Claiming PIP again!

[Alfie2022]

Hi I had bilateral chronic subdural haematoma and burr hole drainage in Feb 2022. I had a fall and broke my leg the previous summer which led to the brain bleeds. I applied for PIP last year after coming out of hospital and even though I went to tribunal I scored 0 points. I've just made the phone call to apply again and I would be grateful for any tips before the form arrives. I was discharged from my neurosurgeon last August and now only see a consultant once a year as I am on keppra for epilepsy. I did get a part time job in a supermarket but had to leave as I realised it was too much. I look OK to the average person but when I was at work I was getting dizzy spells and forgetting what I was doing sometimes. Apologies for the long post. I am applying to get my driving licence back at the moment and live in a rural area with no bus service. Very isolated as I only have a few elderly relatives.

[cat3]

The DWP view of incapacity is pretty black and white ; (she can't touch her toes : can't go out alone : can't use public transport ...etc., and doesn't stretch to the complexity of brain injury and its bad days & worse days.

Mine went to tribunal on the strength of telling them I could manage a walk to the shops if accompanied by my daughter ; the assessor wrote "She goes shopping with daughter". I should've said 'I can't go shopping alone' .....subtleties make a massive difference. I found the Citizen's Advice representatives great advocates, one of whom accompanied me to the appeal hearing (scored maximum points),

I think I've sent the following link to you earlier Alfie. It explains how you need to emphasise the issues of your worst days and present them as the norm in your daily life. Brain injury isn't grasped as a debilitating issue by most people including doctors and DWP assessors so we need to spell it out for them. Good luck m'love... Xx

benefitsandwork.co.uk/

[BeeYou22]

It's a struggle when trying to communicate with people who might not understand how health conditions affect our daily lives so I would definitely contact Citizens Advice and ask them to help you complete the forms. They were brilliant with me and I can't thank them enough. Be sure to be honest about how difficult it really is to live day to day with your health conditions and most of all, be honest with yourself and CAB. I know it's tempting to appear brave and able as we can feel vulnerable telling people how we really struggle but in this case, tell it like it is and I hope you get the outcome you need x

[Teazymaid]

from what I remember about PIP forms it was about what you can achieve on your own .like being able to dress yourself, shower/bath , cooking, housework etc if you require help with any of these you get points .. then out travelling can you organise your journey, get transport, drive, do the shopping etc … this is a bit vague but I think points are scored on your ability to do things independently . I’m sure others may have more information than I do … but it’s not means tested and you can get it even if you work as you could need help at home to wash /dress use a wheelchair chair and still have a job ..

if you are unable to work you should get sickness or disability allowance ( sorry I have no idea what there correct name are) . Sue x

[Mads1975]

further to the previous excellent answers, I would add that the more medical reports that you have that backs up your condition, the better.

I had just been discharged from hospital three years earlier and was still being seen by psychology for my brain injury. I’m positive that this assisted me in my application which was awarded without the need to be assessed in person.

[Jpdee75]

hi Alfie I have literally just been refused pip at tribunal I don’t know what to do but I need help to live my best life. I used i charity funded organisation that specialise with benefit claims I only scored 2 points and they said it’s been scored by what I’m like the majority of the time. I can’t sustain these activities cause I drive myself into a bad way but I can’t get anyone to listen. I got no advice as I’m in same situation

[TheirMema]

Hi Alfie My husband has just been refused a renewal on his PIP claim. Their main issues seemed to be that he drives (and is therefore able to plan a journey etc) and does not have mental health issues. I of course appealed the decision on his behalf and enclosed the Headway leaflet for them to peruse at their leisure where they are trying to get rule changes for those with ABI. The whole system is useless for anybody that does not tick the right boxes. However, I immediately applied for Universal Credit and they have been wonderful and helpful (he already gets ESA) so if you have not already applied that is the route I would recommend. I am willing to fight the appeal but do not expect PIP to be given to him. I am furious thinking that if he did not have me with him, he would be sitting at home panicking that he now has now income!

[Alfie2022 in reply to TheirMema]

Hi thanks for all your helpful comments. It does seem like they make the system completely useless for the people that need it most. I have contacted citizens advice and I'm waiting for them to call me back. I've also paid for a year's subscription to the Work and Benefits site. (Thanks for that Cat). I will let you know how I go on. Its a vicious circle, first I was happy to be alive, then reality hits and I have some acceptance of my situation but frustration at not being able to do things for myself.

[ellamental]

If you have a face to face assessment or even a phone call have someone with you who is not afraid to step in and say... er actually... he would not eat if I did not put it in front of him etc It is painful and embarrassing but the money will really help you. I think most people get it on appeal. As someone else said.. have letters of support from your GP or anyone else you have seen, lists of meds, hospital and test reports .... the more info the better. The forms are long and repetitive .. they don't make it easy. Good luck!