PIP

[Alexandromeda]

Around 6 years ago, I had the assessment for whatever disablement benefit I was claiming. I scored 0 they sent me to JSA. I had previously been self employed so could not claim any money, I have paid up all National Insurance so I didn't need any of that paying so I signed off. Since then I have been living off my savings and investments. I recently claimed PIP and am waiting for an assessment. Any advice, I have Fibromyalgia, TMJ, osteoarthritis. I have daily headaches constant tinnitus tiredness aching etc,

[rosewine]

Firstly, best of luck on the day. I am sure one of the first questions they will ask you is how you got there so if you can get a lift to the door from someone or a taxi as they seem to think if you can use public transport you are okay. Of course what they don't see is that it lays you up for days afterwards!

It might be a good idea to keep a bit of a diary noting down what you do and how that affects you e.g. pain and fatigue and how long it takes you to recover from each activity as I am sure we are all used to just coping and until you put pen to paper you don;t realise how long and ardous it task is.

If you did not enclose one with you claim form it would be good to take your green and white repeat prescription form with you as that is proof of the drugs you are having to take.

When you answer questions do it as though it is your worse day not your best. Good luck.x

[TheAuthor]

I am so genuinely sorry to read about how you failed with your previous claim and that you are now living off hard earned money rather than what you are entitled too.

As rosewine says, it may help to keep a diary of everything that you are suffering with and how it affects your daily life. I would also discuss these issues with your doctors and medical professionals and ask for letters etc stating your conditions ad in support of your claim.

I want to genuinely and sincerely wish you all the best of luck with your assessment.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Hidden]

Hello,

Just a thought, you mentioned that you had paid all of the National Insurance contributions. Have you checked where you are entitled to Contributions based Employment Support Allowance?

I also take it that you are asking about what happens during the PIP assessment?

If you have recent medical evidence that arrived after you submitted the form, then take it with you. They have to accept it so do not get fobbed off.

Think before you answer the questions, you do not have to rush your answers. Be as precise as you can and tell the health professional what stops you doing things on certain days.

Always imagine your worst day. For example, due to pain that my arthritis causes, I cannot out my socks on without someone helping me. Or, I am very absent minded as a result of Fibromyalgia. This means that I forget to eat meals. My wife / husband / partner etc have to remind me to eat and I also set alarms on my phone.

They will give you a medical examination which consists of them sking you to raise your arms etc. You do not have to do any of this if you know that certain things will hurt you.

I hope that this information is of use to you.

Best wishes.

Dave

[Alexandromeda in reply to Hidden]

Hi Dave Thanks for the info. I think it was contributions based ESA that I was claiming a few years ago. I thought that had finished and I had to claim PIP? is that wrong? Have I claimed for the wrong thing?

[Hidden]

i claimed for contributions based ESA and PIP at the same time. After 12 months the contributions based ESA stopped paying and went to a National Insurance credit pending my medical. I had been waiting for coming up 15 months for one. I then got retired through ill health and my pension meant that I did not qualify for the income based ESA.

If I were you, I would keep the PIP claim going but speak to the DWP about ESA. I understand that if you get put into the support group then ESA continues to be paid.

I may be wrong but it will be worth having a chat with them or checking out the UK Gov website for your entitlements.

Best wishes.

Dave