PIP Tribunal advice

kevin2017

I had an assessment on 6th September with Atos to review my PIP, the assessor was very polite but failed to identify and understand my long term illness, the report did not identify the chronic pain and restrictions I have to live with everyday. 

My PIP payments stopped on 28th September, I contacted DWP by letter regarding 'Mandatory Reconsideration Notice', Received response back 30th October stating they can't award me with PIP.
I scored zero on every question. When I had my initial assessment in 2015 the Assessor suffered with the same disability and understood the chronic pain I live with everyday and was awarded PIP.

I am making an appeal to Tribunal and need some advice..

BenefitsTrainingCo

Hi kevin2017,

It would really help if you looked at the PIP descriptors and identified in writing where you think you should have scored points on the PIP assessment. You should also try to get some medical evidence or support from your GP explaining your health problems and the effects on your daily living and mobility.
You may also want to go through try assessor's report and identify to the tribunal which parts of it you disagree with. 
For practical assistance you could contact your local CAB or see if your Local Authority has a Welfare Rights team.
It is also really important that you attend the hearing and not settle for a paper hearing as you have a much better chance of success if the tribunal can have the benefit of meeting you and asking you some questions.
Please don't give up though, unfortunately we have to fight for what we are entitled to and we must use the appeal process to overturn the DWP's poor decisions. All the very best!

Lee

kevin2017

Hi Lee

My apologies for not responding earlier.

I am awaiting Tribunal date for my PIP Assessment, I have no one to accompany me to the hearing, is there any organisations which offer being an advocate to support me at the hearing.

Many thanks

Kevin

BenefitsTrainingCo

Hi @Kevin2017

And apologies also for our delay in response!

As Lee suggests, you could try your local Citizens Advice to see if they have any representatives, or your Council may have a Welfare Rights department (benefit appeal specialists). If you rent from a housing association many of them have Money Advice teams who represent at benefits appeals, or there may be an independent money advice service locally?

If you can't find anyone though, don't panic, and as Lee says, don't give up. Going to an appeal yourself (with some medical evidence if you can get some) is far more beneficial to your chances of success than being represented. And there are loads of good info pages online to help you  https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/apply-to-tribunal/ https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/your-hearing/  and also we're always here if you come up with any questions!!

Best of luck with it, and do keep in touch.

Kind regards,

Mary

kevin2017

Hi Mary

Many thanks for your advice, I will keep you updated on the Tribunal Decision.
In meantime I will be going through with fine tooth comb of the assessment report and highlight all the inconsistencies.

Kind regards
Kevin