Disability

[readie56]

I'm sure I'm not alone in struggling with getting around as my condition worsens.

I'm thinking about the possibility of PIP and a blue badge.

Has anyone gone down this route?

The PIP will pay for people to help me with things like garden work and walking the dogs.

Thanks

John

[AyrshireK]

My hubby has cirrhosis with symptoms of HE and chronic fatigue. He is in receipt of PIP (Enhanced Daily Living) & basic rate mobility. He can still walk ok so doesn't qualify for the enhanced rate of mobility or a blue badge.

When you apply for PIP you do the first bit by telephone call then they send you out a 'How does your disability affect you?' form - make sure you get advice from either CAB or Welfare Rights or use an online advice page such as Benefits & Work to complete this form. If you don't describe adequately how your condition affects the different descriptors you will have a real battle on your hands.

Hubby was knocked back first time round, zero points after face-to-face assessment which was a complete farce with a report full of lies. We had to go all the way to appeal tribunal which came just as hubby was listed for transplant (he was that ill) and at tribunal he was awarded enhanced daily living and some points for mobility.

When his period of award lapsed we had to go through the reapplication process but the face-to-face was much better and he was upgraded to basic rate of mobility too as well as a continued award of enhanced daily living.

Last summer it was reviewed and renewed to 2020.

He is unable to fill the forms in himself and I did them with the help of the member guides on Benefits & Work - I also provided tonnes of supporting medical evidence, a statement from me on the help I provide him daily plus a brilliant letter from his specialist. I told her what I was writing down as per the things hubby needs help with and she confirmed them from a doctors point of view. She did this for the tribunal and both subsequent renewals.

Wish you all the best with it. I've just recently had to do hubbies ESA re-evaluation form and it took me from 11am to 9pm at night (total nightmare - still waiting to hear of outcome for that one).

Best wishes, Katie

[readie56 in reply to AyrshireK]

Hi Katie

They don't make it easy for they....

I'll look at the information you suggest and I guess I'd need the backing of a health professional too.

A lot to do on top of everything else eh

Best wishes

John

[Millie09]

Hi john

I applied last October for pip, i was awarded high rate for both mobility and home. I had supporting evidence from my doctor and hospitals as i under 3 different ones.

I did not complete the form myself but my support worker did. I had a home assesment and was awarded full back pay two weeks later .will be re assessed if no change in April 2020. I have the obvious problems with chronic liver disease but i also have osteopenia in my hip and two prolapsed discs middle to lower back. My advice would be to make sure you have plenty of supporting evidence medically and ask PALS as they will compete the form for you at the hospital.. best wishes Linda

[readie56 in reply to Millie09]

Thanks Millie

That's good advice.

Dealing with the DWP is Like entering a Mine field....

Best wishes

John

[Millie09 in reply to readie56]

Oh tell me about it ! .lol.

[Hidden]

Hi

I was recently rewarded enhancement for both so was quite pleased. I am definitely thinking about applying for a blue badge with all the conditions I've got!!! Please let us know how you get on. Take care Lynne

[Hidden]

Sorry, standard not enhanced!! Confused . Com

[readie56 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Lynne

From a quick read of the rules for blue badges it seems we would be entitled with the enhanced rate of PIP.

.the same goes for the train disability discount card.

This is another thing to deal with isn't it.

Best wishes

John

[Hidden]

hi i have pbc which is under control and bloods and fibroscan are good i have a cpl of health issuse osteo arth knees hips but only mild i also have fibromyalgia i have been recievin pip for the first 2yrs at standard rate for care on last review they gave it me for mobility as well i have now applied for blue badge as these are from council and as long as u get mobility u can get badge i filled out all my own forms its ridiuculous the way they award it my niece has cerebal palsy and struggles big time shes was on dla since birth on the swop over to pip they refused everything they did mandatory recon as they call it still refused so have gone for full appeal it is about the way conditions affect your daily life not the names of wot u have or how many illness think carefully before u start your form and always write it down first on scrap paper till u get right and another tip before i send my form off i always photo copy so i can look back if need to good luck x

[readie56 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Pattie

That is good advice. I'll do that.

Best wishes

John

[Paulbryant1963]

Hi my husband was on it you need to speak to a jcp advisor or ring pip they will send you a form to fill out. It is lengthy but u must tell them how difficult it has bn for u and once u get pip you can apply for a blue badge through Yr local council. Hope this helps. Donna

[readie56 in reply to Paulbryant1963]

Thanks Donna.

It seems possible now.

I'll make a start on the process.

Best wishes

John