A letter from the DWP arrived for me today. I started the PIP claim process in August 2013 but, Capita held my information for months and months.
I truly thought I would have to go through a tribunial process as I did not think that my claim would show how my life is and that I would have to contest a decision. Not to mention the stress upon my family and me has been awful. I have phoned every 2 weeks to Capita, each time another excuse to the delay.
But, no, its all been awarded. Enhanced for both mobility and personal care… This has never been about wealth or riches, it’s just that this award opens up the doors to services that I couldn’t access.
My claim was made last July, DWP are using ATOS for mine. I did an official complaint in January. (Still not replied) Last December my G.P., MS Nurse and Nuero specialist sent in reports advising that I needed maximum support. Last week I telephoned again, and was offered as assessment in Portsmouth, 6 hours bus & taxis or 4 hours train & taxis (Physically and financially impossible).
Have now had to stop all heated pool physio, pilates & yoga from lack of funds. So walk solo, up and down the beach front, cling to the rail, backwards and forwards, (people must think I’m crazy), still doing pilates at home, but not the same.
The DWP wash their hand of it once they pass the claims over to the independant agencies. Age UK have told me that Atos are currently awarding claims made last April.
Enjoy Asher, and hope you can now have a better & easier life.
I am so sorry the process has been awful for you. The lack of compassion from the DWP and Atos is monstrous. Why can’t they understand that MS is a life changing, progressive condition that impacts on every aspect of living. The DWP (and Atos and Capita) fail so many people I just can’t understand why their ineffective management is allowed to continue.
Who am I kidding? If bankers can get huge bonuses for failing the economy, the DWP can get away with failing the most vulnerable people in Britain. No one takes responsibility.
I hope you get good news soon, but it’s fab that you are still seeking to keep physically active where possible. It’s a fine balance with fatigue v exercise. I still think I am the old me, so on a holiday (of sorts… thank you family for putting me up!) over Easter, I walked around Ilfracombe Harbour here and there. It was lovely, but now more than a week since I have got home, the fatigue and MS hug has barely left me. Still, the views were almost worth it
I feel like us MS bods should offer our services free to Atos and Capita (if they paid travelling costs) so we could help them clear the backlog. DWP funds wouldn’t suffer as they are supposed to backdate from the date of the original claim, but so many of our fellow sufferers could get help sooner. Bet they wouldn’t go for it !!!