Gordon,
I have been meaning to write this for a couple of months to say a big thank you to you and all who operate this site, also give some hope to people like myself who are applying for or having reassessments for mental health issues.
My Pip renewal form, landed on my doorstep approx a year before award ran out on 8th Jan 2017, it was dated the 1st Jan 2017, I knew it would come a year early from your wonderful site, so I had letters from my GP, psychiatrist and my son all done and ready. Some of the boxes I ticked no change, but as my panic attacks had become more severe, I ticked the situation was worse in those boxes.
I posted the form with the letters, Signed for recorded delivery the end of January.
I heard nothing until the 8th March, when I received a different form asking me about my mobility issues, panic attacks etc, when did they start. I did contact you at this stage, to ask was this normal and I was hoping that I was having a paper review, but I also knew that the the new rules were coming in so my timeframe was tight.
I received my decision letter 24th March, decision made 17th March, they continued with my high rate care, but also gave me low rate mobility, the decision maker backdated the mobility to 1st Jan 2017, date new pip form was sent. I was awarded for 4 years, none of this could have happened without your fantastic information and help.
I requested a copy of the decision making form( sorry can't remember official title for it), but it tells you how decision was made. Every descriptor, referenced my gps letter, occasionally Psychiatrist input was mentioned and there was a lot of mention of my medication.
I wanted to give other people some hope, that it is possible to have a paper based assessment for Pip, this is my second one, first one 2014 and now 2017, but give them as much information as you can, copies of perscriptions and letters from people who help you most. Good luck to everyone, I spend all of Jan to March very anxious, worried and making myself even more ill if that is possible, but there are some good decision makers, who work on the paperwork and thank you Gordon and all moderators
Regards
Michael
