Applying for PIP

[Camhanaich]

It was suggested to me a few months ago, that I should apply for PIP. I've not had nor asked for anything from DWP, especially after seeing and hearing of instances over the years, where people have been made to feel like spongers by the those who conduct these disability interviews.

So, in order for me to decide whether or not to put myself through the agro of asking for state help, do the DWP recognise PIP as the debilitating illness that it is, or are they still treating everyone as liars and con artists?

[M0AL61 Moderator Volunteer]

I think you perhaps meant to ask do the DWP recognise fibromyalgia as the ……..

In answer to this, it is NOT the condition you have which entitles you to PIP, but how your condition affects you on a daily basis.

If you google PIP you will be able to read what it is and who it is for and see if you think you fit the criteria. If you think you do then I would say apply, as you might just qualify.

If you go ahead and claim good luck and we have a benefits advisor who can email you a guide on how to complete the form. (Do not put your email address here on the main forum) xx

[Lemony990 in reply to M0AL61]

Hi, I am about to try applying for for PIP again, having been put off by being turned down 2 years ago. At that time, when I saw a copy of the Face to face assessment and how much of a fabrication it was, I was put off from trying for a long time. I now have the forms at home waiting to be completed. I would really appreciate if I could be sent a copy of the guide on how to complete the forms please. x

[M0AL61 Moderator Volunteer in reply to Lemony990]

If you contact the Benefits Advisor, Janet Horton, on the Benefits Helpline number - 0300 999 0055 (10am - 12pm Mon and Fri) she will be able to email you a copy of the guide. x

[Lemony990 in reply to M0AL61]

Is this the same guide that is sent to you with the form to fill out? Also, is that Monday and Friday or is it Monday to Friday? 😏

[M0AL61 Moderator Volunteer in reply to Lemony990]

No, it a different guide from the one sent with the form.

The Benefits Helpline is open Monday and Friday x

[Lemony990 in reply to M0AL61]

Thanks loads for your help, much appreciated 😊 x

[Lemony990 in reply to M0AL61]

Hi, I keep getting the answer machine when I call. Am I meant to leave my email address and just wait for the guide to come through?

[M0AL61 Moderator Volunteer in reply to Lemony990]

You can leave a message with your email address, but be sure to say what guide you require.

Or, as Ajay has mentioned below, you can email and ask for the guide to be emailed back to you. Again please be sure to state what guide you require.

[bobbybobb]

I really hope someone will say that their experience was good and they got what they are entitled to. Why they treat everyone as liars and con artists is because they know their own tricks best. You shouldn't be put of, if you are struggling with your activities of daily living PIP is your entitlement. I agree with Ajay575, apply right away. xx

[Farmerboy in reply to bobbybobb]

Hello, having been diagnosed with MS I was told has I have been incapacitated for the required number of weeks I could apply for PIP. I expected standard care and mobility which I did receive and over 12 months later I reapplied under a change of circumstances my mobility had worsened and after a second assessment I was awarded standard care and enhanced mobility. I have my own car changed to an automatic recently and will be erased in 2021 . The whole process was not an issue or struggle ,if you read the requirements of the assessment and the descriptors and provide the evidence, information and medical reports letters to support your claim all should go well.

[bobbybobb in reply to Farmerboy]

I didn't have a problem second time round I have all my medical evidence. My younger brother who has MS cannot deal with the whole process and when he first applied a few years ago now, he was made to feel he was swinging the led. He nearly had a breakdown. He didn't appeal. When he made a second application a year later, he had a very good advocate to help him. What I'm saying is some of those assessors take advantage of weak and vulnerable people who the know are mentally unprepared to ever go to appeal That I've seen, that's not hear say. I know some people have good experience but from my experience I don't trust them. x

[Hidden]

Hi

When I first had a F2F 2 years ago the assessor was quite nice and I was awarded standard on both, I've just had another one a few weeks ago which was more in depth as I was already on pip, the assessor was ok , I asked for a copy of her report and she had written more or less word for word and suggested they see me in 2 years, just waiting for the official letter now as you never know what the powers that be think. Good luck. Take care. Let me know how you get on please.

[Farmerboy]

PIP, is a benefit to help with your daily living activities and mobility issues. It is not awarded on a disability, diagnosis or the amount of medications you have been prescribed. PIP is awarded on your abilities to function and preform safely, repeatedly and in a timely manner the descriptors. Have good supporting documentation, medical reports letters of confirmation will help you get the award you deserve.

[Dee6]

With reference to all the bad experiences, I eventually applied for PIP 18 month ago, I was granted it the first time both on the lower rate but better than nothing. I attend a support group and all the people in it get PIP, but it has occurred to me that they were granted PIP for 3 years plus, mine unfortunately was only granted for 2 so will be awaiting the letter!

[Alepar]

It’s a bit of a lottery to be honest. Things got much worse about two years ago when it seemed that DWP instructed staff to make anyone on the higher rates drop to standard. Everyone seemed to be a point short to get the higher rate. I was anyway. The Brain charity persuaded me to appeal and the DWP eventually made a counter offer (moving me to higher mobility rate) which I accepted to avoid the stress of an appeals tribunal.

The face to face health ‘professional’ basically told lies and drew erroneous conclusions.

I’m currently about to go thru the whole wretched process yet again. A chum in Canada with Fibro can’t believe what they put us thru. He only had to apply once.

But I digress...

There’s an online forum and organisation that produces really helpful guides on all aspects of benefit claims. From applying to appealing to reapplying. You need to be a member, which costs less than £20pa (there’s usually offers on that reduce it to around £11 so it’s worth signing up for the newsletter) I’ve found the site really helpful.

benefitsandwork.co.uk

(- Sorry if I don’t make total sense at the moment. A change in meds is wreaking havoc via side effects)