DLA to PIP: My Journey

Would just like to share briefly my experience. I was formerly on DLA, middle rate care and lower rate mobility, for multiple conditions such as borderline personality disorder, psychosis, Asperger's Syndrome and more. I was told I would need to apply for PIP back in February, which I did. However, I was not a member of this website when I filled in my form and subsequently had my (unhelpful and uncomfortable) medical assessment. The conclusion came back in May... zero points. ZERO.

I then became a member of Benefits and Work, and went through the process of the mandatory reconsideration. Again, the result came back - zero points.

I persevered. I continued to look through the guides and with their help, set about applying for a tribunal hearing. I was lucky in that I had a representative from a local disability charity to help me, too. With these backups, my tribunal was held yesterday. I was incredibly nervous and had my mum and best friend there to support me and back up what I was saying.

We waited there and then for the decision: 13 points for care (Enhanced), 10 points for mobility (Standard). I am now back where I was before! The tribunal panel were incredibly understanding and sympathetic, and my mum said she could see from the start they were on my side. The award is only for three years, but after scoring zero points before the tribunal, I am taking it as a huge win.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team behind this site for their excellent guides and support. Without it, I think I would still be a gibbering wreck after first being turned down! THANK YOU!

That's great news Amanda! Thanks for letting us know and for your kind words about B+W