PIP reconsideration declined………

You may remember, back in July, how I was told that my PIP payments had been stopped. I then went through the ‘reconsideration’ process…….well yesterday I got the dreaded letter which stated that my request for reconsideration had been declined….

I used to get the payment, in fact I think I received it for 18 months. Now, considering I have a terminal, progressive debilitating condition, I’m not going to get better. In fact, I now have further challenges as those close to me know all too well. So I’ve deteriorated, yet am no longer entitled to the PIP payment – something doesn’t feel logical here………

From the comments that were included in the letter, I now realise that people living on their own are penalised.
Here’s some snippets of their wisdom….:

“You said you have difficulty planning and following journeys. I decided you can plan and follow the route of a journey unaided”

Well, apparently all the aids I use don’t count…..

“You live alone. You are able to use applications and alarms on your phone to remind you of daily activities”

Sooooo, I shouldn’t live alone, I should have someone living with me to do things for me? And I certainly shouldn’t be able to use technology…….

“You are able to plan and follow journeys using various modes of transport. You are able to give talks for the Alzheimers society”

They really don’t like the fact that I’ve worked out ways to enable me to continue to travel which means I’m not isolated but apparently I should stay at home and not see anyone and I certainly should not give talks………..how sad they want me to be…….

“I decided….you can manage medication…unaided…..”

So once again, the 2 alarms I have permanently set to remind me otherwise medication gets forgotten, don’t count…the box by my kettle and box on the stairs go against me too…………They’d prefer me to forget……..

“…..you are not at risk of self neglect or malnourishment…”

So I have to be in crisis to be entitled…..?

We have to find ways to cope as there’s no one living with us to do things for us. So no matter what methods we use to remain independent, they go against us when claiming such benefit. We shouldn’t be allowed to live on our own, is what they’re really saying….

They’ve been told to save money and save money they will at the expense of those who are trying their hardest to survive…….

I need to move in with one of my daughters, allow them to do everything for me, then I might qualify….possibly…..

Going on my experience of this whole process, the only conclusion I can make is that they need to change the name – Personal Independent payment – It’s certainly not a payment to help you remain independent, in fact it’s a payment for people who aren’t independent……people who live alone could never meet their criteria……….we can never win simply because we live alone and have to find ways to manage – we only fit into their world when we can no longer manage alone – I can’t beat the system as I want to live alone and refuse to be the person they want me to be…….

So……..I give in, I can’t fight them and be put down any more – something I don’t do very often, but they‘ve won……a sad day……..