The letter from the Department for Work and Pensions arrived like a final verdict and it was a devastating blow.
For 52-year-old Indira, already battling multiple health conditions and navigating a difficult divorce, the outright rejection of her Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim, with a shocking award of zero points, was more than a procedural setback.
It felt like the system had dismissed her, invalidating her suffering and her needs.
Alone and economically disadvantaged, with a part-time income of just £1,332 a month, the news pushed her to the brink of despair.
Our intervention: Rebuilding hope from the ground up
Indira came to us with her confidence shattered, yet her spirit remained unbroken.
Our team immediately saw the full, complex reality behind the DWP's cold decision. Her physical and mental health issues weren't minor inconveniences; they were daily battles that profoundly impacted every aspect of her life.
We knew a compelling case existed for the higher rate of both the Daily Living and Mobility components, and we committed to building it with her.
Over the following months, we meticulously guided Indira through the arduous appeal process. We helped her secure crucial supporting evidence from her employer's Occupational Therapy department and her social prescriber—documents that painted a comprehensive, human picture of her struggle.
When the DWP stubbornly maintained their initial denial after a Mandatory Reconsideration, we did not hesitate.
We pushed on, filing a formal tribunal submission.
The turning point: A victory for human dignity
The tribunal was the moment of truth. Our team presented Indira's case not as a collection of medical records, but as the compelling story of a real person fighting for her fundamental right to support. We argued with expertise, precision, and unwavering empathy, detailing the profound and constant challenges she faced.
The ruling was a triumph.
The tribunal decisively overturned the DWP's decision, awarding Indira a truly life-changing 12 points for Daily Living and 14 points for Mobility.
It was a victory not just for her finances, but for her dignity and recognition within the system.
The immediate financial impact was transformative:
A substantial one-off back-payment of £14,097 provided instant and immense relief from her crushing financial worries.
Her monthly income received a vital £737.20 boost, increasing her total income by an astounding 55% and pulling her firmly out of precarity.
A brighter future: Independence, not just income
Our support for Indira extended far beyond the tribunal's doors. With her PIP award secured, we guided her in applying for other "passported entitlements" she was now eligible for, including a Blue Badge for parking and a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass.
These passes gifted her a newfound sense of independence and mobility, allowing her to navigate the world with greater ease and confidence.
We also connected her with a local Debt Advisor to address her other pressing financial matters, including navigating legal issues with HMRC and providing crucial debt advice. This holistic support ensured all her interconnected challenges were addressed, charting a clear and stable path forward.
Indira's journey from a devastating setback to newfound stability is a powerful testament to the difference that compassionate, expert support can make.
It's a vital reminder that beneath every case file is a person with a story, and that story is profoundly worth fighting for.
Indira’s testimony
I really valued being supported by a professional and empathetic team during a difficult time in my life. The impact of their help has been immeasurable.