I have applied for PIP

[Skulls]

Having admitted defeat - I shall never work again - and swallowed my pride (seeking help sometimes can be hard) I have begun the process to claim PIP. I have to say that, so far at least, it has been a painless exercise. I didn’t have to wait long on the phone and was connected to Joanne, a helpful Merseysider with a very pronounced accent. It’s lucky I have a love for Scousers (great grandad was one) as I just about managed to understand every word spoken. After providing personal info, I was emailed a link to a questionnaire about how my disability affects me. Probably the hardest thing about answering this was recalling when I spoke to the GP about various things. They have been so “hands off” (negligent?) that I had no treatment plans I could forward. One is warned not to approach the surgery for supporting info as they could charge you.

Reviewing the answers I gave makes me mildly optimistic about my chances but I shall fight any refusal vigorously and seek the aid of my MP who was telling me how generous the Tories have been to the disabled! Fingers crossed!

[cat3]

Fingers crossed Skulls ! I really hope your application is accepted without further ado. My best pal is 'Scouse' and salt of the earth.......

Tell us how how you get on. Cat x

[Leaf100]

It's a tough one to swallow, that's for sure. Part of my brain still tries to tell me there must be something I can do. I always liked working and hadn't planned on ever retiring.

Fingers crossed with the application, keep us posted. Oh, Cat already said that... so ditto.

Leaf

[Skulls in reply to Leaf100]

The independent assessor’s made contact just to let me know who they are, not necessarily indicating a physical with a doctor. That would be a novelty as no doctor has shown the slightest interest in how I am doing… 😡

I retired at 50 so was used to no work until the Home Office advertised. Ideal job for me and I met all qualifications. Looked forward to getting a boatmaster’s ticket but it soon became apparent I was too unwell to even consider it. My life, as a result, has lacked purpose.

[Hidden]

Gather as much info as you possibly can. Under GDPR legislation you have the legal right to all information held about you, which includes all your medical records.

[Skulls]

Good idea if there was actually anything in the GP record which there isn’t. It is entirely blank! As I haven’t received any treatment at all, there are no records of it!!!