Pip

[5teve]

When is the right time to apply for pip been thinking of applying for ages but not sure what to do I feel there are people worse off than me but I struggle to do day to day things , and one day I'm ok the next not when I feel I should do it ??

[nomoreheels]

Hiya 5teve. This is something I asked myself. RD is so variable I thought maybe I wouldn't qualify but then thought if I don't try I'll never know. I was awarded it!

The first sentence on the Gov.uk site for PIP reads as follows

"Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability if you’re aged 16 to 64."

The best way I found to determine & see how RD affected me was to write down what I couldn't do or at least struggle to do on my worst days. I think if you do similar you'll be surprised how things are very different to what you could do pre RD.

[5teve in reply to nomoreheels]

Yes that's what I have been thinking write it down , the best way of doing it but I still think I'm not that bad even I know I can not do what I use to do must get that out of my head , I did write down a daily diary when seeing a phycologist do you think I should do again ?

[nomoreheels in reply to 5teve]

It's recommended that you do, in fact there's a template "Activity Diary" included with the application form. You need to stop being a manly man too! Don't compare yourself with us on here, it's you you're claiming for & you wouldn't need the meds you take if you didn't have a chronic disease, keep that in mind & you'll come round to thinking you've as much right as anyone with RD to claim PIP. You've nothing to lose & everything to gain. If you have supporting evidence, letters from your Rheumy, GP, anyone else who has dealings with you, Physio, Occupational Health that will help too.

This Benefits & Work link may be helpful benefitsandwork.co.uk/perso...

[nomoreheels in reply to 5teve]

This may help too nras.org.uk/publications/ho...

[earthwitch]

The right time to apply is when you meet the criteria. Of course you aren't going to know exactly how they will assess you, but if you can get hold of the application form and the criteria they use and see how much applies to you, then you can get a bit of an idea of whether its worth it. I found that the best way to check my entitlement to all sorts of disability related benefits was to make an appointment with the disability advisor of the CAB. They were really helpful, not just for DLA (which it was when I applied) but also for getting access to local travel concessions, blue badge, etc.

[Azabat]

There will always be someone worse off than you. The question is not whether you deserve it as much as they do. The question is only 'do you meet the criteria'. Like all the wise and wonderfuls say, track your symptoms and your life. Talk to your gp and rheumy, for goodness sake talk to *you* about what your life is really like. Not what it was, or you wish it were, but as it is.

[Giggle]

I know exactly how you feel it's a question ive asked myself many times. I lost my job through RA a few years ago but still wonder if they'd give me PIP now and my symptoms are a lot worse now than then. I do get money through a private health insurance policy but even that was hard enough to get and is nothing compared to what I used to earn. Even they put you through the ringer to receive it and ring every few weeks to see if there's any change. I repeatedly tell them I'm unaware a cure has been found. During the last phone call they asked if I have help with the kids do they go to childcare??? I have 3 children one only 1 year old I said no who's going to pay for that??? I get a pittance!! I think the only way they make these things easy is if you literally are lying flat on your back in a bed all day. Even then they'd probavly question why you can't go for the assessment. I've been told Pip assessors can only judge on that presentation on the day aren't allowed to make assumptions and it's all based on fact. But the reports i hear of people being turned down don't make me feel confident.

Keeping a diary might help I think that's s good idea. Good luck.

Lyndsey

[02tkwillx in reply to Giggle]

I had my assessment last week, I was in a bad flare, I also heard that a lot if people get turned down, but I applied anyway. Heard today that I am going to recieve it. Both personal and mobility. i waited 6 months to be assessed and they are back dating it to when I first applied. Booking myself and hubby ( he does so much around the house that I struggle with ) a little well deserved holiday to sunny Spain. Go for it ...

[nomoreheels in reply to 02tkwillx]

So pleased you've been awarded it too Sandra. Enjoy your hols.

[nomoreheels in reply to Giggle]

I felt very unsure when I applied hearing how many with RD were being refused Lyndsey but not long before my assessment at the end of last year things seemed to be changing & I can't recall of anyone lately not being awarded it. What does seem to be the case with each member who has reported back is that the assessors have been ex healthcare workers, Physios, Nurses, even GP's rather than people with no experience of the medical field. I would try if I was you, you don't know if you don't try & they can't hang you for it.

Hope your little Harry is as still as happy as in the pic, he'll be a character now I would imagine! x

[Giggle in reply to nomoreheels]

Aww Harry is lovely and happy thank you hun for asking. I've been very lucky this part year. People will ask if he ever cries or gets miserable because he's so happy all the time Its good to hear things are changing. I might keep a diary for a few weeks before I apply. I hope you are doing well x

[Giggle in reply to Giggle]

That should say past. Fat fingers don't type well lol

[nomoreheels in reply to Giggle]

I'm sort of doing well. My Rheumy eventually looked a my feet & has increased my MTX as a result. Trying to get up to 20mg but still at 17.5mg just now. Otherwise Podietry are being so helpful & I'm hopeful of a happier feet.

Good to hear Harry's a happy baby still but sorry you've got fat fingers. Hoping their doing all they can to help. x