Attendance Allowance/PIP

[tangocharlie]

I've just successfully applied for this benefit for my step-mum, she has Alzheimers and other health problems not PMR, but I was thinking that people struggling with PMR would probably qualify for it, or if under 65, PIP (Personal Independence Payment). I get PIP mainly due to problems of being visually impaired but also mobility problems due to PMR. Worth investigating, neither are means-tested and it doesn't matter if you're working or not. The forms are all about the difficulties you have doing things rather than the actual condition you have got, so you need to tell them about difficulties you have washing yourself, preparing meals etc. Also how living with a long-term chronic illness makes you depressed and how you have to control your medication.

gov.uk/browse/benefits/disa...

[jinasc]

Have a look at this one as well, for your step mum, if you are not already claiming the rebate for Council Tax. Your step MUm Alzheimers is covered by this item.

It also cover other illnesses.

moneysavingexpert.com/news/...

[Rose54]

Hi

PIP is very difficult to get for PMR as its a fluctuating illness and should improve with medication .

I would advise anyone that wishes to apply to gather as much medical evidence as possible .Try the on line assessment to see if you feel you qualify before phoning to make a claim and get CAB to help filling in forms for best outcome

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I tried for AA with GCA (including loss of one eye) but was rejected. Twice! The emphasis seemed to be more on mental ability than physical, and whilst I can understand that, it did appeared to be slightly skewed. As I was deemed capable of caring for myself I didn’t qualify. Perhaps I shouldn’t have been so honest in my replies, too independent for my own good!

[tangocharlie]

I failed my first PIP attempt, or DLA as it was before, because I was too optimistic, I showed my 'keep calm and carry on' attitude which is what I have done for years. You're right that they do focus as much on mental state, I got some points I think because I'd been prescribed anti-depressants, even though I told them I had stopped taking them. The assessor actually said 'nonetheless, you were prescribed them for depression, is that correct?' . I think he was trying to help me maybe? I also stressed how hard it was doing things like taking a shower and washing myself, how I can't get in and out of a bath, how I have to use a handrail to help me get up from the toilet. The test for each criteria is not whether you can do it, eg walk, but whether you can do so safely and repeatedly and in a reasonable time, and I walk very slowly because I'm so stiff and can't balance so it's dangerous crossing roads and I have to use a walking pole or my white cane. With PMR you have to monitor your health and vary the amount of steroids so you have problems taking medicines. The fatigue and 'brain fog' also impairs your ability to do things and you may have to be prompted for example to take medicines or do something. It's hard to get out of bed at night if you need to go to the toilet, or to get up out of a chair. You have to think through every action you do and how much harder things are for you than a 'normal' person. Never say 'sometimes', just 'Yes that is difficult'. For example (taken from the form) You may need help with personal care or supervision because you:

• find it hard to move your arms or legs or have no control over them

• get breathless easily or are in pain,

Well that applies to PMR sufferers.

I hope this gives people some ideas of what to put in the forms. You have to stress how difficult life is, not show your resilience and fighting spirit.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tangocharlie]

And base it on your WORST, not your good days.