PIP

@IGotItFromAgnes - It can be a gateway to other help / concessions.

Do you know what those are (or a link to them)? TIA

That’s just not true. It’s a bit more complex than that. Lots of people with lupus and bladder issues like me get enhanced mobility because we need to be near a toilet / near the car etc / have days where we’re in terrible pain etc but it’s not as cut and dry as can’t walk xxxx amount of time etc - I was completely honest on my forms and my rheumatologist did a lengthy report for me. I didn’t have an assessment because my medical evidence was overwhelming. I don’t need assistance to wash or cook unless it’s a particularly dreadful day or I’m suffering with side effects from the 22 medications I take.

But she does have a genuine disability. Not sure what your complaint is.

PIP is hard to claim and I would think your friend probably has many more issues than you see. Possibly help with cleaning/ childcare thay she wouldn't normally need, or other support. DH claims, he uses it to provide for services he should but can't get on the NHS like chiropodist appointments and our cleaner as his disability and me working full.time means he needs my support for things not cleaning when I'm home.

If she has enhanced rate PIP for mobility she must have said she is restricted to mobilising 1-20m or less on the majority of days, and if she has enhanced for daily living needs, assistance to cook, wash and dress. Either it's pretty evident in her presentation or she's a fibber

Ok I’ll bite.

PIP is there to enhance the disabled persons life in whichever way they choose. It doesn’t have to be accounted for. It is their money to use as they wish in whatever way benefits them. If having a holiday or whatever benefits them and their health then that is absolutely fine. (Incidentally my lupus and asthma was the best it’s ever been on a week abroad last summer).

PIP isn’t means tested as the whole point is to provide support to disabled people of all walks of life so they are able to lead as independent a life as possible, as fully as possible as if they were not disabled.

Without living your friends life you don’t know what kind of struggles she’s having. To get enhanced rates of PIP she must have had substantial evidence and / or very good medical reports. It’s very difficult to get the top rates. She may downplay her condition to you - I know I do to those I know.

I am unable to work due to my conditions and so in my situation most of my PIP is swallowed up in household expenses but my dh works, and due to my previous high earning jobs and inheritance we own our home, no mortgage. We have a fancy motability car. We go on holiday. We lead the best life we can with the money we have - including money we’ve claimed and are entitled to, wouldn’t everyone?

It can be a gateway to other help / concessions.

Unfortunately there’s no other way to “prove” you’re disabled. Despite what’s often posted here and elsewhere, “registered disabled” isn’t a thing, other than for a couple of specific conditions.

YABU

First off, PIP is not means tested. David Cameron claimed it (DLA) for one of his disabled children. PIP/DLA is meant to put disabled people on a level playing field with non-disabled. Basically, your disabilities should not be costing you money, so the state will help with it.

PIP is based on needs, not a label/diagnosis. And being awarded for specific needs does not mean you have to spend the money on them. An example would be someone with agoraphobia being awarded because they can not leave the house alone. If they never leave the house, they will still get the money anyway. How it is spent is never checked up on.
But, some people on PIP do use it for day to day costs to do with their disability too. To differentiate between those who use the money "appropriately" and those who don't would add more red tape etc to the already complicated process. Far easier (and kinder) to say someone has xyz needs, so give them the money.

You need to stop wondering and just be happy you don't have a chronic, debilitating condition. You might think you know everything about your friend's life, but you don't. DS2 gets DLA (old style PIP). I imagine people would wonder why if they saw him running around in the playground. But I know why and that's all that matters.

And posts like this are exactly why I never tell ANYONE in real life I get PIP (enhanced rates, ongoing award).

I thought this was going to be about Philip Schofield…where actually has he gone? And Holly?!

Sorry, op.