PIP form question

[WhyCee27]

Hi there,

I went to my local CAB office to get advice on filling my PIP form but on hindsight I probably should have done it myself because I feel like what the adviser wrote wasn't detailed enough. The deadline for submission was tight so I just rushed off and posted it when I got home. I've got photocopies of the form which I looked through. I was in a lot of pain when I went there and explained to the lady about my symptoms but I don't think she put enough info down on the form. I missed out the question on 'reading' because I just thought I can read fine but thinking about it, I do have trouble concentrating and get overwhelmed with too much info due to the brain fog. I've also got pains in my arms and fingers which get worse when I hold a book or have to turn pages. If I get called for an assessment, can I give answers to questions I missed on the form? Will they take it into account? I'm feeling a bit worried now. Maybe I should have called the DWP to ask them to extend the deadline so I could get the form done properly.

[WhyCee27]

Thanks for your reply Ajay! Hopefully I will. It's so difficult for us to get these benefits with invisible conditions. I failed my ESA Mandatory Reconsideration so now waiting to apply for the appeal. I was advised to apply for PIP but I might probably fail that too. I forgot to mention that I did include a letter from my GP, counsellor and referral for Talking Therapy along with my PIP form so hopefully that will help.

[WhyCee27]

Don't worry. I will. Thanks again! I hadn't planned on washing when I go for the assessment. You take care too.

[soppysokes in reply to WhyCee27]

Why would you not wash! Acting up at the assessments very often results in lower points they are not daft and see through it.

[WhyCee27 in reply to soppysokes]

On my worst days I don't wash due to the pain. If that happens on the assessment day then that is exactly what I will do. I know they are not daft.

[soppysokes in reply to WhyCee27]

Hi wyecee, if your condition and pain levels are causing problems to that degree of not being about to keep up with personal hygiene then you should easily be able to get a letter from your consultant and gp to backup your stance and claims.

Since you have said that at present you have had 0 points in assessment for ESA and are concerned on a PIP claim failing, then it might be best to get these documents from your relevant health providers which, in that case,should not present a problem and would help in your current situation.

[Hidden]

During my assessent the assessor took a lot extra things into account that I had failed to write on my forms and also took photocopies of my pile of medical papers that I had not included. (Take everything with you)

Try not too worry too much (I know that it's easier said than done) There are a lot of horror stories about PIP online but lots of people have good experiences with PIP assessments but you don't hear about those online.

All the best and good luck with your PIP application!

[WhyCee27 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I will do! I've failed it before and didn't want to fail again hence the worry. You've helped but my mind at ease a bit. It's trying to explain how it affects you so it fits into all or most of their boxes that I find is the main problem when you have a condition such as Fibro. I've also got Raynaud's and Sjogren's as well so I'll just try to break down everything for them on the day as best as I can.

[Hidden in reply to WhyCee27]

It's helpful to take the pip self test online so you know exactly where you are scoring points. So during the assessment you know which points you have to get across.

[Rose54]

Hi

On the reading all they are looking for is do you need help to read for instance are you dyslexic ,Do you suffer from poor vision due to Age related Macular degenerating ,Glaucoma or other sight problems where you may have to have things like letters read for you.

Being unable to take information in ? if it would score points at all I doubt it .

As for hands hurt turning a page or holding a book very unlikely

Hands and fingers too painful to prepare vegetables for a meal and needing help to do this will score points .

Good Luck and try not to worry they go over things to clarify art assessment

[WhyCee27]

Thanks for the tip! That makes sense. I'll bear that in mind.