PIP Reviews And Tribunals: The DWP Keeps Piling On The Pressure
An update from Vox Political on Mike’s wife and more…
Further to yesterday’s article on the hoax letters being sent out by (in this case) Atos, summoning benefit claimants to non-existent “assessment” meetings, a couple more developments have come to light.
Firstly, Mrs Mike has received a new letter stating that her assessment has been cancelled and she doesn’t have to attend. This writer shall be going in any case – just to make sure.
Secondly, it seems matters get worse if you are unlucky enough to be denied benefit after an assessment. What follows refers to Personal Independence Payment. First, let’s hear from a commenter who had to go through the ‘mandatory reconsideration’ procedure:
“With the help of my local CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau), I made an application for PIP. As is normal, they refused it. The CAB explained they would, and requested a ‘Mandatory Review’.
“Under the old system, they would write a letter stating their reasons why the decision is wrong. Now, though, Atos will not accept this.
“Instead they are going to phone me at some random time of their choosing. I will then be expected to make the representation myself, without the representation or support I need.
“As a large part of my disability is related to my mental health, this is inappropriate, and causing me some severe anxiety.
“Another example of how this caring government is making people more ill – this time by not letting them use the services of the CAB.”
Same Difference 