successful PIP claim (higher) and what we did

[Rshc]

Hi, thanks so much to everyone here who offered advice on how to claim for PIP. We have heard today my partner has been awarded the higher amount for both living and mobility and this has been approved without a physical assessment OR a phone call. This is what we did in case it helps anyone. FYI this was his first PIP application and we submitted it mid October.

Firstly we used a local charity - not only did they complete the form for us and copy all our documentation they advised us on how to answer the questions fully and truthfully but in detail and without forgetting anything. They said in their experience people using a 3rd party (and I would recommend using a charity rather than a paid for service) have a better success rate

Secondly we sent tons of supporting documents including all of my partners various discharge letters, blood tests and transplant assessment, we also asked his transplant co-ordinator for a supporting letter which she provided. So keep everything you are sent/given as you may need it one day.

When filling in the form we had front of mind him on his worst day, when he can hardly move because he is so tired, when it wouldn't be safe for him to make a meal and when he is in so much pain in his arms and shoulders that he wouldn't be able to prepare food or even take a shower. We answered the questions based on this even though this isnt every single day.

We didnt just focus on his illness - we considered how the medication makes him feel - eg when he takes a lot of lactulose he doesn't like to leave the house because he needs to stay near to a loo. The water tablets he takes mean that he needs to pee frequently which can make going out difficult.

My partner suffers from some low level anxiety, it is important to go into detail about this too. For example, this means he cannot attend medical appointments alone and needs me there for support.

I am so grateful to everyone and hope this helps someone else. I think the main thing for me was getting support to fill in the forms and sending huge amounts of documentation

good luck to anyone doing this

[Katt12340]

Congratulations on his award! You give all of us fighting for pip a ray of hope.I'm awaiting tribunal after being turned down with very similar circumstances, so I totally understand your relief! I hope it helps his quality of life a little whilst he waits on the list 🤞🙏😊 x

[Rshc in reply to Katt12340]

best of luck - keep going. It will be worth it

[tipovtong]

Well done for sticking with it👍

[Iro1]

Hithat is great news, hopefully the extra money will help. We are in the midst of a blitz of blame for the over 50s (I am 59) and the long term sick stopping the UK economy growing by not working, I am apparently part of the 'anti growth coalition', who should be eager to do the Lidl 'walk', complete with headset, over night, on a 12 hour shift, at their distribution centre for £9.40 an hour.

It is good to see that the state and with the help of a charity can still step up and deliver support to those who need and deserve it.

Fortunately I am financially secure and would not qualify for PIP at least not yet. My concern lies with those without sufficient financial support forced back to work.

We all need to be mindful that the 'getting folk back in the labour market' rhetoric does not turn into destroying the right to access PIP.

I am sure that the £3.7 million that the ex Chancellor lost down the back of the sofa and the £1.5 mullion HMRC charged him for retrieving it after his 'carelessness' will be going to good use now!

Proud to be British.

Iro

[Rshc in reply to Iro1]

PIP is not means tested , we do not qualify for any other benefits

[Iro1 in reply to Rshc]

Thank you for letting me know and that PIP is an objective assessment of need without measuring assets or income.I hope the time never comes when I need to use that information but it is invaluable nonetheless.

There is a monthly BLT zoom meeting it would be great if someone from the charity you mentioned could come on and give a presentation.

I would also be keen to add to their coffers because they are doing a good thing

Iro