Should I try for a mandatory reconsideration?

Hi, I am hoping you might be able to help. I submitted my first ever PIP claim in January of this year (With help from the PIP guidance notes on this website) and had a letter two weeks ago saying that I have been declined/refused.

I have Complex PTSD/Avoidant personality disorder which has had a profoundly adverse effect on my life. I am now 45 years old and haven't been able to establish a normal adult life for myself because of the issues I have had with nervous system dysregulation. From childhood trauma avoidance became a way that I maintained the stability of my nervous system. But that same avoidance has had a profound effect on my life - I am now 45 years old without a home, career, family/partner etc. I have been out of the workforce and living frugally on an inheritance from my dad's death for over 10 years. 2 years ago I attempted to go back into the workforce and got part-time work, but within 2 months I had so much anxiety because of the level of fear I have working with other people that I couldn't maintain the job, was having to self-medicate to get into work, went off sick and eventually had to quit. I thought this would be enough evidence to gain me 8 points on the dealing with other people face to face question, as I have only been able to hold down work for two months in 10 years which could have been corroborated by the DWP by the fact that I have been economically inactive for all those other years, but apparently not - apparently because I can answer the door to someone or speak to a cashier in the supermarket I am fine. I submitted my PIP form with a Psychiatrists letter confirming my diagnosis dated December 2023 which stated that my condition was unlikely to change and further supporting evidence from a Cognitive Analytical Therapist I saw within the NHS last year, and therefore I thought I had a good chance of being awarded some help.

My question is whether it is worth requesting a mandatory reconsideration/potentially pushing this further to tribunal etc. I feel that the PIP form is primarily geared towards physical impairment and therefore although I have a severe and profound problem that has effectively devastated my life, it's difficult to get that across within the parameters of the PIP form. I have also been told by the Citizens Advice Bureau that I had no chance of being awarded.

The stress of being declined has also really knocked me and therefore I am slightly unwilling to push this any further if my claim is unlikely to be successful. I kind of can't believe it, I have always just tried to keep going, be as self-contained as possible and have been reluctant to ask for help. This is the first time that I have asked for some financial support, which would mean the difference between staying well or becoming ill.

I would really appreciate any advice on my situation, or if you know any specific agencies/organisations who could help me put across the problems associated with Complex PTSD/Avoidant Personality Disorder.

Many Thanks in advance,

Hi Catherine,

When you say 'if I came to you as a potential client' - is there any way of working with you on this?