[Gusto Brunt]

Hey this is a quick question about PIP.

My 63 year old auntie applied for PIP in July. She had the phone interview on Monday gone (September 8th) and this morning she got a letter saying she hadn't scored any points and that she wasn't going to get PIP.

She searched the Internet, and so have I, and we both can't find any other person who got a refusal letter so quickly.

It's usually a few weeks or even many months before a letter arrives. Bizarre.

[Ammi]

…I think the main focus for her would be that if she’s going to challenge that decision, to equally do that and respond with the same speed…

[arista]

Originally Posted by Gusto Brunt

Hey this is a quick question about PIP.

My 63 year old auntie applied for PIP in July. She had the phone interview on Monday gone (September 8th) and this morning she got a letter saying she hadn't scored any points and that she wasn't going to get PIP.

She searched the Internet, and so have I, and we both can't find any other person who got a refusal letter so quickly.

It's usually a few weeks or even many months before a letter arrives. Bizarre.

Reports
They are saying many are paying £100
for an expert to fill in the form to
get the higher score

[Cherie]

My understanding is she would need to score 4 or more in certain areas, not sure what they are but the government is clamping down on PIP claims even though the Welfare reforms didn't go through they are still quietly in the background refusing claims

[Vicky.]

She needs to appeal. Been a long time since I looked into this but it used to be something ridiculous like 80% of appeals are successful and go from 0 points to an award. Might be more now

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Vicky.

She needs to appeal. Been a long time since I looked into this but it used to be something ridiculous like 80% of appeals are successful and go from 0 points to an award. Might be more now

I don't think its going to be that easy now, they want welfare cuts one way or another

Yes, new applications for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are being targeted by the government. The UK government has announced significant reforms to the PIP system, which includes changes to eligibility criteria and assessment methods. These reforms aim to streamline the process and ensure that the system is fairer and better targeted towards those in need.
Key points include:
The government is introducing digital-first assessments and revised eligibility criteria to improve accuracy in assessments.
1
The number of new PIP applications has surged, with around 33,000 new applications approved each month, indicating a growing demand for support.
1
The reforms are expected to impact eligibility and the assessment process, potentially making it harder for some individuals to qualify for PIP.
1

These changes are part of a broader initiative to modernize the welfare system and address the challenges posed by the rising costs of living for disabled individuals.
2

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/b...ritain-working

[Vicky.]

Originally Posted by Cherie

I don't think its going to be that easy now, they want welfare cuts one way or another

The tribunal is separate from the DWP. Hence high success rates..it's independent

[Gusto Brunt]

Originally Posted by Ammi

…I think the main focus for her would be that if she’s going to challenge that decision, to equally do that and respond with the same speed…

She's not. To be frank, she took the thing as at least I tried.

[Gusto Brunt]

Originally Posted by Cherie

I don't think its going to be that easy now, they want welfare cuts one way or another

Yes, new applications for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are being targeted by the government. The UK government has announced significant reforms to the PIP system, which includes changes to eligibility criteria and assessment methods. These reforms aim to streamline the process and ensure that the system is fairer and better targeted towards those in need.
Key points include:
The government is introducing digital-first assessments and revised eligibility criteria to improve accuracy in assessments.
1
The number of new PIP applications has surged, with around 33,000 new applications approved each month, indicating a growing demand for support.
1
The reforms are expected to impact eligibility and the assessment process, potentially making it harder for some individuals to qualify for PIP.
1

These changes are part of a broader initiative to modernize the welfare system and address the challenges posed by the rising costs of living for disabled individuals.
2

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/b...ritain-working

She has been watching YouTube vids of people who are basically professional liars and benefit cheat who tell you how to fake a claim your illnesses etc. Guess my auntie told the truth.

You look at these people on YouTube, one in particular looks like a right con merchant to me. Her face has con written all over it. She brags how she can get you a win. Sickening really.

[Gusto Brunt]

Originally Posted by Vicky.

The tribunal is separate from the DWP. Hence high success rates..it's independent

She said she's not going to bother.

[Gusto Brunt]

Originally Posted by Vicky.

She needs to appeal. Been a long time since I looked into this but it used to be something ridiculous like 80% of appeals are successful and go from 0 points to an award. Might be more now

She's not going to. Maybe she will late after she has calmed down but just now she is angry she scored ZERO points and a decison was made barely 24 hours after the Pip phone appointment. I'm angry too, because she is physically disabled. .

[Gusto Brunt]

Originally Posted by arista

Reports
They are saying many are paying £100
for an expert to fill in the form to
get the higher score

Yes, I've seen them on YouTube.

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by Gusto Brunt

She's not. To be frank, she took the thing as at least I tried.

….ahhhhh, she’s obviously accepting of that initial assessment and has peace with that, it’s her call and decision really….…

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by Gusto Brunt

She's not going to. Maybe she will late after she has calmed down but just now she is angry she scored ZERO points and a decison was made barely 24 hours after the Pip phone appointment. I'm angry too, because she is physically disabled. .

…ahhhh, she’s not at peace with it, then…but it’s her call if she wants to challenge…I know (…believe…)…there is a time frame so if she feels emotionally strong enough then challenging would be a good focus for her and could completely change the outcome…

[Vanessa]

I would appeal. Take some time, but there is a deadline if you decide to do that.

[Beso]

This covers mental health as welll? Or not.

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Beso

This covers mental health as welll? Or not.

yes Parm

[Cherie]

@Beso

Eligibility for PIP with Mental Health Conditions
Qualifying Conditions: You may be eligible for PIP if you have mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, provided these conditions affect your ability to perform daily tasks or get around.
2
Impact Assessment: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) assesses your claim based on how your mental health condition impairs your daily life. It’s not the diagnosis itself that matters, but rather how it affects your ability to manage everyday activities.
2
Points-Based System: PIP uses a points-based system to evaluate your needs. You will need to demonstrate how your condition affects you on both good and bad days, providing specific examples of difficulties you face. For instance, if anxiety prevents you from leaving the house alone, this could be a critical point in your claim.
2
Application Process: To apply for PIP, you must be under State Pension age and have experienced difficulties for at least three months, with the expectation that these difficulties will continue for at least nine more months. You can apply even if you have not worked or paid National Insurance contributions.
2
Required Evidence: It is crucial to provide sufficient evidence to support your claim. This may include medical reports, personal statements, and any other documentation that illustrates how your mental health condition affects your daily life.
2


4 Sources
Additional Considerations
If you live in Scotland, you will need to apply for the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead of PIP.
1
You can claim PIP while receiving other benefits, and it does not depend on your income or savings.
2

In summary, if your mental health condition significantly impacts your daily activities, you may be eligible for PIP. It is essential to provide detailed evidence and examples to strengthen your claim. For more personalized guidance, consider consulting resources like the Turn2us PIP Helper tool or seeking advice from mental health organizations.


3 Sources

pipguide.co.uk
Can You Get PIP for Mental Health Conditions? 2025 Guide

Mental Health & Money Advice
Can I claim PIP? : Mental Health & Money Advice

Citizens Advice

[Beso]

Thanks @Cherie I will read that over tonight after work.

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Vicky.

The tribunal is separate from the DWP. Hence high success rates..it's independent

I didn't know that Vicky

[thesheriff443]

To be honest if she scored no points at all then it’s pointless appealing
If ahe was one or two points off from getting a yes you could challenge the decision but to get none means she is unlikely to get a yes unless her health and ability drastically changes

[Gusto Brunt]

Thanks, guys, for your replies.

Just to give you an update here. My auNtie rang the DWP this morning and they said the letter must be a mistake because they haven't decided her case yet.

WTF.

Seems they managed to attach her name and address to a letter meant for someone else. It hardly puts faith in the system!!

WHAT A FARCE.

[Vanessa]

Originally Posted by Gusto Brunt

Thanks, guys, for your replies.

Just to give you an update here. My auNtie rang the DWP this morning and they said the letter must be a mistake because they haven't decided her case yet.

WTF.

Seems they managed to attach her name and address to a letter meant for someone else. It hardly puts faith in the system!!

WHAT A FARCE.

Good. Hope she gets it

[Beso]

Originally Posted by Vanessa

Food. Hope she gets it

Starmers Britain

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by Gusto Brunt

Thanks, guys, for your replies.

Just to give you an update here. My auNtie rang the DWP this morning and they said the letter must be a mistake because they haven't decided her case yet.

WTF.

Seems they managed to attach her name and address to a letter meant for someone else. It hardly puts faith in the system!!

WHAT A FARCE.

…fake/manipulated news from our Gusto, again…?….…ahhhhh, it’s not great that the error was made but great that her case is still being considered…wishing her the outcome that she’s hoping for……I hope they add some extra points for the emotional trauma they’ve caused her in their error…