PIP Appeal

Hi all,

My partner receives PIP for his ADHD and PTSD. In August, we informed DWP that my partner's health had worsened since his original claim (November 2023).

I followed the PIP guides here (which were fantastic) ensuring we had as much medical evidence as possible and ensuring I completed the answers thoroughly. I was more reliant on my answers because, unfortunately, we don't have a lot of evidence besides my partner being under the local CMHT, notes from the routine check-ups with his psychiatrist, changes in medication, and counselling. We also included evidence of his contributory-based ESA decision from January which placed him in the support group.

We received the result of this review on the 23rd September (extremely quick considering the delays) so it was a paper-based review by the looks. The result of this review is that he went from 8 points to 11 points for daily living needs and still no points for mobility, meaning his PIP remained the same with him only receiving the daily living standard rate. On the letter, it mentioned it based this decision on the health report from his assessment in November 2023 (which if he had an assessment now, the result would be very different to how he was in November last year, his mental state is much worse).

I would like to appeal this decision. However, my worry is that we won't get far because unfortunately we just don't have more evidence to show how he's struggling day to day. I've requested more records from his routine check-ups with his psychiatrist as the notes from these are the only evidence I can think of that would document his state.

So I'm not sure where to go from here, if we have enough to appeal, and feel very overwhelmed. I'd greatly appreciate any advice

Hi Gary,

Thanks so much for your response, I greatly appreciate it. How do I request the assessor's report?

Also, I want to do this thoroughly and send my appeal by form, but the deadline is the 17th October (going from the letter dated 17th September). Any advice on what I should do in this short time frame? I struggle with my own mental health so only now was feeling up to the challenge sadly. Hoping I have enough time to get something sorted.

Hello,

I've requested a mandatory reconsideration for my partner's PIP. He has ADHD and PTSD. I'm currently putting together what I disagree with, the evidence etc. the deadline is 15th November.

He currently only receives the standard daily living rate (11 points) and no award for mobility (0 points).

I want to disagree with planning and following a journey, but I'm really struggling to evidence as to why he struggles with this. What I currently have for evidence besides what they originally received;

- ESA medical report (assessed April 2024)
- Carer's diary completed by me

I requested medical records from CMHT but I don't believe these will arrive in time. Sadly we don't have a lot of evidence. I'm heavily relying on the ESA medical report and my statement about how much support he needs.

For planning and following a journey, the PIP medical report stated;

Restrictions reported :
11A' 12A I can confirm that STAR has been considered in all activities, and recommendations are based
on the majority of days.' Current reported restrictions in CQ, HOC, SOH in 11 due to anxiety No
restrictions within scope of the activity in activities 12 which is consistent with the conditions reported and
there is no evidence to suggest otherwise. HOC/SOH report no physical/mobility restrictions. Although he
reports restrictions in 11 due to anxiety this does not appear likely. Whilst restrictions in HOC are
acknowledged, SOH does not report anxiety symptoms to be reaching the threshold of overwhelming
psychological distress symptoms, HOC further reports no hyperactivity episodes and no significant
cognitive/learning/sensory impairments and no extra anti-anxiety medications, therefore based on above
overall evidence 11A appears likely.

I'm reading through his ESA medical report and it details how a typical day looks, but it doesn't explain how he struggles to leave the house and how he manages when he is outside. It just says he stays home all the time (which is true due to his mental health).

How can I give a strong argument when I don't have evidence that directly states his issues with that activity?

Appreciate any and all help