My first post . Feeling very low tonight. My caree received dwp letter saying mandatory reconsideration of their PIP review has not changed the amount of benefit (standard daily living). Do not understand at all - we had made it very clear why disagree and the reasons. Absolutely dreading going down appeal route. My mental health has suffered helping doing the PIP forms and MR. I also work full time and help care for my mum who lives with us as well. I genuinely thought I had done an excellent job with the MR. One month to appeal - really? And that includes providing any further evidence? I don’t think i can do this without help. Partner undiagnosed autistic so limited help with the really practical things like phone calls and writing letters/forms. This is more of a vent as feeling quite isolated at the moment. My CBT workbook will be coming out next 
certainly plenty to ponder and process. We would have challenged the original pip decision but had several bereavements and my own health scare so no energy/capacity.
@angeA hello welcome to the forum. You won’t have done anything wrong, they are cracking down on things now. At least they still got there standard daily living and that was not took away. Some people have lost it completely. I know things get very tiring when all we seem to do is have to appeal and fight for everything .it can be very draining.
My son was brain damaged at birth, I’m his appointee, but I have severe arthritis in my hands, unable to hand write much. So I asked for a “Visiting Officer” to complete the PIP review forms. He was very helpful, the review went through without a hitch. Not sure if you could have one for the appeal? Definitely do this, every time it will be elevated to a more experienced officer. I have helped friends at tribunal level. Do not be afraid of doing the same. Is there a local charity to support you, dealing with benefits. Your situation is impossible long term, everyone relying on you. Do the others accept outside help when you are at work?
Hi - yes my other half helps while I am at work with things like taking my mum to appointments, picking up meds, cooking for everyone. I am also lucky enough to get 10 days paid carers leave a year so will be able to use this for some of the PIP work. It’s getting practical support for things like PIP. Not sure where to get it.
@angeA i just had a thought have you rung the CAB try them they are good with things and if they cannot help you I am sure they will know somewhere that can help you. I am glad your other half helps you while at work.also reqarding meds pharmacies will deliver meds. You could ask the pharmacy to deliver the meds. If they don’t delivery them try a different pharmacy that do. Superdrug deliver meds, boots may deliver them to. Your pharmacy may deliver them to.
Thanks Teddybear, luckily pharmacy is at gp surgery in walking distance. Will try and call CAB today.
@angeA im glad the pharmacy is within walking distance I was just thinking of one less job. I care for myself. Yes ring cab. On google type in cab and where you live and it will bring up your local cab and phone number that be better. I think there is a place online called turn to us.that also deals with with things to. But I would try cab first. Have a good day.take care.
Hi @Teddybear Have had initial call with CAB waiting for someone to be allocated from local office and to call back but initial call gave me a bit of comfort. I have had half day leave so at least I haven’t had to balance that with work today. Just printing the appeal form etc to familiarise ourselves with it.
@angeA that’s good they will help you I am going through a similar things but mine is with the council. But the CAB sent a letter to the council now it’s being investigated and they said when I get the reply if the council don’t help if I ring again they will do an appeal letter. So I’m glad that you got through and someone from the local office will ring.back i did that and then someone rung back and knew what I wanted and helped. You can use them for anything you’re not sure of they’re so nice and helpful. Keep in touch and let us know how you get on .take care.