They'd ALWAYS deny it for the first 2, or even 3, times! They know that a lot of people do not know the Law and just give up?!? It's a perfect way of "filtering out" the "incapable", i.e. most vulnerable, folks? Thus, reducing the number of the applications. I tried FOUR times and was rejected all four times! Even though I knew that by Law having MS IS a disability. So, I've asked my MS team for the letter of support, for all my test results, particularly, the Cognitive Test. Then I went through every single point (on the form!) and researched how MS affects every single activity. This helped me with the form. By the way, you should ALWAYS present THE WORST CASE SCENARIO when answering each question! ALWAYS! So, I took the DWP to Court. I represented myself! They had the MS specialist doctor during the hearing, who'd look at the points' questions and MY answers on the form, and the letters from the Hospital, and CONFIRMED that YES, I do, indeed, have MS! The DWP representative didn't even have a chance to argue my case, as she didnt have a clue about the MS?!? She did ask a few "simple" questions just for "ticks", and to prove to her Bosses that she did actually present a counter-arguement. But the MS specialist doctor has corroborated ALL my answers. I won, and was out in 10 minutes! But it did take me over 2 years to win, which caused me a lot of stress! Albeit, all the payments from the very first application date, were backdated!
I did my claim last year and claiming for mental health problems is a must. Mine took six weeks from start to finish and i did mine over the phone because i can't travel alone due to anxiety and panic attacks. I found over the phone assessment much easier and compared to previous assessments which were very difficult. The first time i was denied pip and i took them to court which was humiliating too. the whole process needs a major overhaul instead of making people feel like their begging for help. Great video as always laura, thankyou :)
Hi Lisa, so interesting to hear your story. I'm sorry that you had to go to court and that it was a humiliating experience for you, that just should not be the way. MS - as well as many other conditions are complicated. As you progress through Multiple Sclerosis you find that your mood and emotions change so much and low mood and depression is a big thing. It's not just physical, although it is that too. But you have no idea when the next relapse is going to strike and what damage its going to do. I agree with you, I think over the phone is better. Less pressure on you and you can be in your own place of 'safety' and comfort which reduces the anxiety. Over this last year my anxiety has got worse and it does have a huge impact. The dogs help immensely as I'm sure you know. I hope you're keeping well. Thank you for your kind comment re the videos, I often find that I can be anxious just putting them together! I'm not a natural speaker but I think if even it helps one person then I'm happy. Take care 🧡
@@lauraironstalksms Hi laura, thankyou for your kind words, i am doing ok but still waiting to move, we had the move date knocked back three times. I do think your mental health takes a dive when you relapse or learning to live with new problems like disability, this disease is so unpredictable and that is the key thing they don't understand when they assess you. you could be great one day and back in bed the next and all the problems like balance, neuralgia and fatigue don't always get taken into consideration. I hope your doing ok and the anxiety is at bay but yes the furbabies do make life more bearabable, i would be lost without bear, his awareness to my illness is astounding and he never leaves my side. sending hugs to you and the furbabies. lisa :)
I Started my own ADP (pip) in Scotland on November the 07th and received my decision on the 21st Jan enhanced for both parts. I was diagnosed with MS in June along with Spondylosis,my advice would be to get your consultant on board. Mine said to me at my second appointment to apply and that he would be more than welcome to provide any information that they would seek.Im now going through the process of ill health retirement
From filling in my review form in January. I just got my fone assessment on 22nd Oct this Yr.. 10 months and she said I will know in 2 to 4 weeks time..
Just did mine on Tuesday. Phone call assessment, 2hrs she cross examined me on dates, times etc about times I was at my consultant. Questions I just cudnt remember. Every medication, why, the dosage, when I was prescribed it. Why. When did it start. Repattive Questions, trying to trick me. Had to stop thr assessment 4 times. I told her I was in pain Nd didn't sleep well. I was tired etc. Just ignored me..
Hi. I had my phone assessment call on the 6th August & on the 7th September I had received a letter asking me for prof of identity to progress my claim. Is that a good sign? Thank you in advice xx
Hi, my friend was given pip in 2016, after going to court, and his health has not improved, but if they stop his pip, he said he will fight it in the courts because the decision that they made back in 2016 was wrong and he will pay back all of that money from 2016 even if becomes homeless in doing so
I'm so sorry to bother you, I applied for pip in march had my phone call 2nd may, had a txt on 3rd may saying my assessment is with the assessor and then a txt on the 20th saying the still haven't made a decision, so I requested my assessment letter and at the back page it says based on the claimant's likely future circumstances it would be appropriate to review the claim in 2 years what does that mean please? Thank you x
i am getting enhanced PIP for over 8 years next week i have my 2nd "assessment" even i wrote "no change" I am 61 and i guess they want to stop it b4 i reach 65
Lot's of people are finding themselves in this position unfortunately. It's very sad because for those people who really need this help and support it's potentially going to be taken away. Since being on PIP, I have tried several ways to get back into work, declined time after time with each interview. Finally an employer who took at chance on me, only a part time job... But 6 months later and I've had to go sick again due to my MS and disabling issues. Please tell me how the government want chronically ill people to work full time and survive?