Sharing my PIP journey, application, appeal, tribunal

I applied for PIP on 7th Aug 2023. I called up but failed to complete the form because of anxiety, procrastination and then I simply forgot I applied (a major problem of mine).

I have really bad ADHD, Cyclothymia & Foraminal Stenosis.

Got a call to do a phone interview in November and then it was rescheduled to December. Had the call on 5th December and within an hour, got a text that DWP had received the report.

I was worried that I would not be awarded as I had not completed the form, nor sent any evidence, but the overwhelm of actually doing these things overpowered my worry of not doing what I was meant to do.

12th December, I was awarded Enhanced Living but 0 mobility. I was a bit concerned because I felt like I was entitled to mobility. I felt like they focused on my mental health and completely ignored my physical issue. Against the judgment of others, I submitted a phone appeal. Honestly, I just didn't see myself successfully completing a written appeal. When a method is not accessible to me, I just fail to do it.

My appeal was denied. I felt like the appeal just covered what would make you quality for each rate but didn't actually state why they had not awarded me mobility like I felt I should.

I decided to submit an appeal. As usual, I did not get this done on time, but it looks like my late reason was accepted. I did this on the 30th March. I submitted what evidence that I had. I was meant to submit more, but as usual I didn't. DWP had until 4th May to respond.

I received a message today (1st May) stating that DWP has changed its decision regarding my entitlement in my favor, and the appeal has now been closed.

I did attempt to call DWP today to see how the award was changed. I do hope that I don't lose my enhanced rate, but even if I do, I honestly don't think I can do another form. I'm so bad, and the anxiety I get from it is crippling.

I just wanted to share this with anyone who has feels like their ADHD or other mental health condition isn't taken seriously OR isn't worth fighting for OR if your mental health condition makes it difficult to go through the process like it was for me because you just can't get things done in time or you have severe anxiety around doing it.

I feel like sometimes DWP feels like your symptoms will disappear for the application process but mental health doesn't discriminate. It doesn't matter if I am applying for something that would benefit me or not, I just can't get simple things done.

Hi there

Great news! And well done for persevering. As the mum of a son with ADHD I understand how hard it is to fill those forms in and remember what needs to be done. I have been completing everything for him, so such good news for you that you did this and were successful.

Anji

Thank you. I called up today, and the automated message told me my next payment was seven hundred and something, which sounds like enhanced mobility, too.
I'm not sure how long the backpay will take, but I didn't want to stay on hold to find out when I'll receive it so I'll just wait for the letter or payment.