PIP award at Tribunal
“Morning all, well thanks to much advice and B and W, I had a first tier tribunal… which was allowed! Hallelujah! I am allowed standard rate daily living component, and from 0 on the mobility component to 12 so the enhanced rate and I am truly grateful”
Dear Reader,
Obviously we’re delighted, though amazed, to be writing about the resignation of IDS and the abandoning of the PIP cuts.
Who could have expected such happy events, even a week ago?
But our joy is marred by the realisation that although IDS’ ministerial career is currently dead, there’s at least a possibility that he could be back in charge at the DWP before the summer is out.
Because if the British public vote to leave the EU, then Cameron and Osborne will almost certainly be toppled, possibly to be replaced by Boris Johnson.
If that happens, IDS will undoubtedly expect to be rewarded for his part in the Brexit campaign and there is a real possibility he will ask for his old job at the DWP back again.
IDS as one of the undead is a deeply scary thought.
Though IDS’ current replacement, Stephen Crabb may be no better than IDS. In fact, he may even be worse.
One thing is for sure, after his Facebook post supporting ESA cuts, we know he’s entirely ignorant about the benefits system – he voted for the cuts on the basis that everyone in the work-related activity group is fit for, and actively seeking, work.
Crabb’s first act as work and pensions secretary was to announce that the PIP changes have now been dropped and that there will be no more welfare cuts in this parliament. We’ve looked at the statements made by Crabb and Osborne and we’re not convinced that the Tories haven’t left themselves an awful lot of wriggle room for more cuts once the furore has died down.
Assuming they still have their jobs by then, of course.
We’ve also taken a look at what claimants might expect in the future if Osborne and Cameron stay in power.
Will ESA cuts still go ahead?
Will universal credit be quietly killed off?
Will attendance allowance be axed for new claims?
We can’t say for certain, but we take a look at the probabilities.
Meanwhile, the probability of a claimant winning their ESA or PIP appeal currently stands at 58% and 60% respectively – and rising. Which is no doubt why the DWP has been given £22 million to recruit 180 presenting officers for the next two years.
In theory, presenting officers should act as a ‘friend of the court’, helping judges to reach a fair decision. In reality, they will be sent by the DWP to try to discredit claimants and browbeat tribunal judges into accepting the DWP’s interpretation of the law.
Appeals are certainly not going to get any easier.
But, whatever problems lie ahead, just for this moment claimants have something to smile about.
Good luck,
Steve Donnison
Successful transfer from DLA to PIP…thank you
“I just received a letter from the DWP stating that I have been awarded enhanced Care and Mobility until 2026 (originally had indefinite DLA at same rates). I cannot thank this website and your guides and contributors enough, I know your guides helped me no end!..My best wishes to all here.”
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BENEFITS NEWS
What does the future hold for claimants?
Many people will have their doubts about the claim by the new work and pensions secretary, Stephen Crabb, that there will be no more benefits cuts in this parliament.
Could IDS return from the ministerial graveyard?
There has been much justified rejoicing at the resignation of IDS and the end of his reign of terror at the DWP. But there is a distinct possibility that his absence may be only temporary.
Have the Tories promised no more benefits cuts?
Have the Tories promised not to make any further benefits cuts or not?
DWP recruits 180 presenting officers to cut ESA and PIP appeal success rates
The DWP has been given £22 million to recruit presenting officers in an effort to reduce the number of claimants winning their PIP and ESA appeals.
Crabb, IDS replacement, clueless about benefits system
Stephen Crabb, the new secretary of state for work and pensions has already proved himself clueless about how ESA works.
PIP cuts will not go ahead ‘in their current form’ PM says
David Cameron revealed yesterday that planned cuts to PIP will not go ahead ‘in their current form’.
IDS resigns, allegedly in protest at benefits cuts
Iain Duncan Smith has spectacularly resigned from the cabinet today, claiming that he has been pressured too often into making cuts in the working age benefits bill in the immediate run-up to a budget.
Will Tories back down on PIP cuts?
There are signs that the Tories are beginning to backtrack on plans to make PIP harder to claim, as the possibility of a revolt by their own backbench MPs begins to grow.
Further increase in ESA support group successes
Statistics released by the DWP last week show a further small rise in the proportion of claimants being awarded ESA and a small rise in the proportion being placed in the support group.
200,000 will lose PIP altogether due to rules change
Analysis of benefits cuts by the Labour party have revealed that 200,000 claimants will lose their award of PIP altogether, the Guardian reports.
Big difference in PIP success rates
The latest PIP statistics reveal that fewer than half of all new claimants get an award, whilst almost three quarters of DLA to PIP claimants get an award.
PIP to be made harder to claim – 640,000 claimants will lose out
The DWP announced yesterday that changes to the rules for claiming PIP are expected to leave 640,000 disabled people with no award or a smaller award by 2020/21.
GOOD NEWS FROM THE FORUM
As always, many thanks to everyone who takes the trouble to post in the forum or email us with news of your success. We know it’s many readers favourite, and most encouraging, bit of the newsletter.
ESA Support Group
“I just found out I am to stay in the support group and my ESA is safe without a face to face. Thank you for your guidance. I supplied lots of additional information and used your guides. keep up the good work.”
PIP success thanks to B&W
“I got my PIP award until 20/2/20 today as my DLA ended and it looked as if I could lose my Motability car just because I was turning 64…This site was so useful and I followed its advice - in particular a letter from my GP was mentioned as significant in their decision. No interview required - all done via the application form…Best of luck to all.”
PIP success
“Many, many thanks and profound gratitude to the Mods and Steve for the excellent guides and all forms of advice. The brown envelope arrived today telling me that I qualified for enhanced both, scoring 24 points for mobility and 45 for daily living..”
PIP awarded until 2019
“The dreaded brown envelope arrived today. Been awarded pip until 2019. Thank you to B&W for all your brilliant information. Keep up the good work”
Successful DLA to PIP transfer
“Big thank-you to all here for the fantastic guides and information on the forum. The dreaded brown envelope arrived this morning and I was so anxious I couldn't open it. My partner opened and read the letter out loud, I've been awarded standard care and enhanced mobility till February 2019
Previously low rate care High rate mobility DLA. The relief is incredible and if I physically could dance a jig I would. Thank-you”
PIP success
“I would like to thank this forum for without your help and guidance I would not be here. I cant see how people can claim successfully unless they have read the member only guides as it really is a minefield. Thank you Mods and those that run the forum for your help and advice and all of you that contribute.”
BOOST YOUR PIP AND ESA CHANCES - 20% OFF ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP – OFFER ENDS MIDNIGHT FRIDAY.
Give yourself the best possible chance of getting the right ESA, PIP or DLA decision, whether you’re making a claim, renewing an existing award or asking for a reconsideration or appeal.
Subscribe now and get instant access to all our guides.
If you’re not already a member, join the Benefits and Work community before midnight on Friday and you can get 20% off the cost of your annual subscription.
Just type the following code into the coupon box when you pay: 85646
Claimants and carers get an annual subscription for £15.96, down from £19.95. Professionals get an annual subscription for £77.60, down from £97.00.
Offer ends midnight Friday
Good luck,
The Office Team
Benefits and Work Publishing Ltd
Company registration No. 5962666
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