Did they fail me in Dignity, fairness and respect?

Unfortunately its true that if you appeal or report a change of circumstances they can look at the entire claim, and withdraw something you already have.

I am in this position myself (wont go into details) where I could report that my situation has worsened. However I have been advised by two separate benefits advisors that by doing so I am taking a chance that I could be re-assessed on what I now have and lose out. So Ive decided to put up and shut up.

The system is rotten and you have my sympathy.

The system is rotten and you have my sympathy. Yes.

I would appeal. Nothing to lose.

OMG that is awful - I 'suppose' that I am lucky as with my myriad of health complications, meant that I didn't have trouble in getting my DLA (and the car is vital, or I would literally be housebound ... I will send you a message with some potential help xx

... although I expect that they will soon be pestering me 'to go back to work'!

I hope that you will feel strong enough to appeal when some time has passed.

OP, have you tried for advice from any support or self-help groups near you.
often those who have been through the system are best placed and more sympathetic to help newbies.

Very shoddy treatment, to say the least.

Can Citizens Advice help? I'm sure they have people familiar with this area, or might point you in the right direction

I think you should try to muster your strength, emotionally and physically, and see if you can get some help in appealing the decision. Not easy I'm sure - they appear to make it is difficult as possible.

nadateturbe

^The system is rotten and you have my sympathy.^ Yes.

I would appeal. Nothing to lose.

sadly there potentially could be plenty to lose. Currently giving me some money, so took a loan and using that to pay up an older car instead. To scared to rock the boat and potentially lose that money.

Have you written to your MP Pooohbear? It’s a dreadful situation to be in. Getting PIP is literally a lottery. I guess ADP is the Scottish equivalent? I’m in England. They seem to be tightening up on some benefits. I put down 14 different conditions on my PIP form but they seem to be reviewing it annually. Like I’m magically going to be cured. I do hope something can be done for you xxx

Hmm that complicates it Pooohvear. Perhaps contact your MP.

pooohbear2811

nadateturbe

The system is rotten and you have my sympathy. Yes.

I would appeal. Nothing to lose.

sadly there potentially could be plenty to lose. Currently giving me some money, so took a loan and using that to pay up an older car instead. To scared to rock the boat and potentially lose that money.

I can understand your reluctance, judging by the tawdry way you've already been dealt with.

'Let-sleeping-dogs-lie' thinking.

The emotional stress that's involved - at a time when you're at your most vulnerable mentally - and physically - does make you wonder if it's worth the effort, especially if you fear they may re-assess you.

It's morally wrong, the way you were dealt with, but you could spend weeks, months even, worrying about it if you take if further.

But I'd certainly check out Citizens Advice - or even Age UK - to see if anyone can offer you some advice.

nadateturbe

^The system is rotten and you have my sympathy.^ Yes.

I would appeal. Nothing to lose.

I think you need to appeal, tho I understand that putting yourself through more red tape is hard work when you don’t physically or mentally feel up to it.
You have been treated with no respect whatsoever.They talk the talk but don’t walk the walk.Good luck to you.

A friend was awarded criminal Injury compensation but was advised to appeal as the amount was much lower than solicitor expected. She took their advice but appeal was denied and the compensation initially offered was withdrawn,
She wasn’t informed of that risk and was very distressed as it seemed to minimise what had been a terrible experience for her.

My advice would be to put your energies into dealing with your day to day necessities first and get a car as it sounds as if one is essential for your hospital appointments.
Then you can look into the appeal procedure to determine whether you feel you want to go down that route.

Age UK will help with a Benefits Advisor please arrange to see one,they can word your appeal in a way the Benefits Agency will understand your needs.

I don't know if this has already been suggested but please contact citizens advice and work through this with them.
Unfortunately you were misadvised regarding the original appeal, but you should fight to get your car back!

I'd suggest trying to source a specific advice centre that understands your condition fully and talking it through with them.
Citizens Advice are very good but sometimes miss the nuances that are relevant and when you are used to dealing with a condition, it's something that you adapt too....but it's relevant benefits wise.

Please appeal. See if you can get support from a Social Worker or your Constant. I don't know what the process is in Scotland but in England go as far as tribunal and most people win.

Consultant

When I needed help filling in my PIP forms CAB and Age UK refused to help me. So my daughter did them. I sent alone with the completed forms 45 pages of medical evidence. Had 1 hour 46 mins phone assessment. I was turned down so I did MRN the lazy person who reviewed my case couldn't even be bothered to write a new report but just copied the original decision just changing a word here and there.
The Brain Charity got me a solicitor so I can go to a tribunal. It was end March last year when I had the forms and they received the complete forms 12th April. We are still waiting for a tribunal date.

Until disabled people either physically or mentally or both write the forms and assess them nobody will be treated fairly. At genuine disabled physically or mentally or both person can spot a fake a mile off.

But these able bodied no all who pass judgement on us forget anyone at anytime can become physically or mentally or both disabled at anytime.

I was born this way I have been fighting for 35 years for disability benefits but turned down because of no diagnosis. Last year aged 64 finally thanks to genetic blood tests finally I know what I was born with an it's rare.
I did contact my MP but there was little he could do as it down to DWP how they handle cases.

Poohbear you and everyone else who has been treated unfairly I feel your pain and sense of injustice.

This happened to my daughter under the English PIP. She had paid for adaptions to the car, and although she got her deposit back for the base model of the car, they wouldn't pay the money for the adaptions. She got time to appeal (I think 6 weeks) and Motability allowed her to keep the car until then but eventually, it had to go back. She went to tribunal and it took nearly a year to be heard but she was successful. For a couple of years she put off purchasing a car through Motability but in the end, she had to lease one. She is terrified of the same thing happening every time there is a reassessment.

Although she is awarded PIP for 3 years (the length of your Motability lease) she is sent a reassessment form after 2 years. The strain is just enormous on somebody with a physical congenital condition which will never change, just get worse and an anxiety condition caused by a Personality Disorder which is also unlikely to get better as treatment in this country is abysmal. Quite frankly, to treat disabled people like this is a disgrace.

I'm disabled (can't walk, use a mobility scooter) but HATE hospitals/doctors and don't want the worry of it all. Don't claim anything, using my savings. It really isn't worth the worry (I believe worry = worsening symptoms)

My friend used to volunteer for Age Concern and she was responsible for writing out these claims for people. She knew exactly what to write for the initial claim and any appeals, she rarely failed. She got training from Age Concern before starting however as a previous English teacher she was quite adept at expressing herself. You really need someone experienced in these claims to help you. My parents both went through this and their Social Worker completed their forms. I am really sorry that you are going through this however, please persevere, you are entitled.

Dee1012

I'd suggest trying to source a specific advice centre that understands your condition fully and talking it through with them.
Citizens Advice are very good but sometimes miss the nuances that are relevant and when you are used to dealing with a condition, it's something that you adapt too....but it's relevant benefits wise.

When we do Tribunal appeals for these clients we always thoroughly research the condition and discuss in fine detail with clients, if this is not happening then that is not the standard of service that Cit A expect