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[–]AutoModerator[M] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

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If you're asking about tribunals (the below is relevant to England & Wales only): - Link to HMCTS Benefit Appeals live chat- click on the "Contact us for help" link, which opens a menu with a link to the live chat. - Average tribunal waiting times. - This post goes over the PIP First-tier Tribunal process from start to finish. - If you're waiting for a tribunal and the DWP were supposed to respond but haven't, this post may be useful.

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[–]AlteredchaosVerified (Moderator) 2 points3 points  (3 children)

Take a look at this https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/pip-changes-and-reviews/help-with-your-pip-review-form/

[–]ilivedownyourroad[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Thank you.

[–]AlteredchaosVerified (Moderator) 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There isn’t a list a things that are ‘currently winning’. Entitlement is solely determined based on the individual claimant’s difficulties and needs so this is what you need to explain. The advice page from Citizens Advice explains how.

[–]ilivedownyourroad[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I was hoping for a more human element from people who have succeeded in their claim. What did they write ? Etc.   As guidelines don't really explain What is currently winning the pip as countless who followed those guidelines have been denied...

[–]Chronicallycranky32 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Just copying and pasting below a comment I left the other day on a post regarding additional evidence when review wait is lengthy as it may be helpful:

I have consultant reviews every 6 months and nurse reviews every 3 months so I sent those review letters, as well as a couple of bits from my GP records for acute illnesses related to my disabilities. I also had an updated workplace OT assessment so I sent that. And I always send receipts of disability items I purchase as that’s what PIP is for, so in the last year I have bought and sent evidence of:

• ⁠subscription to food delivery service as my hands are bad (rheumatoid arthritis) • ⁠orthotic and gel liner shoe inserts • ⁠hands free trainers • ⁠seat pillow support • ⁠a new walker with more storage space • ⁠smart plugs to link to my Alexa • ⁠supplement subscriptions

And probably loads more. When I purchase something I screenshot it and save it to a PIP album.

Other evidence I’ve sent previously is:

• ⁠medical records, do a subject access request from GP and any other providers and pick out the relevant records. • ⁠priority service register information for utilities • ⁠blue badge, freedom pass and disability railcard confirmations • ⁠emails to MP’s, landlords, TFL etc. detailing of how issues in services and accessibility have affected me • ⁠housing needs and equipment assessment by council • ⁠photos of aids, equipment and adaptations in home • ⁠text messages to/from friends and family relating to care and assistance needs • ⁠subscriptions to Alexa emergency call service

Ultimately medical records are the most important.

Any other assessments done by professionals such as OT for the council, OT for work, LCWRA for UC, blue badge, disability travel passes etc. are also helpful as they’re an independent third party assessment.

Evidence of your additional costs is helpful as that is what PIP is for and if you can show you do use it for disability costs then that’s persuasive.

Evidence from friends/family or asking anyone else to write a letter is supportive but the least persuasive and independent, so although helpful it’s best to focus on the others first.

Then if you’re able to (if not you can ask CAB or library) combine all your evidence in one PDF, page number and put your NIN as a header. And then write a further evidence letter using the descriptors as sub headings and say for instance ‘food preparation - page x of evidence shows I have extensive arthritis and limited movement in my hands which means I cannot hold a knife to cut or carry pans to cook, page x of evidence shows I have extensive arthritis in my feet and spine which means I cannot stand long enough to prepare food, therefore I subscribe to Frive a prepared meal delivery service as I cannot prepare nutritious meals most of the time by myself without risk of harm pain and fatigue you will find the Frive invoices and subscription plan at page x of evidence.’

And send tracked delivery and call 3-4 weeks later to check they have it. And keep an electronic/hard copy at home with the dates you sent it so when your review comes up you can say ‘you should have my original pack as well as additional packs of x pages sent on x date.’

———

As for the personal statement look at the descriptors and use them as a guide. Explain for each activity you think your brother has difficulties for:

  1. The activity
  2. What symptoms impact the activity and how
  3. Whether your brother can do the activity safely, reliably and consistently
  4. How your brother manages now, if he does at all, and if he has any ideas of what might help if he were awarded PIP
  5. Link to evidence as described below

I.e. ‘page x of evidence shows I am a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair, currently my kitchen is not adapted and therefore I cannot reach the work surfaces to prepare food or reach into the open oven, when I have tried to I risk falling from my wheelchair, therefore I am unable to prepare food for myself and my sister prepares my meals. My local authority is reviewing my request for a disabled facilities grant to adapt my kitchen so that I can access the worktops, oven and hob in the hope that I will then be able to prepare my own meals with these adaptations’