New year, new fight. After a year of closed doors and every place I went to saying they could not help - funding, staff, not sure of how to... GGRRRR!
I have decided to try for the PIP. Everything I have read tells me the first step is to call the DWP. The call is the easy bit, after that, what do I need to collect or do to get help?
I tried twice to get the DLA and went to three appeals but still lost. Yet my illnesses get worse or mutate and new illnesses start. In 2009 I got swine flu which resulted in FMS and CFS, in 2010 I had an accident and damaged my knee (need a new knee but not till I am 60 - 12 years to go now) which resulted in permanent crutches and unlimited pain. I now have six consultants and the latest is None alcoholic fatty liver disease (waiting a biopsy to see extent of damage) and due to medications (20 per day of different colours) now on the bariatric surgery list!!!
I can't afford to go part time at work and so the DLA or PIP would make my life a lot better. Not had more than two hours of sleep a night for five weeks now. I worry at work due to sickness time off and my employment record. To cut my hours just by a quarter would be heaven.
So now my steps. What do I do after the telephone call? What do I need to collect? Who can I go to for help - Have everything from benefits and work, have been a subscribed member for three years?
I am sure I am not the only one in this situation and I am sure a rough step by step guide from everyone who has been through the whole process and won or lost, would be a start. What do you all think? It wont be the definite guide but a set of steps that we could add to, to help and understand and face fears head on.