Atos stopped my pip in May, I asked for a mandatory reconsideration but they didn't change the decision. I have a hormonal imbalance (Hypogonadism), OCD, Severe depression, generalised anxiety and tried committing suicide 8 times since 2010.

I just can't be bothered with the stress of appealing the decision. Is it common for people who are actually in need of this benefit not to appeal?

Hi,

That's what the Regime (or Government) wants, this is why they have made PIP entry near enough impossible for the majority.

Please go to your Council and ask to speak to one of the Income Maximisation Officers, or if you live in a property by a Housing association, ring them tomorrow first thing and ask for the debt/benefits advisers (these people are mainly tagged onto the Finance Dept.), they will help you with your appeal and some will even come with you if required because of your depression and anxiety.

Stigman

I just can't be bothered with the stress of appealing the decision. Is it common for people who are actually in need of this benefit not to appeal?

Please PLEASE please, do NOT give up!

It took me three years of legal arguing with the DWP to get me on ESA and in the support group, after I had been on Incapacity Benefit since 2007.

you maybe can try MIND charity for mental health if that is of any help -

site - http://www.mind.org.uk/

then browse their site to find a local mind office (browse for local minds on the site)

My appeal is in July dating back from September when I was almost completely debilated. I have loads of mental issues and a debilitating hormone inbalance. I was also a chronic alcoholic which made things worse.

However since being detoxed from alcohol in the beginning of this month I've started feeling slightly better.

If I go to appeal will they they take into account how I was from September to April 1st or how I am now? And if the appeal was successful will they only backdate money for the past 8 month and not award me pip because of how i am now?

The appeal only considers how you were at the time of the decision, any improvement or deterioration since then is disregarded.

Thanks. Am I better off getting a solicitor or cab to represent me?

Unless you can find one who will work for free, a solicitor is going to cost more than you could possibly gain.

CAB may be able to help, also try any other welfare/benefits advice available (e.g. your local council) or charities specific to your conditions. If you cannot get 'professional' help, don't worry too much as it's not really expected, but do make sure you take someone with you if you can, particularly if you are claiming problems with going out or socialising.

There is plenty of information on this forum and others about appeals, but do be aware that far fewer people post about positive outcomes than negative, and the success rate for PIP appeals is currently very high.

Thanks a lot. Been to cab. They've taken all the sheets which the tribunal sent me relating to my appeal, 300 pages and an expert is going to phone me for an appointment but they did say they might not be able to represent me at the tribunal but will tell me what to do etc...

I'll probably take my mum with me since she came with me to the assessment.

Won pip appeal on wednesday. I scored 9 points for the standard rate of pip. From september 2016 to september 2019 but they more than likely take it off me again before then.

Does anyone know when I'll get my backdated money?

From the date of you org application I think

The backdated money will normally be in your bank within 4 weeks, but allow six, it is often a lot sooner!

Cheers mate.