A man who cannot cook for himself and requires prompting to take medication or perform basic daily tasks has described his 'soul-crushing' rejection from the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system.
Despite receiving the highest award for both daily living and mobility components of PIP for six years, his latest assessment resulted in zero points.
The decision left him 'so angry', particularly as he had already endured a stressful tribunal as a child.
Reddit frustration
Taking to Reddit to express his frustrations, the man said he has Asperger's and an 'extreme anxiety diagnosis'.
He wrote: 'In Year 8, I was bullied heavily over my weight, and I convinced myself people had found a new way to bully me by sniffing.'
'I know how weird that sounds, but I genuinely lost my mind. I became convinced it was because I smelled bad, and anytime I got warm or heard someone sniffing, I thought it was because of me, when in reality it wasn't.'
'It got so bad that I used to hide under tables in restaurants, overheated very easily, and had frequent panic attacks.'
'I would get warm, then anxious, which made me even warmer, and the cycle would just continue. I had to be pulled out of school because it was getting so bad.'
He eventually went to college but had to drop out after a few years as he 'couldn't cope with being in classrooms, the small spaces, and the heat'.
Previous tribunal success
During this time, his family applied for PIP on his behalf. Despite submitting 'mountains of evidence', he received zero points and had to go to a tribunal.
Recalling the experience, he said: 'I instantly panicked, started crying, had a massive panic attack, ran out of the room, and hid in the corner curled up in a ball, crying that I wanted to go home and didn't want to be there.'
'This left the panel of five judges and the DWP prosecutor completely speechless.'
'They thought I was just some kid trying to play the system, but when they saw me completely break down right in front of them, the atmosphere in the room completely changed.'
'The DWP prosecutor couldn't even look at me. The judges tried their best, but they struggled too.'
'I saw sadness in their faces, and I still remember it clearly to this day.'
He managed to get through the tribunal with barely any questions directed at him, and was awarded 36 out of 38 points, receiving the highest award for both daily living and mobility.
A further assessment passed without issue, but now, six years after the initial rejection, he finds himself in the same position.
He continued: 'I can speak and understand so much, but actually doing these things feels impossible.'
'It's incredibly hard to explain because my brain works differently to other people's, apparently.'
'Things feel wrong or overwhelming in ways I can't properly explain or express.'
'I can't work because if I get warm or end up in crowded places, it becomes torture for hours, and every single day it eats away at me more than it already has. I try every day to be normal, but none of it makes sense.'
Community support and advice
One fellow forum user replied: 'Unfortunately they need to see evidence of struggles, especially as it comes to mental health.'
'Are you under the CMHT? Do you see a counsellor or therapist? Do you have a carer who can write a statement?'
'Also not being able to work or be in crowded spaces aren't considered. If you haven't already you need to request the full assessors report. They will send it out in the post. It breaks it down by section.'
'Ideally with someone you trust who can support your mental health present, read them section by section. You don't have to do it all at once. And see why they justified each zero.'
'If it says something like 'outside the scope' or 'not considered' that means that the issues you describe aren't part of the criteria.'
'If it says 'I have determined you can...' that is DWP speak for I cant award you points in this because it either doesn't fit the criteria or there isn't enough recent medical evidence to support it.'
Someone who found themselves in a similar situation said: 'I hope you carry on, submit your mandatory reconsideration, and then go to tribunal, because with your history, I believe you would succeed in re-establishing your award.'
'And I would also make a point, as I am, about the severe harm of being put through this again, when we have provided all the evidence that should mean a tribunal is not necessary.'
'In my case, almost the same evidence as was used only a year ago to win my case, plus a lot more that shows clear deterioration.'
Mandatory reconsideration process
Those who disagree with a PIP decision can request a mandatory reconsideration, which prompts the DWP to look at it again.
People can send supporting evidence as part of the free process, including new medical evidence, reports or care plans from specialists, therapists or nurses, and bank statements or payslips.
Once the application has been looked at again, applicants will be sent a letter telling them whether the decision has been changed, along with the reasons and the evidence it was based on.
