I was diagnosed with Lupus early this....right after I applied for PIP with fatigue and didn't get it. It seems it you don't tick their box's your OTHER box's don't count.....not once did the letter mention my Lupus !!!!! ....only my dyslexia....but they think my cognitive ability is fine ?
I was brought up to put up an get on with it they refuse to listen to the silent hell I live in every day and just living with a death wish. I just don't have the energy to work full time anymore but I can't cope with out income.....I have been told To get a doctor letter and he will ring me this afternoon.....what on earth do I ask him to say in the letter to make PIP understand ???????? 😓
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Mozart12
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I just have a decision and a points break down from DWP
I tried to get the extension when I rang PIP today but was told I failed the security and would need to ring back !?
Never lost it so bad.....screaming....just screaming. ...... Crying my eyes out by the time the doctor rang.....said he did this too when dealing with people like this......maybe ? ......you just always thing it's just you don't you 😒
You have been so helpful today I'm really glad you where there..carnt thank you enough.... another day tomorrow sleep well zzzzzzz
It explains the points system that is used to assess disabilities - I think the gist of it is that it doesn't matter what diagnosis/label/illness you have; you have to provide evidence of your degree of difficulties with the very specific tasks they list. I was applying because of DLA being phased out, which was very different, and I don't think I would've stood a chance of being awarded anything if I hadn't learned how the scoring system works.
In essence it doesn't matter what illness you have but how everyday life is affected by your limitations due to illness. Some of the proof is down to seeking medical advice for symptoms such as incontinence, limited movement etc. It is not that you have a perching stool in the kitchen so you can rest whilst preparing a meal, it is that you really have a need for one because of increased pain for example. Count how many steps you can take before pain sets in, and how many before it becomes intolerable. Even then if you live alone, pain or no pain there are times when you have to endure it just to get on. Then, how much does it take out of you and how long do you have to rest when you get home?
Try not to take it personally but do appeal, get help from your GP and visit the websites that explain the points system. Good luck
Hello if you're a member of the charity Lupus UK you can get free access to download the guides to benefits done by the organisation "benefits and work"
PIP looks at if you need "help/ care" and anyone who needs "help" can apply it doesn't matter if you work or not, and it's not affected by other income
There's also a benefit called ESA which is for people who are not capable of working ...this is affected by things like if you've paid NI contributions, income ( including income from partners who live with you), if you have savings
Both ESA and PIP assessment is based on them assessing you according to how you fill in the forms, and they "score you with points" based on what you can / can't do, what "help/ care" you need etc
They should take variable conditions into consideration as well as pain, fatigue , if you can do things repeatedly and if you can do things reliably.
The system is a disgrace as they often assess people wrongly initially ...most people have to ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration to look at their case again, but often this doesn't change things and people have to appeal ( apparently upto 70% of cases win at the tribunal appeal so this shows just how bad the system is )
A welfare rights officer should be able to help you. In my area they are under council social services ( in some councils a dr or occupational therapist has to refer you)
If you are having problems with "Lupus limitations" / symptoms that means you do need "help/ care" , you are entitled to PIP, and you don't actually have to be getting "help/ care" at the moment ( If people are helping you they can write a letter you can use as "evidence" to help your claim)
If your symptoms/ energy impairment etc prevent you from working then you are entitled to claim ESA. Don't let the fact that the system is flawed make you feel as if you should not get the social security benefits that you are entitled to
I applied for pip last November because it was not wage related and I wanted to continue working part time and keep a lodger. This way I thought I could manage and managed financiall. I still don't have pip....yet ?
Now wondering If ESA would be better ?
Citizen advise told me to get UC while I wait...now I have to go through a health assessment with them.
I am better working a little as it keeps my mind off things but with Lupus and dyslexia I'm struggling to hold onto my mood and make sense of it all. I carnt work the maths out 😣
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