PIP timing

[fixedit]

do people think it better to delay a PIP application a bit and have stronger evidence, or apply now and gather what I can in the time I have? I have early stage MSA. I am being referred to OT, physio and SALT, but don’t clinic findings or clinic letters yet.

Tim.

[Gill-C]

take advice from the MSA Trust welfare b advisors - extremely helpful and knowledgeable

[Paul_and_Sue_Wood]

Agree with Gill. Contact MSA trust ladies.

[Whitefeather1]

If you apply and don't get awarded you have to wait a certain amount of time before you reapply. If you do get awarded there are two rates, lower and enhanced. If you're awarded the lower rate you can apply for the enhanced rate when needed. It really depends on what symptoms you have. Best to speak with MSA nurse. There should be organisations that can support you fill the form out, depending on where you live. It's a long form! Plus PIP will give you an assessment over the phone when you make the initial contact with them. Hope that helps!

[Yanno]

I agree that the MSA Trust Welfare advisors will give invaluable help. When completing the forms, think about how you are on the worst days, it's not a time to be positive and upgrade your capabilities. Also should you not have the rating you expect, do appeal. My Jackie was first given a ridiculously low assessment and on appeal they said she must have worsened since the initial visit...no they had tried it on and deliberately avoided the proper rating.

Also, don't be afraid to give intimate details of exactly what is done for you. I had to help shower Jackie and they assessed that she could shower herself. I responded with a detailed list of exactly what I did and how demonstrating the need for my help.

Take care, Ian

[SamfMSA Moderator Staff]

Hi Tim

Please get in touch with either myself or my colleague Louise Hardy, we'll be very happy to discuss it further with you and can help you with your application form too.

Please get in touch with us via [e-mail]

Kind regards

Sam Fitzgerald (Social Welfare Specialist - MSA Trust)

PS. Thanks everyone for the lovely comments. We're always happy to help 🙂