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Autism affects me daily - PIP assesor disagrees
- Veronica Walker
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1 week 3 days ago #309299 by Veronica Walker
Autism affects me daily - PIP assesor disagrees was created by Veronica Walker
Hello,
I recently had a PIP assessment over the telephone. I haven't recieved a decision letter yet, however I did request a copy of the report.
There are many inaccuracies within it as I struggle to communicate with people who I do not know.
My main concern is that the assessor has used the term "she doesn't like..." repeatedly. E.g. "she doesn't like cooking because of smell". It's not that Ijust don't like cooking, the sensory overload of being around any food that is cooking causes what feels like physical pain.
I plan to do a MR as I feel what is written shows no understanding of Autism and the impact on my daily life. I'm unsure though of how to convey in the MR that its not that I justdont like something or justdont want to.
Any help greatly appreciated.
A couple of other inaccuracies;
I was asked if I held a drivers license, not if I currently drive or own a car. The report says I drive places if I need to - this was never discussed and I explained during other parts of the conversation that my parents drive me to appointments.
I was asked if I own any pets. The report says I regularly walk my dog, however, I explained that for the past 3 years I have employed a dog walker.
I recently had a PIP assessment over the telephone. I haven't recieved a decision letter yet, however I did request a copy of the report.
There are many inaccuracies within it as I struggle to communicate with people who I do not know.
My main concern is that the assessor has used the term "she doesn't like..." repeatedly. E.g. "she doesn't like cooking because of smell". It's not that Ijust don't like cooking, the sensory overload of being around any food that is cooking causes what feels like physical pain.
I plan to do a MR as I feel what is written shows no understanding of Autism and the impact on my daily life. I'm unsure though of how to convey in the MR that its not that I justdont like something or justdont want to.
Any help greatly appreciated.
A couple of other inaccuracies;
I was asked if I held a drivers license, not if I currently drive or own a car. The report says I drive places if I need to - this was never discussed and I explained during other parts of the conversation that my parents drive me to appointments.
I was asked if I own any pets. The report says I regularly walk my dog, however, I explained that for the past 3 years I have employed a dog walker.
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- latetrain
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1 week 3 days ago #309315 by latetrain
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by latetrain on topic Autism affects me daily - PIP assesor disagrees
Hi Veronica
In case you are not aware, your real name appears to be showing in the forum, if you want to change this then follow the instructions in the following FAQ
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/faq/forum
When you have the assessors report, you will have a better understanding of how the DWP Decision Maker has come to their conclusions and you will now be able to argue against them.
I usually use a highlighter to highlight any inaccuracies, once you have gone through the report you then set out why you are applying for a MR and go through each descriptor one at a time why you disagree with the assessor and try and match it with any supporting documents you may have sent in.
Understand that the assessor is offering an opinion when they say 'in my opinion' you can do the PIP activities, tackling these head-on is unlikely to be successful, you need to show that the basis of that opinion is founded on incorrect information, so try and refer to your evidence to undermine what they have said, remember they are just an opinion which is not based on fact.
Also, try and stick to issues that lead to your scoring points, I often hear members referring to the assessors spelling, as an example, whilst it may show a lack of professionalism, raising it as an issue isn't going to help you get an award.
Your primary task is to show that you meet the criteria, there are many reasons you may have failed, you need to address each of these but don't get bogged down in criticising the assessment report unless you can clearly show that it is incorrect, it is a lot easier to argue the facts of the situation.
Lastly, make sure that you understand the criteria that you are being assessed against you can put the best case forward that is possible but you won't score points if you do not meet the PIP Descriptors.
The first stage to challenging a Decision is for you to request a Mandatory Reconsideration, have a look at our PIP MR & Appeal guide; benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip.
You can use a form called a CRMR1 to apply for a MR: www.gov.uk/government/publications/chall...ork-and-pensions-dwp
Gary
In case you are not aware, your real name appears to be showing in the forum, if you want to change this then follow the instructions in the following FAQ
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/faq/forum
When you have the assessors report, you will have a better understanding of how the DWP Decision Maker has come to their conclusions and you will now be able to argue against them.
I usually use a highlighter to highlight any inaccuracies, once you have gone through the report you then set out why you are applying for a MR and go through each descriptor one at a time why you disagree with the assessor and try and match it with any supporting documents you may have sent in.
Understand that the assessor is offering an opinion when they say 'in my opinion' you can do the PIP activities, tackling these head-on is unlikely to be successful, you need to show that the basis of that opinion is founded on incorrect information, so try and refer to your evidence to undermine what they have said, remember they are just an opinion which is not based on fact.
Also, try and stick to issues that lead to your scoring points, I often hear members referring to the assessors spelling, as an example, whilst it may show a lack of professionalism, raising it as an issue isn't going to help you get an award.
Your primary task is to show that you meet the criteria, there are many reasons you may have failed, you need to address each of these but don't get bogged down in criticising the assessment report unless you can clearly show that it is incorrect, it is a lot easier to argue the facts of the situation.
Lastly, make sure that you understand the criteria that you are being assessed against you can put the best case forward that is possible but you won't score points if you do not meet the PIP Descriptors.
The first stage to challenging a Decision is for you to request a Mandatory Reconsideration, have a look at our PIP MR & Appeal guide; benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip.
You can use a form called a CRMR1 to apply for a MR: www.gov.uk/government/publications/chall...ork-and-pensions-dwp
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Veronica Walker
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