PIP application help/support

[PurpleRing]

Hi everyone. I've been trying to get myself to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) but I'm worried I'm going to be dismissed as "not worthy", so I've been dragging my heels a bit on it.

For context: I'll be turning 25 in September and I'm diagnosed with asthma (mild), joint hypermobility syndrome, and supposedly fibromyalgia (doesn't appear on my record!) The problem is that a lot of my health concerns aren't documented well on my record - even though PIP is more based on symptoms rather than concrete diagnoses.

I know many of PIP applications get denied on the first attempt and then approved after an appeal, but I fear that being denied would knock the wind out of my sails and I won't be able to get myself to appeal, so I'm trying to get my first application to be as detailed & evidenced as possible.

For any fibro/hypermobile folks who were awarded PIP - what additional evidence (if any) did you give? Did you just fill out the questionnaire they send or did you send in other stuff like a symptom diary or letters from doctors? If you sent them a diary of sorts, how detailed did you make it? Did you get PIP first try or did you have to appeal?

Over the last year I've tried three or four times to get my GP to write a supporting letter detailing how my health is impacted, but every time I've only ever gotten back a short letter listing my diagnoses, on two occasions even listing neonatal hypoglycaemia - low blood sugar as a newborn! My entire local practice has a habit of being largely unhelpful and I live outside of the catchment area of any other surgeries who are open to new patients, so transferring isn't really an option unfortunately.

I'm sure I'm dramatically overthinking the whole thing, and I should just get it over with and apply sooner rather than later, but I really do want to make sure I've got the best chance possible. Any help is appreciated!

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

You can contact our benefits team for advice and guidelines on applying

FMA UK benefits helpline information

[PurpleRing in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Thanks Hazel, I'll check it out.

[rickroll]

hi, I recently was awarded PIP , didn’t have anything from the GP as mine are useless as well, I went on the Fybromyalgia website and found it very helpful, it is worth doing it.

[PurpleRing in reply to rickroll]

Thanks for your input! I'm going to have a look at the site today and finally make a move on this whole thing

[Bailey13]

hi, ive just been awarded Pip last week. I had to appeal then appeal again to tribunal. Was waiting for court date then got a phone call last week. Answered a few questions then was told i got standard living & mobility. Was given choice to except or go to tribunal. I excepted.

Originally i sent loads of paperwork in covering all my conditions but obviously didnt help as i was turn down twice before going to tribunal.

Go for it though and fight till the end . Good luck x

[JaneFinn]

I sympathise! Definitely important to use the specialised help and advice as listed above. I’d also really recommend consulting the CAB, in terms of filling in the forms - they helped me loads on how to express things in the ‘right’ way. Good luck! Jx

[Loonapoop2]

hi

I am getting Pip. However it took me a long time for them to accept that I needed it. Don’t give up! Be prepared to have to take it to tribunal. Always only talk about your worst days. As soon as you tell them that on a good day you’re able to do this n that then that’s what they will hear.

Keep at it.