Walking aids ??

[Frenchi88]

Hey I think I've asked this before but it still crops up as I read stuff articles and on here too. Also I've just applied for the PIP form after years of being terrified of beginning the whole stressful thing and am already getting anxiety and I haven't even received it yet. So here goes !!I now use a crutch everyday to walk as I have Osteoarthritis in both feet (right foot worse than left at mo) and possibly Rheumatoid too (awaiting Rheumatology appointment) .

Now I saw my GP few months or so back and I mentioned to him that I've heard that you need to be prescribed using a crutch for it to be deemed necessary. He's reply was "that's total nonsense". Now when I read on here some people's messages some have mentioned that they have been told because their walking aid is not prescribed it's invalid.

So what are your opinions on this and have any of you had experiences of this affecting the outcome of your claim ??????

Also I cannot get my head around "if you are able to walk more than 20mtrs or 20yards (can't remember which) it seems you automatically are deemed fit so are not entitled to PIP.

It seems you can have all other symptoms which make life difficult, painful etc but they don't matter because "you can walk"

Anyway I do appreciate your replies that I'm sure will come and enlighten me and hope life is treating you somewhat well.

Regards 🤗

[Welshcatlady]

I use a rollator and walking stick and I also have several aids indoors which I bought myself, I put them on my PIP form and was awarded PIP admittedly at the lower rate. I also have COPD which also limits my walking. When you complete the form you tell them how your conditions effect you.

[Frenchi88 in reply to Welshcatlady]

Hey WelshcatladyI'm glad u received your claim congrats for that.

I will write that I have a crutch that I use which I use both at home and outside of home too. I was at Physio yesterday and asked again a professional and again was told by her that you don't have to be prescribed a walking aid when applying for PIP.

Anyway I'll add that into my claim as I very much need the walking aid for more than one reason.

Appreciate your reply thank U 😁

[-s44]

When you complete the form make sure you write as your worst days, not your best. Regards to equipment- you have the equipment that you find helps you best and yet still have rough days- so put that (your go is right!)

I have standard rate for daily living and mobility and when I completed the forms it took a while so start them early and get someone who knows you well to read them as I had missed loads.

Good luck

[Frenchi88 in reply to -s44]

Hey -s44Ya know you saying to me get someone who knows me well to help is a really good point as I'm sure I will miss things and people alway see things that maybe I don't or remember bits to mention so that's a really good point.

Thank U

Regards F 🤗

[Mgt8]

And don't forget to use this website!It's a godsend. It talks you through the whole process and certainly helped mine to go through...👍

benefitsandwork.co.uk/

[Frenchi88 in reply to Mgt8]

Thank goodness there's help for this, I guarantee I shall be referring to the website as I'm sure after reading lots of PIP messages on here that it's going to be needed .Appreciate the link Thank U

Regards F 🤗

[Vixen65]

I use a rollator and a walking stick, in my assessment I was asked if they were prescribed by the OT, which they were, and I provided proof of this. Even with these aids I still couldn't manage to walk 20 metres, and so use a disability scooter, but this did not count. I described my worst days and used the Scope disability website to fill in my form myself, I was awarded enhanced for both daily living and mobility.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Glad to see you have had some helpful replies and advice. Wishing you well with your application x

[Frenchi88 in reply to Yassytina]

Thank you so much Yassytina. I do agree I've had some great replies here and some new ideas and things that I've learnt from them too.Hoping alls well as it can be with you

Regards F 🤗

[Frenchi88]

Hey Ajay575I really didn't know that if you can walk further than the 20mtrs that you may still be awarded PIP (if I'm reading it correctly) even though it may be standard claim, so that is new to me.

I just found it very strange when my understanding was that no matter what else you have wrong with you if you can walk more than 20mtrs you won't be eligible.

Some days I can walk more than 20mtrs (well i think it's over 20mtrs) but then most I cannot. So I guess that's why people say on here to tell them on your worse day. Can you tell me what you mean when you said "it makes no difference distanced walked"??? sorry to ask again 😒

You really have enlightened me with your reply so Thank you for that and when it's all over (still waiting for from to arrive at mo) I'll certainly on here and let yas all know how I got on.

Regards F 🤗

[Frenchi88]

😂 well if your having a slow day maybe you can think on and see if you can remember why🙃😉😊🤣...only kidding ...its not important you've given me great answers with your first reply and now with your 2nd so it's really not a problemSorry for replying late to your first reply have had lecky nightmares and all kinds of work going on outside digging up my drive and footpath to my street door trying to find out why I had no power coning into my house, but all sorted now just waiting on grounds work people to come and put back and repair all what they've done.

Anyway cheers for replying AGAIN

regards F 😊

PS don't lose sleep tonight 🙃