Claiming PIP for PMR

[Waverley63]

Hi has anyone got any advise on this and can we make a claim

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Have replied to previous post -but for completeness will copy the relevant info here -

Have a look at this re PIP - from CAB - perhaps worth contacting them -

citizensadvice.org.uk/benef...

There are a few on here who have claimed benefits - and you might get a few related posts.

You do need to discuss the situation with your employers, occupational health, HR etc and union rep if you have one…

Edit -

This information was in the older version of the FAQs so some maybe out of date, but worth a look through

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Waverley63 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks I’ll look into it soon, I work in a builders merchant and put all the store stock away, I won’t lift anything over 1 kg now at all

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Waverley63]

Wasn’t nagging -just repeating for others info as well as yours… 😊

[Waverley63 in reply to DorsetLady]

No worries, my heads all over the place today, got a low day. Need a kick up the behind to get me motivated

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Waverley63]

Ha.. but don’t try doing that yourself.. neigh impossible with PMR!😳

[Waverley63 in reply to DorsetLady]

Haha,

[piglette]

There is no reason at all why you should not try for PIP, you could be lucky. Others on this board have received it. On the other hand some have not been so lucky, but if you don’t try you will never know.

[Blearyeyed]

It is unlikely that you would receive PIP if you have PMR alone , unless it is severely impacting on your ability of movement, you may qualify with GCA.You could, however, be entitled to new style ESA payments if you need to limit your working hours or are coming to the end of receiving Statutory Sick Pay in the UK. This can last for approximately a year before reapplication.

If you have to give up work entirely you should be able to get enhanced job seekers or unemployment allowance which also allows you to suspend the search for work and still get the benefit whilst an illness is preventing you from having full mobility or ability to work.

You may be entitled to get PIP with PMR if you have other illnesses or disabilities that impact on your ability as well.

Fibromyalgia is one of the common comorbidities with PMR which is classed as a disability and you are entitled to make a PIP claim for that. Certain Mental Health issues also have entitlements because they can prevent you doing normal daily activities even if you have more physical mobility.

[Waverley63 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thanks Blearyeyed, I’m going to keep working for as long as I can, as I enjoy my job and it keeps me sane. I work with men and am the only female so they all look after me,, lots of information from your reply to help me a long. It’s very hard to accept that your body has changed and you can’t do the same things as a few months ago.

[Marko666]

Hi waverly, I have just started claiming pip for my pmr so yes you can .

[Waverley63 in reply to Marko666]

Thanks Mark, are u still working?

[Marko666 in reply to Waverley63]

Hi waverly , NO it wasn't possible for me to keep working, I tried but was making my back , neck and hips worse, as mgt1234 says get help in completing the form good luck .

[Mgt1234]

Hi, I am on PIP for PMR, GCA and fibromyalgia plus some other conditions. May I suggest that you don’t complete your own application unless you have no choice. As there are very experienced individuals who can make the world of difference simply by the way the forms are completed. I wish you every success. ❤️

[Waverley63 in reply to Mgt1234]

Thank you, I’m going to try and keep working as long as I can, I have also got a spine issue so want to see if I get referred before I look into benefits

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Waverley63]

No harm in looking and finding out as much as you can… these issues [health or benefits] take time to be resolved.

[Mgt1234 in reply to Waverley63]

Just to let you know you can still work and get PIP, I know of several other people who have been successful. Best wishes.

[Waverley63 in reply to Mgt1234]

Thanks I’ll look into it

[Pixix]

just remember that PIP is not connected to employment, & does not consider, I don’t think, if you are fit for work or the type of work you do. I believe there are other benefits for that, citizens advice bureau would help. If you can get up, dress yourself, feed yourself, go to the toilet unaided & walk unaided, then it’s unlikely to fit your needs. It’s a benefit for disability, & PMR, if controlled by steroids, doesn’t make us ‘disabled’. I can see it’s not easy to work for you now, though, & There are probably other awards you can get. Fibromyalgia counts more towards PIP because there is no wonder drug like steroids to improve the situation. Getting others to fill in the form means they know how to emphasise certain things to help you get money…but not sure that’s right, really, either you can or can’t do the th8ngs they talk about on the form!! And remember, PIP is usually awarded for just two years, so it’s not a long term benefit, PMR is expected to die out some time, & then the benefit is taken away. Hope this helps!

[Allotmental]

Hi, the CAB information others have sent a link to will help and show you what tests the DWP apply so what you need to address. It really is a waste of your time and energy to give them lots of information that do not specifically relate to the tests. PIP is not paid because of a diagnosis, but instead is paid because of the way in which your long-term condition affects you. As Pixix says, it is also not a test of whether or not you can work.

I also agree that if you do have a local disability advice service, it is worth talking to them and getting some help to complete the claim form if that is offered. However steer away from anyone who tells you to answer the questions based on your "worst day". This really is very poor advice. As a welfare rights worker I had to represent many people at appeal tribunals who had done this, and it really undermines the case.

Whilst it is not easy when we have fluctuating conditions, you should answer based on how you are 'most of the time' and then explain that you might have days when you are better and days when you are worse and how these might be spread across a week/month/year.

One of the things I found when I claimed PIP was that because PMR/Vasculitis are very poorly understood conditions, the medical adviser had really done her research in advance. I suspect I was perhaps lucky, but she did ask really well-informed questions which helped.

[Waverley63 in reply to Allotmental]

Thanks that’s really good advise. I’m going to look into it thoroughly before I apply.

[Hulotsholiday]

You may find this helpful:

benefitsandwork.co.uk/perso...

Benefits and work is an independent organisation with advice and guides on every aspect of the welfare system. They have a walk through PIP guide which details how to approach every question. You need to be a member to access the guides…I think it costs about £15 per annum for full membership but their advice is invaluable.

The above link will give you an idea of what they look for. You need to give the worst day experience. They’ll make little allowance for variation if you give better days as your baseline. I’m sorry to say acceptance of a claim is still very much a lottery.

[Waverley63 in reply to Hulotsholiday]

Thanks, I have registered now

[Hulotsholiday in reply to Waverley63]

I’m sure you’ll find it helpful. I came across the site about 10 years ago and found it invaluable in advice on issues relating to my OH who had significant health issues and no support. The question by question guides are indispensable. Please be aware, it’ll take time and concentration to make the application. I think if you request the forms, your claim is deemed to start from that date. You’ve nothing to lose and given the uncertainty and difficulty of a PMR diagnosis, I’d urge you to consider sooner rather than later. Good luck.

[Waverley63 in reply to Hulotsholiday]

Thanks

[PMR_sufferer1]

gov.uk/pip/eligibility

[Songbird6]

Hi, I got it at the low rate but at least it is something, give it a go, good luck. 🍀

[Chemisefalaise]

And if you get to point where you'd like to think about appealing a PIP decision you may find this helpful: advicenow.org.uk/guides/how... luck!

[Waverley63 in reply to Chemisefalaise]

Thank you