Hi I was wondering if anyone can help me claim PIP. Briefly, I have severe mental health issues, whilst I was unemployed for nearly 15 months I was told by a local organisation who were supposed to help me find work (they didnt) that I would be able to claim PIP. They helped me complete an application, which was accompanied by medical notes, had a "medical assessment" by someone who didn't seem to know much more than I did about mental health and my application got rejected. I then asked the local organisation who helped me start the process to help me appeal and they left me to my own devices. Stating because I was no longer using their services they couldn't help me. So without seeking further assistance, I went through the first stage appeal process myself and the claim was rejected. After that I just couldn't face going through the further appeal process etc so gave up. The whole process and the questions asked etc is completely geared towards physical disability and does not really account for the mental and psychological elements. I would like to attempt another application with some better guidance because although I have recently started working again my mental health issues are not going away and I fear that holding onto the job that has taken me so long to get will be difficult. Any guidance would be appreciated and if I have missed anything please let me know. Thanks K

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Document Sources of Interest Personal Independence Payment (PIP) https://www.gov.uk/pip Personal Independence Payment Handbook https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-fact-sheets Northern Ireland - Personal Independence Payment (PIP) http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and-services/people-with-disabilities/financial-support-for-people-with-disabilites/personal-independence-payment-pip.htm The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) toolkit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-personal-independence-payment-toolkit-for-partners/the-personal-independence-payment-pip-toolkit-for-partners Personal Independence Payment Assessment Guide for Assessment providers https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers PIP Postcode Map (UK) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pip-postcode-map-uk How to Appeal Against a Decision Made by the Department for Work and Pensions. (Form SSCS1A) http://hmctsformfinder.justice.gov.uk/HMCTS/GetLeaflet.do?court_leaflets_id=2724 Notice of Appeal Against a Decision of the Department for Work and Pensions (SSCS1) http://hmctsformfinder.justice.gov.uk/HMCTS/GetLeaflet.do?court_leaflets_id=2724 National Audit office (NAO) - Personal Independence Payment http://www.nao.org.uk/report/personal-independence-payments-pip/ Citizens Advice Bureau- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/benefits_w/benefits_sick_or_disabled_people_and_carers_ew/benefits_personal_independence_payment_e/benefits_pip_who_can_get_it_e/pip_the_presence_and_residence_conditions.htm The Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2013/9780111532072/contents CAPITA Health and Wellbeing - Personal Independence Payment - Information Portal http://www.capita-pip.co.uk/ ATOS Healthcare – Personal Independence Payment Assessment http://www.atoshealthcare.com/pip/pip_assessment_approach ATOS Healthcare -The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) consultation:Simulation Video http://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/atos-healthcare/blog_posts/atos-healthcare-the-personal-independence-payment-pip-consultation-a-simulation-video-25511 Carers UK - Personal Independence Payment (PIP) http://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support/help-with-benefits/personal-independence-payment MAXIMUS United Kingdom https://www.maximusuk.co.uk/health-programmes/independent-health-assessments Health Assessment Advisory Service (Centre for Health and Disability Assessments Operated by MAXIMUS) https://www.chdauk.co.uk/

Just been informed that i will not be getting this benefit, i am currently in receipt of DLA. The decision and reasons has been based on a seven minute examination and what has been alleged to have taking place in that period of time is complete and utter made up rubbish. Luckily for me in a sense is that i had a witness my wife who taped the whole seven minute examination which is at complete odds with those giving by the [removed] person who Atos used to examine me. Might send the footage to the media and expose just how and in under ten minutes the government are relying on this practice and in particular claiming parts of the examination which have been used as a means of stopping this benefit without actually carrying out such process which as far as i am concerned is criminal and very misleading. Makes you wonder how many other disabled people are losing any rights that they have based on a fabricated report from Atos :mad2::mad2::mad2:

Nicola Sturgeon will spearhead a renewed drive to build support for Scottish independence this summer, pledging to turn the 45% who voted to leave the UK in the 2014 referendum into “a strong and positive majority”. Yes! Get in there Mrs Fish, give the English the vote as well and we will happily give you independence. England make way for immigrants swarming south.

A link to some very useful information on information regarding and for the disabled please see here >> http://www.disabledgo.com/about-us This site will help you learn to have fun and go to places that will make you smile. It is full of very useful information. I hope you like it.. Please spend some time in looking around this site as you may be amazed what it holds.... Do you want to feel special and have as much fun as abled bodied people then this is for you... A very warm welcome to DisabledGo.com. 'We hope that you find our services really useful and that you visit us often. On our website you'll find detailed access information to thousands of venues across the UK and the Republic of Ireland: shops, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, railway stations, hotels, universities, hospitals and more. Established over 14 years ago, our mission is to maximise independence and choice for disabled people in accessing their local area and the places we all want to visit.' Not only that you can find out so much more. I just wanted to share this link with you all.. MM

Please have a look at this link from the Motability Website: http://www.motability.co.uk/understanding-the-scheme/pip-and-motability/ This PDF is from their website:

As the titles say information on the Armed Forces Independence Payment. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/faq-on-the-armed-forces-independance-payment

Armed Forces Independence Payment A new allowance, called Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) will also be introduced, equivalent to PIP, entitlement to which will be granted for those who receive an award from AFCS which includes payment at tariff levels 1-8 or entitlement to a Guaranteed Income Payment of 50% or higher. Eligible individuals will not be required to undergo any additional assessments to receive AFIP. Once entitlement to AFIP is granted those eligible will not have to undergo frequent re-assessment. The payment is ongoing to allow for long term financial assurance. DWP will administer the payments and fund the scheme The exact amounts of payments are yet to be decided An individual cannot receive AFIP and PIP but can still make claims to other benefits Those not eligible to receive AFIP will still be able to claim other benefits and be able to use their eligibility to these payments as a passport to other benefits and schemes, in the same way as those who are awarded the AFIP. http://www.veterans-uk.info/welfare_reform.html http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/f60.htm Personal Independence Payment (PIP) self-assessment http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2013/9780111532072/contents