ATOS

[coffeeat20]

Hi people

I am now having to go through this PIP stage,my completed form has been to sent off to ATOS,anyone know what there like,I am thinking maybe I won't bother as I have heard terrible stories about claiming PIP.I have RA

[Vanessa2712]

Hi there,

Don't "not bother" - each case is dealt with independently and some people have nightmare situations and others don't. Mine went relatively ok. If anything, I suggest you keep a diary of your day to day mishaps because of RA, monitoring your level of pain, things you can't do because of RA etc and present these at your assessment. It may be a while before you are called for an assessment so you'll have a bit of time for doing this. Be honest about how it affects you - leave your dignity at the door if you can. Hope this helps - shout if you have any questions, I and others would be happy to answer/help where we can.

[coffeeat20 in reply to Vanessa2712]

Thanks Vannessa,this really is a nightmare,I get so cross when people with a genuine condition have to go through this,I see people who get it not deserving because there overweight in a mobility scooter and reckon they cannot breathe!!!!UGGG huh makes me mad.Rant over.

[determined56]

If you have nothing you have all to gain if you succeed. Keep a diary of dates times and names of anyone you speak to and get the help of an advisor to fill in the mountain of questions!!

Daily diary of how you are affected mentally & physically

Having just had my enhanced mobility reduced now car less ..going for Tribunal but kept standard care award (only 2 points of enhanced mobility) So go for it

[BoneyC]

The Benefits and Work website has lots of info, I wouldn't fill in any forms without reading their advice first. Good Luck.

[nomoreheels]

I'm noticing a few members considering if it's worth the hassle & stress but it all boils down to if it will be of benefit to you, it certainly applies to each of us here, we're all in a position to potentially qualify for PIP it's just if you wish to start the ball rolling.

I would say go for it. Once you've received your application form have a good read through to determine if you need help filling it in but certainly do your homework. I did lots of research beforehand to see how the DWP want you to reply to each question, particularly the descriptor "we want to know if you can do this safely, to an acceptable standard as often as you need to and in a reasonable time". You have a month to complete your form so use it (I did it over a couple of days with my h's help), whilst you're waiting for the form gather written medical evidence of how your condition affects you (I can't stress enough how useful this is to support your claim, my feet & walking problems hadn't been noted prior to my claiming & I just missed out on the Mobility component because of lack of evidence from my Rheumy....a month later & I would have had plenty) & keep a diary (use the template provided you wish).

I can't lie & say it's a breeze, they don't make it easy but if you feel it would help with things then definitely try.

If you'd like to read my experience you'll find them here healthunlocked.com/nras/pos... & here healthunlocked.com/nras/pos.... This may also be helpful healthunlocked.com/nras/pos....

Good luck if you decide to apply & ask if there's anything we can help with.

[coffeeat20]

Thanks I have noted what you have said.x