Hi my name is lee this is my first post I would like to thank the people who put up these helpful posts and share information. RA is a horrible disease and I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. I have struggled mentally and physically since being diagnosed. It also affected me in many other ways as well. I wanted to let people know if you are applying for pip make sure you get help with filling out your forms and make sure you explain how this illness has affected you in every way. if they come back and deny you, appeal. they will look at it again and prob deny you again I then had to go to tribunal which was in court make sure you go and take someone with you which I didn’t I then managed to completely loose my temper when inside which is why I am saying take someone with you but when you are in there say it exactly how it is don’t try exaggerating which I doubt u will need to my decision was changed from getting 0 points which is a joke to being granted pip payments. The whole thing is wrong. they treat you like criminals for being unwell and how dare you ask for help when you need it I want to complain further or if nras got everyone on this site to sign a petition to get this whole processed changed. Why doesn’t your Dr sign you off like if you were working? it’s done to slow the whole process down this makes me so angry that I now will have to rely on these people to get by 😭
Pip assessment : Hi my name is lee this is my first... - NRAS
Pip assessment
Totallyagree with u 're pip it's very frustrating and hard to explain RA .someone once said to me u don't look like u have RA and that was at an RA support group lol glad u got pip amy
Hiya Lee, welcome. Thank you for sharing your experience of the PIP system. I'm sorry you needed to go through it, in many ways it really isn't working for each of us is it?
Many of us here are in receipt of or have gone through the PIP system, some have needed to go to Mandatory Reconsideration (including me) & the appeal process. As you are new you won't be aware but all the points you've raised about PIP have been discussed quite a lot here. If you use the Search box & enter PIP or take a look at those listed under the heading Related Posts you'll find a selection which you may find interesting.
NRAS have been involved in how unfair the PIP process is. One specifically springs to mind, the 20 metre rule. These are just a few instances nras.org.uk/news/nras-welco... nras.org.uk/news/have-you-b... nras.org.uk/welfare-reform
It's always preferable if possible to have help completing the application form. My h did my renewal even though there'ss a lot less writing because it took an age & a lot of pain & recovery filling in my first PIP form. The CAB are often used for advice if needed as is the Benefits & Work website. We do tend to underplay how we're affected by our conditions, in fact my h did his own list (without me realising at the time) of what I was & wasn't able to do which proved really helpful as with some things I'd developed a different way of doing or simply no longer did but it didn't necessarily occur to me, it proved very helpful when filling in the form though! Including further detail in the additional information areas is helpful too as it gives more indication on how our condition/s affects us, as does using the diary included with the form.
We always recommend you're accompanied by someone who knows you well when you have an assessment. It's not only the support that's important for us it can also help when explaining things to the Assessor of or even to be prompted when we forget certain things.
Last year I had my PIP renewal assessment & my award increased as did the length of award. I think what we need to be particularly aware of (which I wasn't when I completed my first PIP for is answering the relevant parts under the descriptor safely, repeatedly & within a reasonable time period. Safely means in a manner unlikely to cause harm to themselves or to another person, either during or after completion of the activity. Repeatedly means as often as the activity is reasonably required to be completed. Reasonable time period means no more than twice as long as the maximum period that a person without a physical or mental condition which limits that person’s ability to carry out the activity in question would normally take to complete that activity.
If you don't already have one & it's something that would be helpful to you it might be worth considering applying for a Blue Badge too.
I hope you find it helpful being here. I'm pretty sure others will be along soon to share their experiences of PIP.
Hi there
I wanted to ask you about the process you went through with regards the renewal. Once you completed the form did you have to go for another medical assessment?
I got PIP for two years initially and just wondered what your experience was thereafter.
Thanks for your help
Hiya Campbell. Yes I did have to go for an assessment. I did have quite a few changes & medical info though for which ordinarily had I not been due to have my renewal I'd have applied for Change Of Circumstances so my experience of having an assessment for renewal may not be the next person's. The assessment was give or take a few mins an hour, the same as at my initial assessment, but there was a fair bit to cover change-wise.
My first PIP application was awarded for for 3 years (renewal reminder was actually at 9 months before award ended not a year, assessment at 8 months so I gained an extra 4 months in a way) & I received enhanced Daily Care but nothing for Mobility (I was a few points short for standard). I applied for Mandatory Reconsideration but the Decision Maker decided the award stood. I decided not to appeal. My renewal was awarded for 6 years (again next renewal should be at the 5 years point approx). I was awarded enhanced for both components. The renewal form is a lot shorter than the initial PIP form & tick box in the main but if you tick that there have been changes they do require further info, medical evidence where at all possible too. Even so many will be relieved about that I would think!
If there are any other questions you have I'll of course help where I can.
If you're about to have your renewal I wish you all the very best.
Thanks for reply.
I got enhanced for both components and was awarded it for 2 years. I was hoping to not have to go for another face to face assess as the previous one was just so degrading and upsetting.
Since my award I’ve reduced my working hours to part time and has to change my job. I’ve also been off sick for 3 months too.
Trying to stay positive but it’s very difficult at times as you will know.
Thanks for your help
I do! Like I said my experience may not be the same as the next person's so hopefully you won't need to be assessed. You do have some changes though so be prepared. Although I was apprehensive it was nowhere near as bad the second time. Keep us updated & ask all the questions you need answeres to prior to your renewal assessment, should you have one.
Hi, sorry if this sounds a stupid question. I had to cut my working hours down owing to RA, fatigue, etc. I have recently been signed off work for 12 weeks owing to a major op. On top of that Liver is now in trouble owing to the toxicity of the meds☹️ Have another MRI on 31st to check it again 🙈 My question is can you claim PIP if you are employed? My husband does most things for me (so I am very lucky) but someone has told me I should be claiming this PIP. As it’s only going to get worse? I would appreciate any input. Many thanks in advance.
Yes I get PIP and I work part time. They did ask me questions about my work at the assessment. I would apply if I were you, what have you got to lose, plus you may be awarded something. Don’t forget to include all the things your husband now does for you too. Good luck.
Thank you 💕
Truthfully, it shouldn't make any difference if you're working or not. The GOV.UK website states: Eligibility... you must be aged 16 or over and have not reached State Pension age to claim. You must also have a health condition or disability where you have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months & expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months (unless you’re terminally ill with less than 6 months to live). gov.uk/pip/eligibility. Nowhere does it state you shouldn't be working.
It's intended to help with the extra costs of living with a disability, if that's you then I'd apply. As Kitty says be sure to include all the things your husband does for you & to help you too. If he's your Carer be sure to include that as well. It's not means tested so won't affect anything else you may already be in receipt of. If you do apply & there's any help you need from those of us who've gone through the process just ask... from filling in the form through to assessment & beyond if necessary we'll be happy to help you. Oh & it's not a stupid question it's relevant & important to you.
❤️ Thank you so much for your kindness xx
Thank you so much 👍 i don’t want to fake anything. Just don’t want to miss out either 🧐 I will take a look.
It’s worth trying even if you’re borderline on getting enough points. You never know unless you try.
It’s an absolute disgrace the way they treat disabled people, do they not realise we would rather not be ill with this disease and live our lives normally
From what I’ve heard recently and all I can say, I was lead to believe is the powers that be have taken out and have removed or changed them. Also thousands of people will recieve a lump sums for what they have been cheated out of.
Philip
I completely agree with you. I am just in the process for the 3rd time. I too struggle physicallyand mentally for many years. I have worked nearly all my life. I have paid a full stamp. I first started with mental health problems 12 years ago due to stress from work and general life problems.
I have been refused PIP 3 times over the last 4 years. I have never appealed. Although if I am turned down this time I intend to appeal. The most annoying thing is, that March this year I am 60 years of age and had they not have changed the retirement age for women I would be able to collect my Pension.
It is disgusting how they treat people who are suffering ill health.
I thought that attitudes to Mental health was changing.
lee08
Hi - Like with DLA before I don't agree with help filling the forms.. That's because only you know how you feel and how your RA affects you.
For example it's not having RA that matters, won't get you anywhere.
You have to explain why every day you can't prepare and cook a main meal for one.. That would involve why you can't prepare veg and lift pans with hot water.. This is every day and unless you get help, you have to rely on the microwave. Remember also you can't bed to use an over and no way could you lift a hot meal from an oven.
Having a shower or bath. you need help every day to wash your hair, to dry yourself obviously because of pain. To keep you supervised in case you fall. Dizziness from side effects from pills come into play here.
Toilet need - it's enough you need help of the toilet - Help can mean using the wall or better still a grab rail.
Dressing and undressing.
You would to explain why you would need help dressing and how long it will take... Example you can't raise your arms so you need help removing top clothing, you can't bend so you need help with shoes and socks.. every day. How long it takes will be asked.
I am not going into this, but there is a help getting around section.
What I am saying if you know your limitations then tell it as it is - help filling in form is OK if you can't do it yourself. but if I think fill the form in as you are affected daily if you can, it's the best way IMO/
Remember you need help every day and you will get a question something like - "are some days better than others" - Think hard on that one as if you have good days, you don't need help on those days. All the best and collect as much evidence as possible.
The way applications for PIP are handled is a disgrace!
Firstly, they send a MALE knowing that many of the questions are extremely personal. It would be embarrassing enough to have a FEMALE ask them BUT A MALE??.REALLY??? My late husband would have been embarrassed! Is this simply to embarrass us??
Surely letters and reports from GP's and consultants should be enough!
I am DISGUSTED!!
Nov they are not! In my opinion the entire claim is based on that interview u have with inexperienced junior medical people. If u r able to convince them u will get it. So wrong!
They ask about your 'periods' - "how long do they last" and how much blood do you lose?" Answer: "It varies" and "I don't meaasure it!"
So many more unnecessary and humiliating and emvarrassing questions!
It doesn't seem to matter how much meducal proif you have from your GP and/or hospital Consultants you are still put through a 'grilling'!
I am told these "assessors" are paid £350 per hour! Apparently if DWP are not happy with the calculatikbs meaning PIP should be paid, the forms are returned for changes to be made! That is why you can never get a copy of the forms or a copy of the audio
I totally agree with you Lee1945. Consultants and GP's train for what 4 years and more yet you would think the letters the write in support of their patients would be enough thereby avoiding the revenue being used in assessment, let alone for an individual to be assessed by a paramedic or physio??? Also for long term conditions such as RA while are we continuously called back, this is again I feel revenue which can be better spent or am I wrong?
I agree the refuse u so many times despite all your evidence to slow the process down. I've applied 4 times for the same reasons and only this time it has been approved. How is this possible when my illness and needs haven't changed. Yes u need to not give up as they approved my 4th claim last week but it's taken 2 years.
im at appeal stage waiting on date for court but citizan advice cant come with me so really nearvous
Do you have someone else who could go with you Katrina? Even if only for support it’s worth taking someone along. Also if you look at the benefits and work website there is lots of helpful information about PIP and it’s processes. Good luck.
The worst thing is that you are assessed by people who have NO medical training! The system is absolutely messed up and people who need help are being refused and people who don't need help are abusing the setup (I have seen this).
I have overlap of RA, Lupus and APS plus a previous dx of FM. This is alongside a damaged spine, knees and foot. I get level 2 mobility. The form alone is hell but what you said is so right, just be as honest as possible, there are no heroes in this
Just want to say, we also need help with exactly what benefits we are entitled to. I have always worked but have just been forced out of my job and i have no clue where to begin 😭😭😭 WE need a helpline for sure..
Stay strong, we got this
I hope you continue to get assistance
Sorry to disagree but assessors are medically trained MoShui. It wasn't the case when PIP was initiated but they are now. It doesn't necessarily mean they will have been trained in the condition or disability they're assessing, my first Assessor was an ex Mental Health nurse.
IAS employ registered healthcare practitioners, including specialists, general nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists & paramedics. Capita employ nurses, occupational therapists, paramedics or physiotherapists with a minimum of two years’ post-qualification experience (& full registration with HCPC or NMC).
Management & admin are non-clinical.
This is correct , good luck 🤗
hi yes friends going to come with me now she helps me when hubby was away
Pip assessment,
PIP assessment a joke
PIP
PIP and refusing medical assessment
