I received the dreaded PIP review letter on Saturday.
My condition has significantly deteriorated since my first application, but apart from a few telephone lung reviews and a care plan done earlier this year, I feel I have limited evidence - last spirometer test - Feb.2020. All evidence does, unfortunately, suggest quite significant deterioration.
I also have muscular issues - not sure what - but I was having treatment up until August 2019 - it was then to be reviewed 6 months later - this obviously didn't happen - Covid. This hasn't got better - it's got worse and I'm not sure how to prove it.
I also have weight loss problems - was under a dietician. but again, became impossible during covid. I was weighed last June, but not since then.
I have joined the benefitsandwork site, as recommended by many people on this site, but wondered what other people may have done - earliest doctor's appointment is the 1st August, but the form is due in by the 30th July and I have heard that some people who have asked for extended time have had their PIP cancelled - the DWP denying this request was made.
Any advice most welcome.
Thank you for your time.
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anng18
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Hi Ang, Whenever I have had a PIP review I have just completed the form telling them in as much detail as possible how my lung condition affects my daily living. I have never had any letters to send in support of my claim, have just listed any of the services involved, i.e dietician and their contact details. It has never presented a problem for me. I hope that you will be able to do the same. Good luck.
I haven’t seen a consultant since precovid and have limited reports that mainly go back years. I definitely don’t worry about needing official reports to send in with forms. I use sources such as benefits and work website that you have joined. Plus CAB website is also helpful.I have been successful in receipt of PIP, indeed at my last review Dec19 I had my award increased!
A friend (OT) helped me complete review form because I can’t write that amount. Poor fine motor skills. She commented on and got me to rethink the lack of information I gave re my mental health. I have chronic long term depression. So added more about that. It may have made a difference that was medically retired in same period but I doubt it. Was in receipt of PIP and DLA previously so doubtful medically retirement has changed things. Certainly didn’t change period of award even though I am deemed never to be well enough to return to work. 🤷♀️
Good luck. I don't think you need any sort of supporting evidence at the moment. Wait till they ask for it. Just remember to tell them what it's like on your worst days and don't try to be brave. Good luck xxx
Yes, I'll try - it's quite depressing filling the form in, as it tends to make me brood over my illnesses, which I try hard not to do, as it is depressing.
It is depressing ,isn't it. I have only (so far) had to help my autistic daughter fill hers in, One has to harden one's heart and put down what the PIP people need to know.
Hi I’ve yet to have my pip review but imagine it will be in the next year as Scotland is changing over to the adult disability payment. I had typed up my original pip application and with no word of a lie it’s a mammoth task. I typed it up so that I can easily insert anything I missed out and it gave me the opportunity to do it over a few weeks a little at a time. I’ve got this saved along with copies of any relevant documents that I sent along with the original application. I’d advise you to keep copies of any correspondence and focus on your worse days, that’s not an easy thing to do with chronic illnesses as we tend to find ways around although it still has a major impact on our lives. Good luck with your review. Let us know how you get on.
Yes, you are so right - I had to go into a cupboard and luckily kept all the forms from my previous claim, which I had to appeal. Thank you fo much for your help.
I applied for PIP recently and was told I couldn’t have it as I am now a pensioner! Surely a pensioner is in as much need, if not more, than those under pensionable age ?
You have to steel yourself to keep at it! If refused fight it. Reach out for help here if you need to? We spoke to CAB 7 days before turning pension age at 67. They told us get PIP claim in now. We did but it all took so long and no help in lockdown we ended up giving up. About to apply for Attendance Allowance….(I swear they make it as difficult as possible and refuse hoping you’ll give up..) Be strong!! Best of luck x
Let us know how you get on and if encounter difficulties we will try to help. Just one thing to remember (I’ve been talking with someone on another site) it IS normal for you to have a face to face assessment. It is rare they agree to PIP without some form of further assessment. So when you get a letter or phone call about this, don’t worry.
You likely do get some form of assessment. In lockdown days on telephone. And the assessors seem nice and empathetic. but the decision makers then seem to refuse! For mad reasons. Then you’ve got to have bravery to appeal - when you’re at a point of exhaustion, Call on this site if it happens to you! X
Absolutely.I tried to get my mum an attendance allowance, but it was refused. If my mum did not get this I don't see how anyone else would qualify - very bad and very harsh on pensioners.
Did you get any help with completing forms? Same as for PIP application it is very much how form is completed rather than anything else. Suggest you reapply and then if again turned down, appeal the decision. CAB can be very helpful with application. Some local authorities have departments called (often) money advice unit. Again they can assist with form completion.
It’s very much how you answer the questions. CAB are good at taking you through it to reveal how a condition really impacts. But they are thin on the ground!
Yes CAB are “thin on the ground” and they are often swamped with work. But their website is extremely helpful at guiding you through process of application.
Good luck try not to stress too much which I know is nigh impossible when these forms arrive on the door matt.Ihad sickness benefit stopped but was reinstated on appeal.
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covid (any benefit to azithromycin) 
Long Covid and Breathlessness
Sounds like Rice Krispies upon waking
