PIP/Motability allowance for Fibromyalgia

[Lesblackbox]

Hi Please may I ask how PIP gives you motalility for Fibromyalgia? Sorry if I sound silly asking this question as I only get standard rate for motability and I am struggling massively even getting in and out of the house at the moment. I am self employed with bad arthritis in my bk and have now found out I have fibromyalgia which is causing me worse pain and mobility than my arthritis was. Apparently because I can plan a journey I am not allowed full rate yet iv got sat nav..brain fog kicks in big time and I don't drive long journeys anymore because of this, should I inform them? I still wrk because I have to but every single day takes huge effort to even get out of bed! X

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Hi there, going on my own experience. Full mobility award is normally given to people who need someone with them when leaving home. Like having others drive you or push you in a wheel chair etc.

While you can still drive a car and work no matter how short a journey or what pain your in you are telling them you can still do these journeys. I would say thats why you get the lower mobility rate I guess.

[Farmerboy in reply to Dizzytwo]

Hello, to qualify for full mobility on PIP you have to meet the criteria of the award. The fact that the person can drive or plan a journey or use a sat nav is not relevant. The rules state can you walk 50 meters or 100 meters safely repeatedly and in a reasonable timely manner. I myself cannot walk 25 meters but use mobility scooters to get about and drive an automatic car. I don’t have a person to accompany or assistance check snd look up the actual PIP rules and regulations. I hope this a bit more understandable.

[Dinkie]

It is not the condition/diagnosis that will gain the award but the way you are affected. This is a statement from the DWP given for a parliamentary paper on PIP mobility

A person (person A) with a cognitive impairment who cannot, due to their impairment, work out where to go, follow directions or deal with unexpected changes in their journey, even when the journey is familiar, would score 12 points under descriptor f in mobility activity 1 (“planning and following journeys”), and hence be entitled to the enhanced rate of the mobility component. Examples of such conditions could include dementia, or a learning disability such as Down’s Syndrome. (Some people covered by this example may experience psychological distress as well, and may also meet descriptor b, requiring “prompting” – i.e. reminding, encouraging or explaining – from another person in order to be able to undertake a journey. They will still receive 12 points under descriptor f and be entitled to the enhanced rate.)

So presumably "mobility" in the sense of being able to walk is not the only consideration in granting the mobility part of PIP.

You could always notify DWP of a change in circumstances or if your review is due soon wait for the review paperwork. Or give the benefits advisor here a call to see if they can help.

I'm sure someone with more knowledge of the PIP system will be able to assist. I have to admit I am no expert!

[Lesblackbox in reply to Dinkie]

But this is my point, I agree with what uv said..I just about wLk 20m without hsving to stop in agony. I have a sedentary job sat down all day and my car is right outside the door at wrk. If had mental health issues then I wouldn't b allowed to drive yet because I know I suffer from brain fog I only drive short journeys, so that's why I'm asking hoe have others for full pip for mobility..I got 10 out of 12 points and was told the other 2 was because I am able to zn a journey, yet I darent drive it if not a short one because of my meds and brain fog? X

[Dinkie in reply to Lesblackbox]

did you ask for a MR when you were awarded standard mobility? It’s often not what you say in your application but the way you say it. There are specific phrases that help. If you didn’t get assistance in completing your form it may be worth considering next time or joining one of the benefits and work type sites where there is lots of information. Also statements from friends/colleagues who can actually can confirm your daily struggles could also help.

[Dizzytwo Moderator in reply to Lesblackbox]

But the point I was making. Was no matter how short the car journey you are seen as been able to do it unaided.

And yes I know many have mobility cars. But I think sometimes that can go against folks to. Which is daft imo.

[Dizzytwo Moderator in reply to Dinkie]

That's what I meant Dinkie. If your seen to be able to plan a journey and if you can drive a car with out help surely that would not qualify for full mobility. And that would be just one of the many descriptors people would have to meet I am guessing here Farmerboy

[Farmerboy]

Good morning Ajay, A happy Easter to you. A good honest and practical advice.

[Dizzytwo Moderator in reply to Farmerboy]

But surely if a person needs prompting when driving a car they realy shouldn't be behined should they?

[Farmerboy in reply to Dizzytwo]

agree but I don’t need prompting many are claiming Blue Badges but they can walk unaided several hundred yards carry shopping bags what’s that all about?

[Dizzytwo Moderator in reply to Farmerboy]

I suppose some may say because I need a wheel chair why do I need a badge. I'm not having to walk at all lol.

But without that extra space in the disabled parking it would be impossible to get the chair in and out of the car.

Also mental reasons come into play for me. The nearer hubby can park to a place the less panicked I get. I suffer from bad agoraphobia at times.

So I guess its not always about walking. Their could be many reasons people need a blue badge.

[Dinkie in reply to Dizzytwo]

as many reasons as there are symptoms for fibro😬. Guess it’s down to the assessors and those advising us mere mortals

[Dizzytwo Moderator in reply to Dinkie]

I agree Dinks 🤗

[Lesblackbox in reply to Dizzytwo]

Yes I thought that, it's pretty obvious observation I would think? It's a minefield?

[Jaynefrombarry1]

morning, I’ve just been reading this post and am new to the whole pip experience! I had my phone call assessment a couple of weeks ago… I too suffer with fibromyalgia and arthritis, mental health, anxiety and fairly recently breathing difficulties… thank you to everyone on this post.. it was very informative, although, I’ll be very surprised if I receive a good result from pip…. Fingers crossed! If I knew the points system that connects the questions I may have been more prepared instead of my flakey answers… once again thanks

[Endolemon in reply to Jaynefrombarry1]

I have found this forum only after my assessment and was thinking the same 😁

Want to join benefitsandwork.co.uk for helpful info

[LunaBess in reply to Jaynefrombarry1]

I hope you was successful Jayne.