We cannot stress enough that you need to appeal in WRITING against a PIP decision, not over the phone. We know it is tempting to get on the phone as soon as you get the dreaded brown envelope, however this will ensure that they will reconsider the decision using the same evidence that day or a few days later, and will most likely come to exactly the same negative decision as it will not give you adequate time to send anything new in.
October is International Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) awareness month. As Hilary Gardner from Communication Matters explains, there are many ways of communicating, not just with words.
Disability Rights UK CEO Liz Sayce was interviewed about PIP and mobility on the Adrian Goldberg radio show this morning, for BBC West Midlands Adrian Goldberg radio show Listen to radio show - news item begins approximately 1:26:00 into the programme The show featured a phone in from Nicola, who has Multiple Sclerosis and who is now permanently in a wheelchair. Nicola had previously been on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and was able to have a Motability car to help her get around because she was in receipt of DLA high rate mobility component. When Nicola was reassessed, under Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rules, she lost her Motability car because it was decided that she did not qualify for the enhanced rate mobility component - 'Moving Around', despite the fact that she cannot walk at all. The latest estimates from Motability are that 150 to 200 people lose their Motability car, each week, following the transfer of their DLA claim to PIP. The DWP has so far been silent on this issue. They have now
nataliemlw ♦ October 11, 2015 ♦ 36 Comments
People with anxiety and depression should be offered talking therapies within six weeks, according to new guidelines in England. But while 100% of patients in some areas receive this level of treatment, it is only 5% in others - why does this happen?
A campaign to reduce the stigma around mental health in children has been launched by the government. It will use school visits and social media to urge young people and parents to talk more about mental health. Health Minister Alistair Burt said the campaign was "the largest ever" and would include an online hub of mental health information.