Pip and life with fibro

[karencw]

Got the dreaded brown envelope yesterday to apply for pip would really appreciate everyone's advice on how to complete and win your case!

Sometimes think I don't have a brain anymore so all help appreciated

[Orangeblossom]

I haven't done one of these for fibro so hopefully someone else will help soon. I would recommend the site benefits and work for these forms. They show you how to fill in answers for each question

[karencw in reply to Orangeblossom]

Thank you

[jellynpain]

I've not applied for PIP, only another.

Have a read on the criteria as will give you an idea where you fit into it.

Put as much info down about what you suffer and it's affects you down and any medical back up you have (send copies).

Hardest bit is realising what is normal and not as I find my normal is very different to before I became unwell.

Ask your Dr/specialist to write a supporting report.

Keep a copy of everything and send registered post.

It took me a long time to fill my forms to reflect everything in full. I had to do it on and off.

Good luck x

[karencw in reply to jellynpain]

Thank you

[TheAuthor]

Hi karencw

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? The best advice that I could give you is to ring your local CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) as they have a benefits section and can help you complete your application form.

I have pasted you a link below to the CAB self help pages relating to benefits:

Citizens Advice Bureau - Self Help Benefits Guide:

adviceguide.org.uk/england/...

I want to wish you all the best of luck with your application.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Lesley61]

I got mine a few weeks a go my husband filled in some of it and we called CAB cos it had to be in by the 19th jan so we whent to CAB she help fill in and finish wot my husband had put in then we sent it off then I phoned them to let them know I had sent it then a few days later got a text to say they got it then got a letter saying it had gone to ATO now will take up to 26 weeks so good luck with it don't pay the site to do it we did it and could not get nothing back for it so lost £20 for nothink x

[shazzap12]

One tip, when completing your form is also to include how any side effects of medication you are taking affects you. If you take medication where the side effects are nausea or dizzyness these have an adverse effect and should be explained. Also, if you medication has made you gain weight, or even if you are overweight, detail how this impacts your life, such as shortness of breath, pains in chest and any heavy sweating. Although obesity is not classed as a disability, the effects of it and how they affect you are.

Hope this helps

[pinkgin64]

I was successful in claiming PIP but don't think I could have done it without the help of a voluntary organisation that is attached to the hospital I was attending for surgery to my lumbar spine. The person I saw from NeuroSupport was able to explain what each of the questions meant and she detailed how I would qualify for the points based on the answers I gave her. It's not an easy form to fill out as some of the questions can be interpreted in more than one way. I noticed my adviser used a huge book which explained the criteria used and what was required for each question. I have been told that the CAB offer this service too. There is a time limit for filling out the form, I was going to go over as my appointment was outside this period. I rang the DWP and explained that I needed more time and they extended it for me which took the pressure off.

I hope you are successful in your claim. Be prepared to be patient as my claim took about six months from submission to decision. The good news is that if you're successful then your claim will be backdated to the date they received your completed PIP form. Oh, gather as much documentation and evidence you can of your diagnosis, treatment and medication. They are not interested in appointment letters but it is helpful to send them copies of all the reports that result from these appointments.

Kindest regards,

Gin