Hi,
I have just made the initial move towards applying for PIP.
Do I have to be in need of a carer to get benefit or does the fact that it takes forever to get washed and dressed and cannot walk, even on the flat for more than 100yards, without getting severely breathless qualify me?
Thanks
Annie
from what I remember it (mine was DLA) yes
Hello Annie, you don't have to have a carer but it does help if you have one or need one. Beware if you can walk a 100 yards before getting breathing difficulties it could rule you out under PIP regulations as they are so stiff. Do you have other health issues that impair your walking? If so emphasise it. You should get lower care in respect of your dressing difficulties & washing, or any other personal care issues could bump it up to middle. Always emphasise how it effects your daily living not the medical diagnosis, it is about how severely you are disabled. For instance I use many gadgets for daily tasks, bathing and cooking and have a stair lift.I have difficulty using an inhaler too all these little things help to define your disability if you understand, can you open a pill packet for instance is an example.Good luck with your claim
you go for it lots of people are getting it and are not as bad as you xxxx
Hello Annie
Don't fill the form in yourself. Go to Citizens Advice or there are lots of community projects in different areas, that's how I got mine, they rejected it at first so I went back and saw the same lady and then the then DLA overturned the first decision so I didn't have to appeal and mines for life highest rate mobility and second rate care.
Good luck
Kim xxxxx
No you don't need to have a carer to get PIP. It is extra money because of your needs so you can pay someone to help you if you need it. But it is not a pre-requisite to qualify. x
Thank you all for your help responses. Yes I think I will go to the CAB. Have worked all my life, so why should I not claim, after all I should have been retired at 60!!
Will let you know how I got on.
Thanks
Annie
Hi annieosb, good luck, make sure when filling in the forms it is always about your worst days 
Hope you,re not in a rush Annie,I applied over 6 months ago and still waiting for assessment appointment date.Good luck!D.
