Dennis and Julie Vangorph had a £30 a week drop in their PIP payments when Julie turned 66, after an assessment which scored her down by just one point.
“It seemed wrong to me,” said Dennis, “Julie had a stroke and brain haemorrhage in 1999, I’m a full time carer for her and £120 a month makes a huge difference to us.”
Dennis turned to Improving Lives Plymouth’s Information and Advice team. They had helped them through the very complex application form for PIP and when they reviewed the work they assured Dennis that they thought the decision was worth challenging based on what they knew.
“The staff were always friendly and understanding,” said Dennis, “and we were treated with total respect and they were non-judgemental in our case.”
With advice and support, Dennis and Julie appealed the decision but their appeal was turned down, so their case moved to a tribunal where it was reviewed by a judge and two doctors in a telephone interview.
“People cannot see Julie on a form,” added Dennis, “and it’s a nightmare to fill out if you don’t have someone who knows what they’re doing. The questions can be confusing and you can easily say something that works against you simply because you don’t know how to put the truth down the way they want to hear it.”
The caseworker at Information and Advice was able to guide Dennis and Julie through the process, and they gave Dennis the confidence he needed to go to tribunal to get their case heard.
The outcome was that the tribunal ruled that Dennis and Julie should have been scored with a few more points than they had, so they have had their payment reinstated.
“I would recommend anyone to get in touch with Information and Advice – they know what they’re doing and if you deserve the benefit, you should get it in my opinion.”
Information and Advice are continuing to support anyone who has enquiries about Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Universal Credit and all other benefits and appeals work including offering a benefits check for anyone who might need it especially if considering making a new claim to Universal Credit from legacy benefits. As usual they are also supporting anyone who has Council Tax, Housing Benefit and Child Tax Credit queries as well as providing signposting in relation to general non-benefit questions.
Contact Information and Advice: 01752 201766
Email: infoandadvice@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk
