hello everyone, I am a year today since my Subarachnoid haemorrhage, I still have all the usual problems with daily life, fatigue being the most problematic. Managing it is so difficult. Also ptsd and anxiety has been so hard to deal with.
I am awaiting an assessment still for my pip claim and I am dreading it to be honest. Has anyone had any successful claims? I am worried no one will understand how tough life is.
Hi you can get a copy of the assessment matrix from the government website, this will give you how they score the assessment and what they look at. Also ask for copies of the assessment record. Take someone along for support and to help keep you on track. Remember to answer as if you are describing your worst days, just because once a month you can achieve something, doesn't mean that you consistently achieve it. Be prepared to go to appeal. This is about what is best for you. 🍀
hello, thanks so much for your advice, hopefully it will go ok. Take care xx
Hi Vonny. As Bellemare has posted, please take a look at the 'Benefits And Work' site for support & information on the best tactics when stating your case for PIP. It has tips for a successful claim that might not occur to many of us.
And as Pairofboots recommends, take someone with you to make notes of proceedings and always describe your difficulties as they are on your worst days. Wording is really important too. I recall saying I could manage light shopping only if accompanied by my daughter and it was interpreted as 'She and her daughter go shopping together' and led to an appeal (successful).
Hope it goes smoothly... Cat x
hello Cat, thanks so much for your advice, I will do more research before going. Hopefully it will go ok. Take care xx
If you can afford to join B&W and download their help guides then that is worth considering. Terminology is so important. Keep it simple and specific to agree with the necessary descriptors, with one eye on justifying (in short/simple concise terms) them if need be. I can't believe that shopping example (well knowing DWP I probably can).
Hello, many thanks for your reply. What is b &w, this sounds all so scary.
Nothing scary, it's just the site mentioned by cat3 benefitsandwork.co.uk/perso... (also might be worth looking at their forum). Do what's best for you though, you'll find your own way.
Hi , as has been stated look at the government website and DO take someone with you. Preferably someone who is aware of your limits. Ask them to take notes for you and to watch if you get tired or confused.
If you need a break say so. ..you are allowed. We are all good at understating our difficulties, this is not the time for that.
Before you go write down your worse days and what you can and can't do.
As Cat as said remembering your words is key. Saying you get by when you can only do this with loads of help is not the same as saying you can not do something without assistance. They will take it as you are managing OK.
Having said that since it went from dla to pips they tend to consider evidence better.
Be prepared to appeal. It seems most people are successful on appeal.
Lastly all the best and good luck,
Pax
The Citizens Advice website has a helpful template citizensadvice.org.uk/benef...
and Age Uk checked the form over the phone before I sent it in on behalf of a friend
Hello lots of great advise I had a subarachnoid hemorrhage plus fatigue and numbness in my leg , I had the PIP assessment which was good , qualified for PIP on the lowest level , my advise is base all answers on your worse days that will help.
You have this. You are a survivor. Things will be easier once the PIP claim is settled.
I have been so stressed on my phone assessment day. Assessor has talked to me about 45 min. She has asked some tricky questions. For example, if you are avoiding public transport then how are you travelling for hospital apps? Or why are you anxious? All conversation in my opinion was about "convince me you are sick enough to get PIP". I am always so tired and can't think straight, so don't hold my breath on outcome 🙃
I have found this forum later and regret I didn't know about Benefits and work web site.
You may have lost a battle (if that's how it works out) but you haven't lost the war. You can appeal if you have the energy, and now that you know about B&W you'll have a better idea what to say to meet the descriptors. I followed their forum when my DLA ended (didn't claim PIP for personal reasons although did get to the stage of completing all of the forms and sealing the envelope) and I saw people go from 0 points to 15-20 points just by saying the right thing on appeal.
Thank you, the key word is the energy 😂
That's true. I have the energy but PIP even wore me down and I'm usually up for a fight. Just don't try to do it all in one go, take your time citizensadvice.org.uk/benef...
Pip
PIP?
PIP
Pip!! 
