hi, what’s people’s advice on applying for a PIP for the first time? Best/easier on phone or post? Online isn’t available for my area.
I have Fibro and ME/CFS. It’s having a huge impact on daily life, I am physically able to walk/drive but only short distances and with sever payback on pain and fatigue which can leave me bedridden if I’ve pushed it to far.
This is all new and scary to me! Tx
Amazing! Thank you so much. It’s very overwhelming I know it can be hard as ME and Fibro are not black and white. Really appreciate your tips, I’ll request a form and get goggling!
You need to call them first, then they send you out the forms and your doctors should give you back up information to support your claim.
thank you, I have called today and requested the form. wish me luck!
very very much good luck and you'll get there x
Hi, to the best of my knowledge not all doctors will give back up information. And for many that do most of them charge a fee.
Momo
Wow! that's a shock to me. If you have been given a diagnosis then the doctor can at the very least confirm this diagnosis and if you have to pay and you can afford it - then pay. It's not something you'll have to keep paying for. Also info from people who care about you, see you every day, etc - any information from another source is also good. I guess I'm lucky my doctors have always volunteered it.
Hi thereA lot of good info there from Ajay.
I would definitely go with post. If you feel you don't have enough time to fill it in you can ask for an extension.
Fight back 4 justice, CAB, Welfare rights, Benefits and Work are all really good in helping people to claim PIP. There is also a support line for benefits on here.
I personally have used Benefits and Work
It is largely down to how you answer the questions and what words you use. Never say you have good days because we don't. They may be a little better but not good as this implies you are fine. Also put as much as you can down on the form. Don't say you can drive as they then say you can do everything. They don't seem to realise that it's rarely and only when you have to.
Get supporting letters if you can. My daughter who has ME and FIbro got one from her GP and Neurologist. I also sent a letter in for her just saying how much she had changed and how her life had changed.
Make sure you put reliably, safely and in a timely fashion to everything you do.
They are not your friends, don't trust them. Make sure you photocopy everything and keep records of dates time phone etc.
It's a pain but is worth it in the end.
Good luck hope you get through this.
Remember we are all with you.
Love and comfy Hugs.
Lilly x
thank you Lilly, that's really helpful. its all very overwhelming
It can seem like that but please try not to let it as it can make you ill. As Debsdelight72 said you have nothing to lose. Hope it goes well. Lilly x
Hi Forkeeps Be honest, Fill out the form carefully and tell them what it's like on your worst day, Pain depression what ever you suffer with,they're not interested what your illnesses are just how it effects you, I photo copy every thing I've put down just in case i'm not well enough to think properly
Once you've sent of the form try to forget about it or it will drive you potty. You will get a letter to say the form has got to them and will notify you with the result, I stupidly thought it was the decesion and didn't open it until the next day, I should have known they are not that quick,
Keep a note of when you got this letter, If you have not heard anything for eight weeks ish, Call them, They don't like it but sometimes you get told they've dealt with your claim and give you the result, Mostly they say you should receive a letter in the post.
My first form got lost (yeah right) but they did back date it, Yeah! we can eat this month, Just kidding, It was a great result and Hubby and I went on a nice little weekend away,
I digress, Use as much extra information as you can, Even if you use many sheets of paper and clip them on the back, Try not to get too down hearted,If you don't get anything you just keep on claiming you have nothing to lose,Be carefull if they give you a low payement they can change it lower as well, Good luck
Take care Debs
Thank you, I have been sent a link to complete the form online, so I will take screenshots. But that will be another day as I’m wiped out now and need to save some energy to parent after the kids get home from school!
Well done Ajay always giving out great advice and information. If only claimants would do some research before claiming the whole application process would be a lot easier for them, thanks again.
Please contact our benefits team - they can send you guidelines on applying and completing the forms
keep a diary of ur dally problems and pain and restriction u have. Get copies of all medical letters and appointments u have had and up coming. This may sound daft but always ur worse problems down on form “ not how u manage to cope”. All help u receive from who and what they did for u never mind how small.
It always felt like they want to make u squirm as much as possible and c u upset.
If u strudel with it put it down.
Go with the postal route. Get as much evidence together as you can and hope that GP and hospital have made notes because they sure as hell haven't when I applied for mine! Take a copy. Good luck!
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