PIP Mandatory Reconsideration

Hi there!

I hope somebody is able to offer some experience in addition to what I understand from the guides ect

I recently had an assessment, like many others the assessor was not really listening and trying to undermine what I was saying. I received a copy of the report and there were elements missing, such as a discussion on PTSD.

Anyway, I received my award letter today. I was not awarded anything for Daily Living, although I tried to illustrate where I struggle on the majority of days. The award letter did highlight many of these areas but not provide any markings, I know they go off the health assessment mostly so did have some hope for this.

I am looking at a Mandatory Reconsideration, I have Autism so was wondering if beyond what others in this community suggest if there's anything I should do/say when approaching a Mandatory Reconsideration.

Thank you for any thoughts

Best

Hi Ben,
Looking at the date of your post, I think this reply might be too late to help you but I'm hoping someone else may read this and find it useful.

I have Complex PTSD, Anxiety, Depression and I've been referred, by my Mental Health Team for an Autism assessment. I also have a physical disability, although i am able to walk short distances. My first application for PIP, back in 2020, resulted in me being granted the Enhanced Rate for both components of PIP.

My 3-yearly review was sent off way back in March 2023. I'd had very little guidance and sent off the forms with what turned out to be insufficient evidence. I was still awarded the enhanced rate for Daily Living, however I was given 0 points on the mobility side of things. I really struggle with the Planning and Undertaking a Journey, due to my Neurodivergencies and Mental ill-health, and need to be accompanied.

The first thing I did for the MR was to contact my GP surgery and Mental Health Team to ask for ALL of my notes since 2020. They uploaded it to my NHS app so I could print off whatever I wanted to use. I highlighted relevant info and explained the symptoms/traits and how they hinder me when undertaking a journey.

I gave examples of when Journeys had gone wrong in the past, including when anxiety and hypersensitivity have resulted in me putting myself in serious danger, like getting off a bus in the middle of nowhere, in the dark, and having no idea where I was. Your situation will be different but I would definitely recommend giving specific examples.

I also found something VERY concerning in my GP record: the form that the DWP had sent to my GP, asking questions like how my disability and medical conditions affected me. The guidance with the form advised the Doctor they should see me in person to go through the form together; my GP did not do this, and out of around 10 questions, only TWO were answered: a list of my medication and a Box-Ticking multiple choice question about whether I could use public transport, which my GP answered that I COULD which is completely wrong. Incidentally, the GP DID fill in, in full, the details required to claim the £30+ fee for filling in the form!

After I had provided A LOT of evidence, comprehensive examples of how taking and planning a Journey is, for me, often impossible, I was award 12 points for the Mobilty component and now receive the Enhanced Rate for both parts of my claim.

Sorry this is so long-winded, but please don't give up hope. Get someone to help you obtain AS MUCH EVIDENCE AS POSSIBLE, and explain specifically how and why this means you NEED the extra financial support from PIP to help you live as normal a life as possible!