I received my PIP renewal form on Thursday and have until the 25th July to send it in and I’m just wondering if there’s someone who can help clarify a query?
Do I need to repeat the information on my original claim?
Since applying with rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis along with pustular psoriasis I’ve now been formally diagnosed with severe spinal stenosis and claudication following a neurology consultation in January of this year.
On another note everyone including my GP and Rheumy nurse think I need the op, it has been scheduled once, I am also neutropenic or borderline and heal very poorly. The operation carries lots of risks as they want to remove part of my spine and put in metal work. Obviously I’m petrified as I’ll be under the complicated surgery team.
At the the moment after weighing up the risks I don’t want to go ahead with it. As far as I’m concerned some life is better than none as it’s not a straight forward operation.
Will my decision affect the PIP as they might say I’m refusing treatment!
Thank you in advance to anyone who reads this, I’ve also subscribed to benefits and work and will read their info although I struggle to take info in at times hence my post.
MPP x
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MadamePetitPois
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You must answer all the questions and if that means repeating information then I'm afraid you do need to reiterate things. I suggest if in any doubt talk to Age Concern (if appropriate ), the CAB or any local welfare office, you don't need to pay for advice which should be free. However I respect that is your choice should you wish to do so. Any changes in your circumstances do have to be recorded so get a cup of tea, sit down and go through the questions slowly. Remember it's not about labouring a point saying one thing ten times is not as effective as ten things once. It is simple and vital to keep things clear and accurate. So don't waffle as it is best to be concise and above all keep a copy so you can refer to your answers later. I am not insured to give you advice but feel the operation is not really relevant as they can't take into account something which hasn't happened for whatever reason. So wether you go into detail is your choice but I'd suggest it's probably going to be disregarded. Good luck.
PIP is supposed to be based on impacts not labels. Focus on aids/ rest/ repeatedly/ reliably.
Always presume they know nothing and spell things out clearly.
Answer each question objectively, remember the person who will read it doesn't know you; you definitely have to repeat information, don't leave anything out; explain as clearly and concisely as you can. We are not supposed to be experts at filling in DWP forms, but you have to understand the qualifying criteria and how the DWP might interpret your evidence. They wont make allowances for poorly filled in forms and once something is down in writing it might be difficult to qualify in the future should things not go your way.
Benefits and Work explain everything very well. Read a small section at a time and don't pressure yourself to fill in the whole form all at once. It usually takes me at least a fortnight, work on it bit by bit. Keep copies of everything and send lots of new evidence from medics.
I too have spinal stenosis and had neurosurgery to decompress and fix my spine in 2002 when I was 38. I was told I had to have surgery as my spine was unstable. It all went very well, don't be put off. Neurosurgeons are at the top of their game. Good luck.
I agree about Benefits and Work being really good. They break it down into each question, so read the big about that question and then answer that question. Breaking it down into question sized pieces makes it seem less daunting. It might be a good idea to ring up and ask for an extension, as if it isn't back in their time frame, they may cancel everything.
And you do have to repeat what you put on the previous form if that hasn't changed. It would be nice to think that they retrieve your last form and have a look at it, but they don't. They have a programme of disposal where old forms are destroyed because otherwise the UK would sink under the weight of old PIP/DLA/ESA forms!
I don't think your refusal of surgery at this stage can be classed as refusing treatment although if the doctor's are willing to do it they obviously feel the risk is manageable and worth the improvement post surgery. At the end of the day that is your choice and yours alone.If they are considering surgery you've obviously got enough issues to qualify for pip regardless. I'd attach a copy of my original form to to the form for peace of mind.
Sorry to hear your PIP needs reveiw when you are obviously going through a difficult time with your health. I agree with Ajay575, I would say I was weighing up the risks of the operation, so you can submit your reveiw form. But I would also point out to you that I beleive there is a rule that states you do not have to submit yourself to invasive treatment in order to receive benefits. But if I am wrong do accept my sincere apologises. You need an adviser to check that one up like CAB or DIAL to obtain the rule number, incase they say your PIP is being stopped or reduced . Plus its possible the rule could have changed but worth an enquiry. Good luck
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