Borderline CFS and applying for PIP

[Treeman]

Also I remember one good piece of advice, if you are telling them you can do something, always remember to say “but"! In other words, don't just say yes even if it's something you can do - also explain the consequences of doing that activity

I agree. You have to be able to do it, " in a reasonable amount of time, repeatedly and safely" . As an example if they ask can you walk 100m but not fulfill the above, then it's a no.

 

[zeetha]

Thanks @Treeman @Emmarose47 and @keepswimming for taking the time and energy to reply

We've not applied for any benefits before, hence why we're so uncertain of the process. We do have the benefits and works guide which is very useful, but always good to hear other peoples experiences too.

Thanks for all the suggestions. The 'Yes but' one is one we may have trouble with as when talking to friends/family so often we try to be positive but in this case we need to be very honest about where she is right now.

I'll get in touch with them to ask about the recording - do I need to ask about breaks before the assessment too? It depends on how my wife is feeling as to whether she'll need any, and she might want to just get through it rather than taking a break.

 

[Emmarose47]

Hi, I asked for breaks on the call I think. No harm mentioning before hand that your partner 'may' need breaks. Sending all best wishes let us know how it goes

 

[zeetha]

All was easier than we were expecting, though glad its done. Rang up in advance and couldn't get it recorded as it meant changing the appointment date, but they were happy for us to record ourselves and for their to be breaks.

Assessor rang 20 mins late, but had read the form and was very easy to talk to. She mentioned straight off that we could take breaks, and we did twice for 5 mins. Call was 1 hour 25 mins which left my wife worn out as expected, but hopefully we were able to convey the fatigue/brain fog even though it is so hard to explain as you all know! Decision in about 6-8 weeks so now we wait.

 

[Emmarose47]

Sounds good glad it went OK.
Also good to know re recording proceedure thanks for that

 

[zeetha]

Well, we got the decision letter through today and it has been denied (which we kinda expected). According to them my wife scored 0 on every criteria which is a bit surprising and disheartening. We will probably go through the mandatory reconsideration as we've nothing to lose but I can't see at the moment how thats going to change anything. Feeling a bit sad right now.

 

[brenda]

I was turned down after plenty of lies from the examiner but went for tribunal. It took 5 years to get to appeal so got a lot of money backdated. The panel were wonderful apart from the doctor so keep going.

 

[Treeman]

My wife got 0 points and at the appeal the judge was fantastic. Told the DWP worker off twice and she was award full PIP.

There is another stage yet. Stay focused and strong. Good luck.

 

[Emmarose47]

Zeetha, think u may know but the benefitsand work forum is v good. It is ran by an ex gov worker and a lawyer, they really know their stuff and u can ask anything and get support as well as all the printed handouts.
Basically when someone is first assessed they arnt following proper proceedure so for some it takes a mandatory reconsideration or tribunal.
Keep going...

 

[zeetha]

Thanks @brenda, @Treeman and @Emmarose47

I've downloaded the benefitsandwork guides about the next stage and will be submitting for mandatory reconsideration shortly!

 

[zeetha]

Well the mandatory reconsideration is in and my wife is again scored 0 points for everything. Shes not sure she can cope with a tribunal but we're thinking about it.

I'd never do it, but it kinda feels like I'd have to make her do everything around the house and see how long it would take for a crash to happen and how long it would last in order for us to 'prove' she couldn't look after herself! Sorry, just a bit frustrated today.