Assessor not listening

Hi NotHappy

I'm sorry you find yourself in this position. Have you got a copy of the assessor's report (PA4)? If you haven't, you need to ring the DWP and ask for it. It takes 7 - 10 days to arrive. You have one month from the date on the decision letter to get in your Mandatory Reconsideration.

You need to know exactly where you have lost the points. I understand your annoyance about what she wrote about the help, but whether the help you require is from someone familiar or from a stranger will not make a difference to the PIP points you are awarded.

I get that her judgement diminishes the seriousness of your condition- but even correcting that mistake (which you should do) - you still need to see on what specific questions you lost the points you had before.

The mistake on the medicine is easy to correct and I would copy the information from the NHS website and use a highlighter pen that says it's an antipsychotic medicine www.nhs.uk/medicines/aripiprazole/about-aripiprazole/ I would also point out that it does not "cure" the condition and your symptoms are not easily managed (hence why you need people you are familiar with). I would also emphasise the impact of auditory hallucinations (again).

You're probably tempted to criticise the assessor for her lack of knowledge - but don't, because it won't make any difference. If you want to put in a complaint later - do so - but at this point, I would just say that she is "mistaken," she "misunderstood", etc. The important thing to get over is that your condition has not changed and the distressing and potentially dangerous nature of your condition.

Do have a look at the Guide to PIP Appeals, which has information on submitting a Mandatory Reconsideration. There is also a guide on challenging a medical report, which you will have to do.

Come back if you have any more questions, and we will try and help.

BIS