PIP and DLA. Strange goings on.

[Deleted]

I have recently applied for, and been denied PIP benefit.  I have no problem with that at all, as I never really expected to get a positive result.  I am very mindful that there are folks far worse off than myself.

There were a few very odd things along the way however ....

With the "new" PIP benefit, it takes a 40 minute phone call to actually be issued with a form. This is 40 minutes of questions - not waiting to be connected.  OK, I suppose.

I received the form ten days later.  Ten days?

I completed the form, and a week later I was told that I would be getting a "home visit" for the face to face assessment.  I thought at that point that I might be in with a shout of getting a positive result.  Home visits seem to be reserved for the really bad mobility cases.

Well it was with the assessment that the weird things started to happen.

I was asked do you have pets?  I replied yes one cat.  She stated as she entered the info on her laptop "One cat which my wife looks after"  I never said that.

I was asked can I cook a meal.  I replied yes.  She stated as she entered on her laptop " I can cook a meal as long as there is a chair close by that I can sit on"  I never said that.

I was asked how far I can walk.  I replied  with a walking stick and very slowly, and with difficulty about 100 yards".  She stated as she entered on her laptop "About fifty yards with difficulty".  I never said that.

She asked if I drove a car, I replied that I could but only short distances as my leg goes numb.  She entered "yes" as my reply.

Now here is the odd thing.  My letter stating that I wasn't entitled to the benefit, gave a reason, that I had stated that I could drive a car, and therefore my legs must have adequate strength.

I'm in no way complaining about the result, but just the strange manner in which the result came about.

I know that we have some disabled people on this Board, and that DLA is being replaced by PIP - I would say get some good advice before your "face to face " interview.  I'm sure that there are people that fully deserve, and are entitled to this benefit, who may get "caught out".

[bathstoke]

Thanks for that MrP. As I'm sure you realise, the difference between PIP & DLA is that claimants conditions are assessed by Healthcare Professionals under PIP during a face to face consultation(like you had)because there are not enough Drs to do this. The Healthcare Professionals are employed by the private companies; Independent Assessment Services(formerly known as ATOS)& Capita.
Where as a claimants GP, CPN or Consultant would have written to for an overview of the claimants situation under DLA.
If you feel misrepresented by your face to face assessment you need to direct your complaint against the PLC's.
All the bestXx

[mattador78]

Lost the dla we received for my son earlier this year due too the fact we couldn't get a supporting letter from the person who supported us last year due too there position being removed from the NHS. The only thing what got too me about it was the fact that I personally know somebody who's son the same age and has the same conditions as my son but not as severe. Due to the fact they don't do the same regimes as we do they are at the doctors every week with him or at the hospital, we follow the regimes take the time too look after him therefore he only goes to drs or hospital for reviews or checkups once or twice a year, which according to the board who review it doesn't constitute continued payment of the claim. The principle annoys me more than the loss of money we do what we are supposed to do and don't get it whereas they don't bother and get it?

[thevoid]

Sept 23, 2017 22:31:42 GMT @pturner said:

I have recently applied for, and been denied PIP benefit.  I have no problem with that at all, as I never really expected to get a positive result.  I am very mindful that there are folks far worse off than myself.

There were a few very odd things along the way however ....

With the "new" PIP benefit, it takes a 40 minute phone call to actually be issued with a form. This is 40 minutes of questions - not waiting to be connected.  OK, I suppose.

I received the form ten days later.  Ten days?

I completed the form, and a week later I was told that I would be getting a "home visit" for the face to face assessment.  I thought at that point that I might be in with a shout of getting a positive result.  Home visits seem to be reserved for the really bad mobility cases.

Well it was with the assessment that the weird things started to happen.

I was asked do you have pets?  I replied yes one cat.  She stated as she entered the info on her laptop "One cat which my wife looks after"  I never said that.

I was asked can I cook a meal.  I replied yes.  She stated as she entered on her laptop " I can cook a meal as long as there is a chair close by that I can sit on"  I never said that.

I was asked how far I can walk.  I replied  with a walking stick and very slowly, and with difficulty about 100 yards".  She stated as she entered on her laptop "About fifty yards with difficulty".  I never said that.

She asked if I drove a car, I replied that I could but only short distances as my leg goes numb.  She entered "yes" as my reply.

Now here is the odd thing.  My letter stating that I wasn't entitled to the benefit, gave a reason, that I had stated that I could drive a car, and therefore my legs must have adequate strength.

I'm in no way complaining about the result, but just the strange manner in which the result came about.

I know that we have some disabled people on this Board, and that DLA is being replaced by PIP - I would say get some good advice before your "face to face " interview.  I'm sure that there are people that fully deserve, and are entitled to this benefit, who may get "caught out".

Pretentious Irritating Prat?

[yeokel]

Sept 23, 2017 22:31:42 GMT @pturner said:

I have recently applied for, and been denied PIP benefit.  I have no problem with that at all, as I never really expected to get a positive result.  I am very mindful that there are folks far worse off than myself.

There were a few very odd things along the way however ....

With the "new" PIP benefit, it takes a 40 minute phone call to actually be issued with a form. This is 40 minutes of questions - not waiting to be connected.  OK, I suppose.

I received the form ten days later.  Ten days?

I completed the form, and a week later I was told that I would be getting a "home visit" for the face to face assessment.  I thought at that point that I might be in with a shout of getting a positive result.  Home visits seem to be reserved for the really bad mobility cases.

Well it was with the assessment that the weird things started to happen.

I was asked do you have pets?  I replied yes one cat.  She stated as she entered the info on her laptop "One cat which my wife looks after"  I never said that.

I was asked can I cook a meal.  I replied yes.  She stated as she entered on her laptop " I can cook a meal as long as there is a chair close by that I can sit on"  I never said that.

I was asked how far I can walk.  I replied  with a walking stick and very slowly, and with difficulty about 100 yards".  She stated as she entered on her laptop "About fifty yards with difficulty".  I never said that.

She asked if I drove a car, I replied that I could but only short distances as my leg goes numb.  She entered "yes" as my reply.

Now here is the odd thing.  My letter stating that I wasn't entitled to the benefit, gave a reason, that I had stated that I could drive a car, and therefore my legs must have adequate strength.

I'm in no way complaining about the result, but just the strange manner in which the result came about.

I know that we have some disabled people on this Board, and that DLA is being replaced by PIP - I would say get some good advice before your "face to face " interview.  I'm sure that there are people that fully deserve, and are entitled to this benefit, who may get "caught out".

I must confess I know nothing about PIP and/or DLA so am not qualified to comment on those but, did you challenge her misrepresentation of your answers?

If so, what did she say?
And, if not, why not?

[woodstein]

It certainly seems rather unfair when it comes to pip payments. Someone I know put in a claim. They had cancer and a serious operation and chemo because of it and was on sick long term with a school age child. They struggled to do things around the house and outside, they were turned down. A friend of this person said they had M.E. and was given pip payments. The person worked, went on numerous overseas holidays, had no children to care for and even became a fitness instructor!

[Deleted]

Sept 24, 2017 12:33:12 GMT yeokel said:

Sept 23, 2017 22:31:42 GMT @pturner said:

I have recently applied for, and been denied PIP benefit.  I have no problem with that at all, as I never really expected to get a positive result.  I am very mindful that there are folks far worse off than myself.

There were a few very odd things along the way however ....

With the "new" PIP benefit, it takes a 40 minute phone call to actually be issued with a form. This is 40 minutes of questions - not waiting to be connected.  OK, I suppose.

I received the form ten days later.  Ten days?

I completed the form, and a week later I was told that I would be getting a "home visit" for the face to face assessment.  I thought at that point that I might be in with a shout of getting a positive result.  Home visits seem to be reserved for the really bad mobility cases.

Well it was with the assessment that the weird things started to happen.

I was asked do you have pets?  I replied yes one cat.  She stated as she entered the info on her laptop "One cat which my wife looks after"  I never said that.

I was asked can I cook a meal.  I replied yes.  She stated as she entered on her laptop " I can cook a meal as long as there is a chair close by that I can sit on"  I never said that.

I was asked how far I can walk.  I replied  with a walking stick and very slowly, and with difficulty about 100 yards".  She stated as she entered on her laptop "About fifty yards with difficulty".  I never said that.

She asked if I drove a car, I replied that I could but only short distances as my leg goes numb.  She entered "yes" as my reply.

Now here is the odd thing.  My letter stating that I wasn't entitled to the benefit, gave a reason, that I had stated that I could drive a car, and therefore my legs must have adequate strength.

I'm in no way complaining about the result, but just the strange manner in which the result came about.

I know that we have some disabled people on this Board, and that DLA is being replaced by PIP - I would say get some good advice before your "face to face " interview.  I'm sure that there are people that fully deserve, and are entitled to this benefit, who may get "caught out".

I must confess I know nothing about PIP and/or DLA so am not qualified to comment on those but, did you challenge her misrepresentation of your answers?

If so, what did she say?
And, if not, why not?

I honestly don't know mate.  This assessor seemed to be "helping"?  It was just so odd.  My wife was in the room and I kept giving her sideways glances as if to say "what the fuck is going on here?".  But you are right, I should have corrected her.

I suppose the biggest surprise was the fact that I could drive, being the reason for the claim being turned down.  The "Motorbility" scheme runs to provide cars to people who claim PIP (mobility).  I realise that those cars can be for "carers", but I know that most often the recipient of the PIP drives the car.

As I have said I always knew that I was more than likely going to be turned down, it's the reason given that foxes me a bit.

[Deleted]

Sept 24, 2017 6:29:13 GMT bathstoke said:

Thanks for that MrP. As I'm sure you realise, the difference between PIP & DLA is that claimants conditions are assessed by Healthcare Professionals under PIP during a face to face consultation(like you had)because there are not enough Drs to do this. The Healthcare Professionals are employed by the private companies; Independent Assessment Services(formerly known as ATOS)& Capita.
Where as a claimants GP, CPN or Consultant would have written to for an overview of the claimants situation under DLA.
If you feel misrepresented by your face to face assessment you need to direct your complaint against the PLC's.
All the bestXx

I won't be appealing the decision or anything like that.  I only applied as I have gone from being a very active person (20 miles hiking being no problem) to not being able to make the end of our street - and that's hobbling along slowly with a walking stick.  Everything seems so expensive now - car or taxis for everything.  Even a pair of loose fitting socks costs £15.  I bought a pair, but only wear one (on my bad foot) and a normal sock on my good foot - makes em last longer  

I've read up a bit on this subject since sending in my "application" and can see that people far worse than me can't even get a "home visit".

My main reason for this thread is to warn the folks that really are, without any doubt entitled to PIP, to be aware of the "pitfalls" and take good advice.

It must be obvious that the change from DLA to PIP isn't just a name change, but a policy to weed out the false claimants.  Nothing wrong with that.  Also to ensure that only people fully entitled get the benefit.  Again, nothing wrong with that.  The thing is that there will be "casualties".  I'm not suggesting that I am one of those.

Anyway, for me the future looks a damn sight better than it did when I had my assessment. I saw a consultant vascular surgeon last Monday, and he is confident that with a specialised team of nurses, they can get my "country lane" veins and arteries working like "motorways".  I have a blocked femeral artery.

I'd rather get fit again than have any amount of money.

[retired]

pip is a government cost cutting plan intended to reduce the number of claimants .However it is based on your ability to answer the questions and nothing to do with how dissabled you.are.

[crowey]

.... same thing happening here in Oz. Most of the paperwork still done by GPs. Interesting to see that all the 20 somethings with one episode of drug-induced psychosis & labelled "schizophrenic" are still getting their payments

[Deleted]

Sept 25, 2017 8:56:03 GMT retired said:

pip is a government cost cutting plan intended to reduce the number of claimants .However it is based on your ability to answer the questions and nothing to do with how dissabled you.are.

What you need to do is tell them you're depressed and then when they do come wet yourself. Lie through your teeth about what you can and can't do. A good trick is to get someone to fasten your shoe laces for you when they visit showing you can't manage alone and tell them you pay someone to walk the dog/cat.

Then get a part time job that is 15 hours a week on the book but 50 hours cash in hand that way you will be better off than you ever were when you worked and the government will love you because you are showing willing.

OR, like me you could tell the truth and get NOTHING.

PS don't forget to get a blue badge even though you drive all week for a job.

I'm so sorry but trust me this is the truth. Our country is built for lying shits that know what to put on a form to get what they want.

Don't let the bastards grind you down mate, you never asked to be ill.

[iglugluk]

Don't fool yourself into thinking that benefits are easily claimed in this country. The last financial crisis caused a major hole in the UK's finances and the propaganda machine then swung into action and told any idiot prepared to believe it that we had millions of foreigners over here ripping off all our free services.
It was a short step to removing what are very necessary benefits to some extremely vulnerable people.
I've come across individuals dying of cancer in my work who have been denied benefits and adequate social care within a few weeks of their untimely deaths. Fucking terrible!

[Deleted]

Sept 25, 2017 20:01:57 GMT iglugluk said:

Don't fool yourself into thinking that benefits are easily claimed in this country. The last financial crisis caused a major hole in the UK's finances and the propaganda machine then swung into action and told any idiot prepared to believe it that we had millions of foreigners over here ripping off all our free services.
It was a short step to removing what are very necessary benefits to some extremely vulnerable people.
I've come across individuals dying of cancer in my work who have been denied benefits and adequate social care within a few weeks of their untimely deaths. Fucking terrible!

Yeh they are denied benefits because they have usually worked all their lives and have been raised to tell the truth.

There are millions in this country who have never worked and made a life out of filling in claims. They are masters at working the system.

If you have never put anything in , how the hell can you get benefits out?

There are many genuine people who get nothing but equally there are million and I mean millions who get benefits but should not.

I'll be glad when I'm dead, but then I suppose I won't be entitled to a pair of wings because I can walk to the lift that takes me to the ground floor. 

[iglugluk]

Sept 25, 2017 22:29:18 GMT rivival said:

Sept 25, 2017 20:01:57 GMT iglugluk said:

Don't fool yourself into thinking that benefits are easily claimed in this country. The last financial crisis caused a major hole in the UK's finances and the propaganda machine then swung into action and told any idiot prepared to believe it that we had millions of foreigners over here ripping off all our free services.
It was a short step to removing what are very necessary benefits to some extremely vulnerable people.
I've come across individuals dying of cancer in my work who have been denied benefits and adequate social care within a few weeks of their untimely deaths. Fucking terrible!

Yeh they are denied benefits because they have usually worked all their lives and have been raised to tell the truth.

There are millions in this country who have never worked and made a life out of filling in claims. They are masters at working the system.

If you have never put anything in , how the hell can you get benefits out?

There are many genuine people who get nothing but equally there are million and I mean millions who get benefits but should not.

I'll be glad when I'm dead, but then I suppose I won't be entitled to a pair of wings because I can walk to the lift that takes me to the ground floor. 

Yeah right.

[Deleted]

Sept 25, 2017 19:49:41 GMT rivival said:

Sept 25, 2017 8:56:03 GMT retired said:

pip is a government cost cutting plan intended to reduce the number of claimants .However it is based on your ability to answer the questions and nothing to do with how dissabled you.are.

What you need to do is tell them you're depressed and then when they do come wet yourself. Lie through your teeth about what you can and can't do. A good trick is to get someone to fasten your shoe laces for you when they visit showing you can't manage alone and tell them you pay someone to walk the dog/cat.

Then get a part time job that is 15 hours a week on the book but 50 hours cash in hand that way you will be better off than you ever were when you worked and the government will love you because you are showing willing.

OR, like me you could tell the truth and get NOTHING.

PS don't forget to get a blue badge even though you drive all week for a job.

I'm so sorry but trust me this is the truth. Our country is built for lying shits that know what to put on a form to get what they want.

Don't let the bastards grind you down mate, you never asked to be ill.

I was intending to apply for one of those.  I think that I may fail at the first hurdle as I'm not as fat as a pig.  Also there is no way on this fuckin earth that I will allow my local council to assess my mobility problems.  It's hard enough keeping the NHS on track.

[wagsastokie]

Sept 25, 2017 23:01:58 GMT @pturner said:

Sept 25, 2017 19:49:41 GMT rivival said:

What you need to do is tell them you're depressed and then when they do come wet yourself. Lie through your teeth about what you can and can't do. A good trick is to get someone to fasten your shoe laces for you when they visit showing you can't manage alone and tell them you pay someone to walk the dog/cat.

Then get a part time job that is 15 hours a week on the book but 50 hours cash in hand that way you will be better off than you ever were when you worked and the government will love you because you are showing willing.

OR, like me you could tell the truth and get NOTHING.

PS don't forget to get a blue badge even though you drive all week for a job.

I'm so sorry but trust me this is the truth. Our country is built for lying shits that know what to put on a form to get what they want.

Don't let the bastards grind you down mate, you never asked to be ill.

I was intending to apply for one of those.  I think that I may fail at the first hurdle as I'm not as fat as a pig.  Also there is no way on this fuckin earth that I will allow my local council to assess my mobility problems.  It's hard enough keeping the NHS on track.

Just renewed my blue badge although not as svelte like as one used to consider myself
I would probably have to discribe oneself as a slightly thin on the on the old pork side

Thanks for highlighting this problem as just started being transferred from dla to pips not my choice my daughter in law phoned up on my behalf
Apparently the women was helpful and polite on the phone until my daughter In law pointed out I was going to get norfolk disability rights to help fill out my forms

the attitude changed completely as my daughter in law pointed out I am intitled to seek any help necessary to enable me to fill the forms correctly
I would advise anyone seek independent help to fill out forms

[Deleted]

Sept 26, 2017 8:11:37 GMT wagsastokie said:

Sept 25, 2017 23:01:58 GMT @pturner said:

I was intending to apply for one of those.  I think that I may fail at the first hurdle as I'm not as fat as a pig.  Also there is no way on this fuckin earth that I will allow my local council to assess my mobility problems.  It's hard enough keeping the NHS on track.

Just renewed my blue badge although not as svelte like as one used to consider myself
I would probably have to discribe oneself as a slightly thin on the on the old pork side

Thanks for highlighting this problem as just started being transferred from dla to pips not my choice my daughter in law phoned up on my behalf
Apparently the women was helpful and polite on the phone until my daughter In law pointed out I was going to get norfolk disability rights to help fill out my forms

the attitude changed completely as my daughter in law pointed out I am intitled to seek any help necessary to enable me to fill the forms correctly
I would advise anyone seek independent help to fill out forms

And there you have it, You have to get  help to fill in a form for benefits that you are entitled to. It should be that as soon as someone finishes work due to  ill health that a government advisor makes sure you get all the help you are entitled to. Instead they make you feel like a criminal for daring to claim anything. The grilling I got at ATOS and the lies they told have been enough to stop me from even trying to claim anything. They didn't even know I had blocked arteries or that I had had a mild stroke, I told them I over produce adrenaline and get angry and heated very quickly, then at the next meeting they tell me I have anger management issues and I should get help in a clear attempt to get me riled up. Remember I am not supposed to get angry, I'm supposed to stay calm...yeh whatever dealing with them lot there is no chance of that.
We decided that these people were intent on either killing me with another stroke or heart attack or making me attack them to give them an excuse to refuse benefits.
I won't try and claim anything again, I'll rob a bank it's easier and you get treated better if you get caught. With a gender reassignment, drug dependency and a move to Islam I'll be fully equipped when I come out to get lots of help.

[Deleted]

Sept 26, 2017 8:11:37 GMT wagsastokie said:

Sept 25, 2017 23:01:58 GMT @pturner said:

I was intending to apply for one of those.  I think that I may fail at the first hurdle as I'm not as fat as a pig.  Also there is no way on this fuckin earth that I will allow my local council to assess my mobility problems.  It's hard enough keeping the NHS on track.

Just renewed my blue badge although not as svelte like as one used to consider myself
I would probably have to discribe oneself as a slightly thin on the on the old pork side

Thanks for highlighting this problem as just started being transferred from dla to pips not my choice my daughter in law phoned up on my behalf
Apparently the women was helpful and polite on the phone until my daughter In law pointed out I was going to get norfolk disability rights to help fill out my forms

the attitude changed completely as my daughter in law pointed out I am intitled to seek any help necessary to enable me to fill the forms correctly
I would advise anyone seek independent help to fill out forms

Be sure to get that help for the face to face assessment as well.

[wagsastokie]

Sept 26, 2017 22:19:28 GMT @pturner said:

Sept 26, 2017 8:11:37 GMT wagsastokie said:

Just renewed my blue badge although not as svelte like as one used to consider myself
I would probably have to discribe oneself as a slightly thin on the on the old pork side

Thanks for highlighting this problem as just started being transferred from dla to pips not my choice my daughter in law phoned up on my behalf
Apparently the women was helpful and polite on the phone until my daughter In law pointed out I was going to get norfolk disability rights to help fill out my forms

the attitude changed completely as my daughter in law pointed out I am intitled to seek any help necessary to enable me to fill the forms correctly
I would advise anyone seek independent help to fill out forms

Be sure to get that help for the face to face assessment as well.

Just received my pip form through the post
I consider myself not to have lacked a reasonable education
But god all mighty how is one supposed to fill out that form without some how having help

Any one facing this form for the first time please seek proper help from local disabled charities or such like advice centres