Occupational therapy appointment and PIP question

[flap7]

I have been thinking about putting in an application for PIP for support with difficulties caused by SLE/Raynauds's/back and leg issues. I am currently self employed but am failing to function well enough to earn anywhere near what I need to be bringing in to pay my share of the bills. I'm struggling with the most basic tasks as my hands/feet/legs/back are behaving badly and will only get worse in the cold weather. I am also becoming fatigued more quickly and the foggy brain is ridiculous. Photosensitivity is also off the charts now.

I want to continue working but while my health isn't great, I simply can't offer my clients a consistent service. My one previous experience of claiming Incapacity Benefit many years ago was nightmarish and I vowed never to go through that process again. Yet here I am...

I have been referred to OT for some help with daily tasks. I don't know how long the wait will be and I wondered if it was worth waiting for the appointment and subsequent report before applying for PIP or should I just go ahead and make a claim with my current clinicians letters as evidence? I realise that this may be a 'how long is a piece of string' question but I am nervous about the whole process and would appreciate some input if anyone has experience of the application/evidence process, thanks 🌻

[nigelsmum]

pip is a non means tested benefit. As you can work and claim this my answer would be to go ahead and phone up for a form as you have nothing to loose

[flap7 in reply to nigelsmum]

Thanks nigelsmum.

[willowwag in reply to nigelsmum]

Get the form nothing to loose x

[flap7 in reply to willowwag]

I bit the bullet and made the phone call to begin the claim yesterday. I think my main concern is having enough evidence in letter/report form to support my written information for the descriptors. It seems that the DWP don't always contact your GP or specialist for information.

[willowwag in reply to flap7]

remember when filling in the form to write down your meds and dose and what the meds are for and the side effects from each medication how they make you feel x As well as the descriptors as you have mentioned xx good luck

[flap7 in reply to willowwag]

Thank you so much for that suggestion willowwag- I would never have thought of including the side effects of medication.