very stressful

6

Well done Steve. So pleased for you.

7

Brilliant news Steve, and well done you for sticking with it through all the stress the DWP put you through.  Hopefully now it's over, the stress levels will drop.  

8

Congratulations Steve .....its disgusting that people have to go through this ...huge relief for you 

9

Convinced me you did Denise, something I won`t forget and made see that it worth continuing on the PIP journey and challenge the DWP decision every step of the way.

Yes, the waiting for the Tribunal was stressful but, from my own experience, the hearing is nothing like an assessment and they do listen and take on board all you say. I would add that evidence from those who know you and have provided support (carers, social services, doctors, consultants) is taken notice of, despite DWP attempting to refute what they might have said.

As you said, Denise, 65% of those who appeal, get their DWP decision overturned. As folks will see the avatar? next to my name reads "I am not a number, I am a free man". Not a number? True. Part of the 65% who have their DWP decision overturned at Tribunal? I can live with being a statistic.

10

Thank you Jane.

Stressful? Yes. Was it worth it? Definitely.

11

Thank you Bobbybo1.

12

Thanks Sukes

It is about sticking with it. Get the evidence, find what is needed to refute the reasons why DWP turn down the PIP claim, see help and advice.

My stress level dropped the moment the judge gave the verdict.

I intend to chill out and let this sink in.

13

Thanks Amanda

You are so right saying it is disgusting that people have to go through this process.

To that I would add that all I wanted was what I considered what I deserved and did not ask for or want more than I believed that the DWP descriptors and criteria for PIP indicated. It was a long process, and a huge learning curve, but thanks to the help and support I had here and my own investigations was able to present my case.

It is, as you said Amanda, a huge relief that my PIP journey is over and ended with a positive outcome

14

Well done Steve

Sue 

15

Hi Steve I wonder if I could ask your advise I work 40hrs per week I have a brain avm sleep epilepsy chronic colitis and just been diagnosed Friday with sleep apenea I don't get any benefits apart from free prescriptions which I just got a few weeks ago didn't no I could receive these lol I really love my work and I'm determined not to finish it if I can help it my hubby doesn't work he sees to everything including me whilst I sleep that's when my epilepsy affects me I was wondering is there any benefits I'm entitled to

16

Hi Betty

I would suggest that you start a new discussion about the points you mentioned.

I am no expert on the different types of benefit or which may apply to you.

Sorry I cannot be of more help but I am sure there may be others on here who have the information you need.

Steve