I had my medical assessment for PIP on march 15th.
Despite the fact that I was on DLA middle care component for 4 years, and ESA support group as soon as it was introduced (so approx 8-9 years), I got 0 points for my PIP assessment.
My report was riddled with mistakes and contradications. No restriction of my lower limbs; yet the report says I had a altered gait and slow walking pace. I have severe arthritis, and wear an ankle splint to stabilise my joint.
My family supervise my medication usage, to prevent me overdosing. This is noted and accepted...but I got no points anyway.
I did the congitive test. I failed to properly spell the word I was given by the assessor correctly when asked to spell backwards, and only recalled 2 words out of 4. According to assessor, nothing wrong with my memory.
I regularly consume food that is half-raw; or burn food so badly it is no longer edible. I actively self-harm utilising available kitchen utensils, and at worst times, my family have to prepare meals for me, which I then heat up. Guess what? I don't need any help in the kitchen!
I can attend medical appointments myself. Curious, given my mother was with me for the whole duration of the assessment and did not leave my side.
Made good eye contact and rapport with assessor. Curious, given I faced the wall and spoke to it, without turning around.
I am at college, have a student loan (I am in Scotland) and was going to go to university in September. But know I am scared, absolutely scared. My money has been taken away, and I have no faith in appealing it, I do not know if I have the mental strength to take this all the way through to tribunal level.
My mother has offered to support me financially. However she is abusive, and an alchololic and my worry is that in a moment of anger she will just cut the financial support.
And yet, despite all this, I got a letter from the housing benefit people to tell me that due to my PIP award ending....that my HB entitlement was being REDUCED (when I thought it was terminated...? I thought full time students did not get HB at all if they did not recieve DLA/PIP?)
Can anyone please advise? Feeling really desperate