I have a friend who has had MS for over 30 years. Recently they had a PIP assessment which was refused completely. There DLA has finished as has housing benefits. All they will have coming in is £62 a week ESA.
We are going to ask for mandatory reconsideration and have an appointment with CAB for advice.
We have no idea what other benefits they may be able to claim. For the short term I can help out with some money, but we can’t continue like that.
Any advice would be most welcomed.
I just replied to you on the other thread you posted on. It sounds like your friend needs some help, so having an appointment with the CAB is pretty much the best thing for him/her.
Sue
Hi Sue, thanks for the reply. We are hoping that CAB will at least give advice on how to proceed with applying for benefits etc. The assessment was only two months ago. Got the letter saying she could not have PIPS on the 3rd of august. Since that date she has been informed that all her benefits will finish by the end of August. Seems funny that they are very slow in giving them, but very fast in taking them away.
While not so important, today a letter from motabilty arrived saying the car will have to be returned by mid September.
This morning she another letter saying she now has to pay £80 a month council tax.
I can help out with some money short term, but she needs to find out what help she can get long term. She is 61 years old.
Just hope CAB can help her with advice about making benefits claims as she has very little money in the bank.
This is terrible for your friend. The worry itself is enough to send you up the wall!
I do hope the decision is turned around.
Pollx
Hi Boudica, thanks for replying. It was a very big shock, but with the help of CAB I hope we can at least start to get the decision turned round. From what I know about the process it can take some time for them to have another look at the decision. At the moment money is going to be a big problem as they have put a stop on her benefits. But, we are working at that problem.
Regards Tokyo.