Claiming benefits. UK

[Dotty11]

Hi all, I have secondary leg lymphoedema and struggling a bit. Can I ask a question? Is anyone out there claiming PIP. I'm not on any benefits but was told that I could possibly claim. I would be interested to know if it's not too personal a question.

[CCT67]

Yes you can complete the application form to claim PIP. Your diagnosis doesn't determine eligibility it's the impact it has on you that matters when it comes to PiP

It's is a very lengthy application and you should convey the impact of your Lymphoedema on your daily living/functioning on your very worst Lymphoedema days not your best days. For instance, I have bilateral Lymphoedema - on my bad days I struggle walk or stand which limits my ability to prepare food for myself in the kitchen; I can't drive more than 5-10 minutes without being in awful pain requiring me to pull off the road to elevate my leg. Describe how LE impacts on your functioning when your having a really bad LE day. You don't need to highlight anything about your 'good' days (although obviously nothing about having LE is good! )

Every PiP application is considered separately and it's the impact the diagnosis/disease has on your functioning that is taken into account not the specific diagnosis that determines your eligibility. You will need to give the names of your medical/health professionals that can verify your diagnosis. They may ask to see you/assess you in person however this seems to occur more often when the health professional isn't able to sufficiently verify a diagnosis.

I advise you call the PiP claim number and get the claim form sent to you; complete it within 1 month as per the instructions on covering letter. If you are approved the benefit payment will be backdated to the date you made the claim.

Good luck!

[Brandish54]

Is PIP the same DLA disabled living allowance if so yes you will get it as I have been claiming DLA for a very long time due to my lymphoedema

[Hidden in reply to Brandish54]

PIP is very different to DLA which is being phased out. Eventually everyone receiving DLA will have to decide whether to claim PIP or not.

If Lymphoedema is due to a cancer diagnosis I recommend asking Maggies the cancer charity for support. They are fantastic.

[galtyboi]

Hi,I have lymphedema in both legs and have compression garments on daily,I am severely overweight with a mixture of fluid and fat.I also have arthritis in both knees and found it a struggle to walk and exercise.I needed to get the blue parking badge as I couldnt manage to walk to shops after parking my car.I applied for the blue badge and was told I couldn't have it because I was not on pip.I am a works pensioner and didnt want to be taking anything from the state ,but unless I was on pip.I had no hope of getting a blue badge.I applied for pip and was called for assessment.When they assessed me I got a letter in within a few weeks and told me I was entitled to pip and with that I was able to apply for my blue parking badge which was given to me.It has made my life so much easier ,now I can park within easy access to shops ,it has been a life saver to me ,I could never have managed without it.If it wasn't for the fact I had arthritis and swollen legs and struggled to walk and stand up for long periods,I am not sure they would have granted me pip.Three years before I have to return for reassessment.hope this was a help.

[Nin33]

Totally agree CCT67..... I also have leg lymphoedema, both legs, following an op, just been through process and been awarded. Like you I have never claimed benefit. It is quite daunting process. Evidence with photos ie grab rails etc. Use the citizens advice to steer you through the form (40 pages). I got both mobility and daily. It does involve an hour 1 2 1 assessment. Be warned they observe you arriving and leaving! Good luck,

[harpy1]

Just to put my pennyworth in, if you feel unable to get to the centre don't be afraid to ask for a home visit. They wanted me to travel to Swindon for an assessment when there are plenty of assessment centres in Bristol and I said that was out of the question, I could not possible get on a train I have osteo arthritis too, in the end I got my doctor involved and she wrote me a letter to send. Take a photocopy of the form too so that in future you have reference when you fill in the next one. Very good advice from CCT67..

[Dotty11]

Thank you all for your advice on PIP. I will try to claim and let you know the outcome although can't say I'm looking forward to the process

[Hidden in reply to Dotty11]

Dotty, I have just been to an appeal with someone who had their PIP claim rejected, twice. They want from 6 points after assessment to 7 points after mandatory reconsideration.

8 is required for help with personal care.

The tribunal awarded 13 points which was enough to give them the higher rate award for personal care. The panel was very friendly and not intimidating at all.

The claimant was not requesting PIP for mobility.

My advice would be to get as much help as you can from Citizens Advice, Maggies benefits site and several others online as others have said.

I did all my " learning " that way. My friend wished she had known more before she filled the form in.

For example she did not originally get any points for " therapy " when in fact at appeal the panel awarded 4 points for the amount of time and help she needs to get her hose on both legs and one arm plus the amount of time SLD took every day with help from her husband.

We went well prepared with the " cornerstones " of care for Lymphoedema so we felt sure that helped.

It was also helpful to keep a diary for a week or so to remind yourself exactly how much time you spend carrying out daily activities compared to an able bodied person.

Lots more on my head but that's probably enough for now.

[Dotty11]

Thank you so much Aprille. This is really helpful. I'm filling out my form at the moment and will let you know how I get on.