Hello all, I need some help with what to do. Around 2 years ago I was diagnosed with Autism when I was around 15-16, Ive recently turned 18 and was made aware that around last year I would be/have been receiving PIP. What I didn’t know is that my Mum would be collecting it, I do not know how long she has been collecting it for but I do know she has it, and has told me she spends it. My Mum has said she uses it on bills, and food, and that because I am an adult now she has basically said it’s rent? I do not have a job, or any other income. Me and my Mum have a complicated relationship, she tells me to move out and live somewhere else and I tell her that maybe she should start giving me my PIP to which she tells me I am not responsible enough and, “would just spend it on clothes.” She also refuses to tell me how much she receives which just frustrates me further. As far as I know, I have never received any of this money and it is frustrating me that she has this over me. I am unsure what to do, and have contacted the helpline to which they did nothing. This situation makes me very upset and feel extremely trapped, I just want to be able to make my own choices and not have someone hold this over my head. What shall I do?

This sub has been so helpful the last few months and I told myself I would make a post if things went well today so here I am :)

Made my claim in March 2025, awarded 2 points. Submitted MR in June 2025 and received no changes at all. Decided to push through it this time after giving up in 2020 and 2017 so I asked Citizens Advice for help taking it to tribunal. They were really great but unfortunately weren't able to attend on the day. Fortunately, neither did a DWP representative.

Everyone in the room was really nice, especially the judge, and they only asked me a dozen questions or so. I thought I'd really messed up when I admitted to going to a music festival but I think it may actually have worked in my favour to show that I was being 100% honest and not sticking to some perfect script.

They asked me and my partner to step outside for a moment and I thought for sure it was going to be bad news but, when they invited us back in, I sat down and the judge immediately said "So... You won!". I started crying immediately 😅

**I got enhanced rate for daily living AND enhanced rate for mobility!**

I just really wanted to share as I spent so long lurking and looking for posts from people with the same conditions as me and trying to convince myself that I can have a success story too so I hope someone sees this who needs to believe it a little more too 😊

Hi all! My face to face assessment is on Tuesday. I am claiming for autism, cptsd, and debilitating depression & anxiety. I claimed before a few years ago and got zero points on everything after a phone appointment.

All I ever see in the news is "crackdowns on PIP for mental health" type stuff, and I'm just wondering if there's even any point in getting my hopes up. Is it still possible to be awarded PIP for mental illness in 2026?

Any advice anyone has or any reality checks would be greatly appreciated!!

PIP assessment seems to rely almost entirely on the fact I work full-time - does this sound right?

Hi everyone, I'm looking for some advice because I'm feeling really deflated after reading my PIP assessment report and im not sure if it is even worth appealing...

I haven't had the official decision yet, but I've requested a copy of the assessor's report, and throughout it, there seems to be a recurring theme that because I work full-time, I don't have significant functional difficulties.

Every section just says 'not applicable - Whilst prompting has been considered, this has been ruled out given the evidence from the SOH showing she is able to fulfil her job role without special measures and on a majority of days supporting adequate motivation.' And when I say every single section, I mean all sections of the entire assessment says this.

For context, I have diagnosed ADHD and PTSD, I'm under NHS Talking Therapies after being referred for 16 sessions due to severe anxiety, depression and work-related chronic stress disorder, and I'm currently awaiting an autism assessment.

The part I'm struggling with is that I never claimed work wasn't affecting me. In fact, most of my evidence says the complete opposite. I submitted: - An NHS mental health assessment stating that work is having a significant negative impact on my mental health, that I feel trapped because I can't afford to leave, and that I was referred for therapy and employment support. Ive been told that I need to step out of work entirely to allow myself to heal but that is not an option.

- A detailed statement from my supervisor explaining that I rely heavily on lists, reminders, labels and support from colleagues to get through my job. She describes me forgetting tasks, being constantly late or overrunning my rotaed hours, becoming overwhelmed, needing reassurance, struggling with organisation and emotional regulation, and says she's concerned how I'd cope without that support.

- Evidence of the visual systems and coping strategies I have in place at work. Stacks and stacks of lists, notes and formulas. A back long of repetetive panic attacks at work and restrictions on working - im not allowed to chef without another chef present due to medication. Im not allowed to work past 8pm due to history of trauma. Im on doctors orders to have atleast 12 hours recovery between shifts. Multiple special measure to help aid in doing my job yet this is not mentioned, or acknowledged.

Despite all of that, the report repeatedly seems to conclude that because I'm employed, I must be functioning adequately. The reality is that I work because I have rent, bills and responsibilities. If I didn't need the income to survive, I genuinely wouldn't be able to keep doing this job or be in work right now because of the toll it's taking on my mental and physical health. I force myself to go in every day because I don't feel I have another option. Ive lost 13kg of weight in 9 months, have severe palpitations and dizzy spells and nausea so im under medical investigations for that. 24hr ECG reffered, blood tests, mental health intervention and therapy to reduce the stress and help aid in next steps.

I know PIP isn't awarded based on diagnoses or whether someone works, but it feels like my employment has been used as the main reason to dismiss everything else. No consideration of the multiple documents from professionals stating im on a downward spiral mentally and physically.

Has anyone else had an assessment where employment seemed to outweigh all of the other evidence? If so, what happened?

If the decision follows the report, is this something that would be reasonable to raise in a Mandatory Reconsideration?

I'm honestly feeling quite defeated because this report has left me feeling like all the effort it takes just to keep working has been interpreted as evidence that I don't struggle. Ive spent my life in pain, fighting PTSD, autism and ADHD and trying to live a normal life at the expense of my mental and physical health, but that determination to attempt to succeed on life with the challenge I face has been used against me.

I'd really appreciate any advice or similar experiences.

Hello. I had my pip phone assessment on the 14th of July, and are just waiting for them to make a decision on whether to award me or not. I was just wondering how long anyone else waited before hearing an outcome? I know it takes longer for some than it does others, I was just curious to hear other people’s experiences. Thank you.

I had my assessment 2 days ago and today I received the report. It was full of inaccuracies and I added up the points which equated to 11 for daily activities only. The assessor recommended a review in 2 years. I believe 11 points in daily activities means standard daily living rate. Am I likely to get this? T.I.A

I was awarded PIP at tribunal on the 07/07/2026, but I haven’t heard from DWP or received any letters.

Anyone know how long it will take for them to process the back payment etc ?

Thanks

I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced a wait this long.

I was already on LCW, but my health significantly worsened in June 2025, so I reported a change of circumstances and completed a UC50, which I handed in during July 2025.

My timeline so far is:

• June 2025 – Health deteriorated significantly and I reported a change of circumstances.
• July 2025 – Submitted my UC50.
• August 2025 – I was told Maximus had received my referral.

Since August 2025, every time I've phoned Maximus I've been given exactly the same response:

I've heard nothing different for nearly a year.

I even contacted my MP, who got in touch with the DWP on my behalf. The reply they received was essentially that I just have to continue waiting, which was really disheartening.

Has anyone else had an LCW to LCWRA reassessment take this long? If so:

• How long did you wait?
• Did you eventually get an assessment?
• Was there anything that helped move things along?

I'm in England, if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance.

Had my assessment on the 13th. Today I had to call them to let them know I’m moving but they told me that the decision form has already been sent to my address. I’m worried by the fact that it’s been only about a week for them to send it, I’m worried it means it’s a flat out no. I’m actually going to be in a big financial mess if this is the case. Is it a bad sign that they have made the decision so quickly? I also asked them to send through a copy of the assessment report.

I keep hearing bad stories about pip outcomes but I need to keep reminding myself that people are more likely to talk about the bad outcomes than the good because they don’t need help with tribunal and stuff when it’s approved.

I don't know if anyone else has had this. My partners assessment last week was cancelled (without notice), we only found out when we called them because we hadn't had a call. Rebooked for last Friday, which went through, but was over an hour late and was (without our awareness) with a trainee, who had to hand over to her mentor half way through. The assessment took a total of two and a half hours (my partner has autism and basically had a three day meltdown after this, low mood, no motivation, not interested in anything, low patience), but we were glad it was over.

He received 8 missed calls this morning whilst in work from various numbers, and when calling back, one said it was Maximus, one was a call on behalf of the DWP, one was the Health Assessment advisory service etc. No one left a message and when we called them back, the automated message said that they'd ring us if they needed to.

He finally had his phone to answer when they called, and they want to have a follow up because the report was inconclusive and the DWP has further questions??

Has this happened to anyone else? Ive never seen anything on this sub like this before...

We already have written a complaint to send, we're just waiting to see what we need to add to it now.

Any advice much appreciated!!

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for advice from anyone who has been through something similar, particularly involving a limited company and Universal Credit.

I claimed Universal Credit in May 2019.

When I made my original claim I declared that I was a director of a limited company. My UC journal also contains various references over the years showing UC knew I was a company director.

Recently they've reviewed my claim and have told me I should have been reporting as both employed and self-employed from the start of my claim. They've now asked me to report this retrospectively and have booked me for further evidence and self-employment appointments.

They've also requested all of my personal bank statements and company bank statements dating back to May 2019.

I own and run my own limited company, employing staff, and it has grown significantly over the years. UC have indicated they consider Regulation 77 to apply.

I'm arranging legal advice, but I'm interested to hear from anyone who has actually been through this process.

Specifically:

• Did UC ask for years of bank statements?
• How did they calculate your earnings?
• Did they recalculate every assessment period from the start of your claim?
• Was your case dealt with as an overpayment only, or did it become a fraud investigation?
• Were you asked to attend an Interview Under Caution, or was it just a compliance review?

I'm not looking for people to tell me whether I'm right or wrong. I'm just trying to understand what usually happens in practice for people who've been through a similar retrospective UC review.

Thanks.

Hi guys I have a joint claim with my partner. We have been going through some issues in our relationship for the past few weeks. We have been trying to resolve some things but after a conversation today I don’t think we will go back to how things were.
Coincidentally I have had a review pop up on my profile where we both have to confirm our details.
What is the best course of action for me? Shall I phone the dwp and explain exactly what I just said and ask them to a separate our claims? Or do I complete the review and mark the details different starting today? I don’t like the idea of the latter because it seems like I am only informing because of the review so I would prefer to call as to inform. We have joint tenancy and will still be living together unfortunately until I can find another place to live.

So I finally received an extension when I checked online this morning and have only been given a year. Don’t get me wrong I am very grateful for a year, but now I am thinking whether it would have been better to have my review at the end of 2027 before the possible timms review, instead of this year extension possibly dragging me into the new rules once the outcome is finally laid bare.

I can’t believe it, I’m literally crying. I got a call today about receiving a lump sum payment and I said yeah, and now, when I checked proof of benefits, I’ve been awarded! I cannot believe it, I’m so glad they finally believed me.

Forms for my daughter were scanned end of April. Still not heard anything, I called last week and they confirmed forms were on the system but couldn’t say anything else, anyone else still waiting from April?

Hello so basically we got given the carers allowance element for myself but basically we only got backdated three months from when our joint claim has been open we thought we was going to get backdated from when my partner started to look after me. Long story short we’ve got reconsideration from the 10th of October 2025. And they basically sent us a email basically saying they would back date to it but our case manager basically said he can only but they own a certain amount the reconsideration was sent off two weeks ago. We still haven’t got no reply. Do you guys think that we might get the back date from the 10th to the 10th or not? Universal credit also said that we were receiving careers Ls already I can’t really read. As well because I’ve got like dyslexia and certain other stuff wrong with me but as far as I’m aware, I feel like I’ve been robbed big time.

Hi, I have around ~£7k in backpay and I was wondering when I would be most likely to receive this? I didn’t get a timeframe from PIP. Thank you!

My partner received a phone call Friday 17/07/26 to ask about the lump sum & bank details stuff like that and was told the decision would be made later that day we have been checking the gov.uk proof of benefits website everyday since however nothing has changed, is it safe to assume that PIP has not been awarded?

i rrmoved my appointee last month when i had to start claiming uc (lost my job) i was not told this would put a payment blocker on my pip because of this my pip was not paid yesterday i rang up and they removed it and i was told they would pay it out same day it did not come through on tuesday so i rang up again today to be told that i have to wait until Monday 750 quid is a lot to wait a wee for if you have nothing i don't understand why they have told me 2 diffrent dates surely they should of used fasterpay

Hi,

on May 26th I had a PIP phone assessment for my PIP end of reward review. Prior to the review I was on standard daily living with 11 points.

My assessment was done by Capita and only took approximately 17 minutes, my first assessment took over an hour. During the assessment the health professional only focused on my anxiety and how it affects me going out and completely ignored/never asked anything about depression, daily living, eating, managing finances or any of the new stuff I brought up since my first assessment.

After the assessment not even an hour later I received a text saying that DWP has received a report from health professional which I found extremely odd.

June 5th - PIP review is complete and 0 points across the board. Was only sent the letter with a brief description of why I was given 0 points from decision maker but I don't think it's the PA4/PA3/assessment report.

June 17th - Phoned PIP, asked for MR. Whole process took approx 3 to 5 minutes which again, I found odd. I've read the MR wiki thread here and was under impression that I would get a chance to argue why I disagree with it and etc but the phone call was basically just ''Me: hello, I'd like to do a MR for my PIP review DWP: Are you sending any extra evidence? Me: Not at the moment DWP: OK I've started MR, have a good day''

Today - Phoned PIP, asked for copy of assessment report. I believe it will be 100% full of lies based on what's written by the decision maker.

I'm now afraid I did MR too soon and did it incorrectly. I have written out everything I disagree with decision maker about and plan to send that to PIP tomorrow. Would this be accepted as it's not a medical evidence but pretty much just my opinion on why I disagree.

Also if the assessment does turn out to be full of lies is my next step to complain to capita? What does that achieve? Do they have to redo my assessment and if so what happens to MR? Do I need to inform DWP that I complained to capita so they can hold off MR?

Hi all, I applied for PIP in February for fibromyalgia, but I also have anxiety, depression (am on meds for) and cubital tunnel. Received zero for both my original application and MR so I'm now applying for a tribunal.

Looking for advice on how to prepare for the tribunal. I'm going to send off the form now so I hit the deadline, and prepare everything later (having a brain foggy day so can't concentrate anyway)

what sorts of things should I put in there? I didn't provide much supporting evidence the first time, just a diary and a letter from my occupational therapist. I don't really see a regular doctor now for my fibro - I kind of just 'get on with it'. I'm also a mum so I have to do things like cooking for him, dropping him off at nursery etc, which is why I think I got awarded zero. Because I keep my child fed and looked after doesn't mean I can look after myself!

But my condition still affects me greatly and I'd like to know how I can make this come across at a tribunal. any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hello, my work coach verbally told me my commitments appointment would auto-cancel once my partner's earnings are processed (household above couple AET). But she also sent me a reminder saying it's mandatory and I must attend. I sent a journal message asking for clarification but no reply yet. If I miss it, will I get sanctioned? Can I complain about the mixed messaging afterwards? Thank you.

Hi all! I got my report through the post.

The report says 18 month review recommended,
But the award letter says 4 years.

Which one would it be, please?

I'm currently on LCW, originally before all this I was fine and worked most of my life but due to ill health and then mental health issues I lost my job,

I was diagnosed with ADHD, Psychosis and Personality Disorder, and Post Thrombosis Syndrome after a long battle with DVT/PE and a heart attack that I need a walking aid most days just to get around and on blood thinners for life

My last work coach was wonderful and said he thinks connect to work would be better for me than restart so I signed up

The first two people I had seen at connect to work were brilliant and really sold it to me, they added all my health conditions down and triggers and explained how to handle me if I had a break down and said that they had the perfect advisor for me who had got good feedback from other customers

This is where it all went downhill

Upon my first meeting with her I had to again explain my health and past jobs, when I mentioned I had worked for Sainsbury's, Tesco and marks and Spencers in the past she had cut me off and told me that's hard for her to believe as she knows for a fact they dont hire people like me as all her clients who applied always get turned down

She asked me if I have personal references from those jobs, I pointed out that all that is done through HR as it's company policy for some of them that managers can't give a personal reference, she said that due to that then there's no proof in worked for them and p45s can be forced and any photos may have of me there could be A.I generated

She then dismissed my mental health stating it's just behaviour issues that I need to grow up from and ignored my psychical health

She then said she's going to give me a schedule to do everyday, that I have to be up at 7am and log in to an account she will give me from 8am and have to do job search till 1am for a break then do a daily zoom course from 2pm to 5pm on how to write a c.v then I can come off have dinner and I her words free time till 9pm where I have to be in bed,

I laughed it off at first saying I'm not a child and she said she was being serious, and I have to do as I am told and log it down as she will check and even asked me for numbers to family, friends ect not for emergencies but to tell me off and check if I'm keeping to them plan

I refused to sign the form and left, she the booked me another appointment which I didn't attend as after I left I felt so low I didn't speak to anyone and cut people off for a week, I spoke to my GP who was going to refere me back to the mental health team and told.to attend the next appointment

I also spoke to my then work coach who said to take my time and time out if needed but stated he can not intervene with me and connect to work

I attended the next appointment and told her I wasn't myself and my mental health had taken a dip and her words were "just laziness then", she then said she had applied for warehouse jobs for with 2 of them being over 2 and half hours away with 6am starts with one stating you must be able to drive which I can't

She then said I need to stop making excuses and told me not to apply for retail jobs as again stated they won't take your type, she said that she can have me hard sanctioned as my work comments state 40hrs a week job search, I told her I'm on LCW, she asked for proof and when I went to show her she said she dos not need to see it, she then said she thinks I got personality issues as she feels she's speaking to a different person every 5 mins,

I asked her if she should know all this if she reads the notes from the hand over her co worker gave her, she said she don't need to see them as she rather gets to know her customers without it, I pointed out that there was sensitive stuff in there that she needed to know that if ignored could have me having a full break down and taken away by the police to the hospital

She then again said she don't need to see them and then stated that she feels I'm not ready to go back to work and said that I will have to write a letter to her manager saying that I don't feel ready and want to come off the course and repeated again I need to do as I am told or my life will get harder

I left and felt beyond down, I ended up hurting myself and ended up with my mental health team for 2 days, at this point I was ready to call it a day on everything

A few days later the connect to the work advisor emailed me for an appointment saying I have to see her that afternoon even saying in the email that I said I wasn't ready for work to get and needs the letter

I showed a friend and he agreed to come.with me and make a complaint

When we got there and asked to speak to the manager, 2 managers came out, and tried to explain everything, the manager said that the advisor was only doing her job as she has targets to me, I showed her the email and them both how she had said she thinks I have personality disorder and never read the notes, one of them looked shocked, I then showed my arm and said I feel under too much pressure, that I'm not being supported and treated like a child and someone who has never worked

I even showed them my local medical record and the manager stated that they shouldn't be applying for jobs for me with these health issues, I also said that if you need a personal reference here's my former managers store, and times he works there and I even send off a SAR as well for further proof

The manager said and agreed with me and said they would go back and have a chat, while they were out the back the advisor that caused all this came out 5 mins later looking angry, walked past me and a co worker that there were too many lazy liars around here

When they came out and said that connect to work is voluntary and it's up to me if I want to be on it or not and that they will look at giving me a new advisor and said It be down to my work coach if I get sanctioned or not

On the next visit to the job centre what I didn't know was the job centre had changed my work coach and didn't add it to my journal

I explained everything to him, well tried to but he kept cutting me off, he told me connect to work is like restart, it is voluntary but also mandatory and has added it to my commitments for 30hrs a week, if I don't go even for mental health or any health reasons I will be sanctioned, he said that he can see I was under stress with the advisor I had there but no excuse

In all fairness this is causing me not just stress but also a lot of chest pains, and most likely will be back to see my GP,

I heard so many good things about connect to work but this feels more like restart

Anyone else on LCW having these issues