Is getting PIP a horrible process?

[MumbleCrumbs]

I've had a disability since birth that has become significantly worse the last two years. I now need a walking stick to get around and I'm in a lot of daily discomfort. I've never asked for or been in receipt of any benefit but I'm beginning to think that pip may really help me in my daily life, especially with costs related to my mobility like getting taxis to my uni, etc.
However a close family member went through the process and has told me horrible horror stories about how humiliating it is, and how hard it is to qualify for anything at all, so advice and experiences on the process would be gratefully received!

Can I ask for abit of advise please about pip,is anyone free to talk x

It's not the forms, it's the assessment & if you need to do a mandatory consideration & appeal that are the worst bits. My first application I got it just with the assessment which was at home, but when I needed to renew my claim I had to go to an assessment centre & the assessor treated me like I was lying scum, she dropped my claim from enhanced to standard which meant I lost my car, I did a mandatory reconsideration which I had help from the welfare rights worker at my ME group but got refused, I put in an appeal & got it back before tribunal but I still lost my car for 2 months. Make sure you have loads of evidence, someone to support you & try to not take it personally the assessor's will lie, you just need to prove them wrong.

They are doing telephone assessments because of covid, don't ask if you can record it, just do it. I recorded my son's on my phone & used it for evidence at mandatory reconsideration.

I won't lie,the form is a bit of a monstrosity. About 32 pages long if I remember correctly. When I filled mine in (3 years ago) I had to do it a bit at a time as I found it too mentally taxing to attempt it one go. Took me about a week in the end. You must give the worse case scenario about your condition,if you give examples of a 'good' day,they will assume that it is always like that. I had to go for a face-to-face assessment (not sure if they're doing them at the moment?) which was also a bit stressful,but just be honest,and impress upon the assessor how bad things can be for you.

@Luckymummy83

Can I ask for abit of advise please about pip,is anyone free to talk x

Of course. What do you need?

@ALongHardWinter

I won't lie,the form is a bit of a monstrosity. About 32 pages long if I remember correctly. When I filled mine in (3 years ago) I had to do it a bit at a time as I found it too mentally taxing to attempt it one go. Took me about a week in the end. You must give the worse case scenario about your condition,if you give examples of a 'good' day,they will assume that it is always like that. I had to go for a face-to-face assessment (not sure if they're doing them at the moment?) which was also a bit stressful,but just be honest,and impress upon the assessor how bad things can be for you.

It's fine to describe a worst day but you must also explain how often a worst day happens. You must meet the descriptors for at least 50% of the time to score points. If you say you can't walk 50m because you can't on a bad day then on the day of assessment you are having a good day and they watch you walk 100m , you are just going to look like you've exaggerated symptoms. So by all means say on a worst day I can't get out of bed because my pain is so bad but on a good day I can walk to the end of the road. Five days out of the month i am bedbound etc, or if a condition is variable then explain that.

Have you applied for DSA with Student Finance? They pay for my taxis to and from Uni.

I think there is a FB group that can help and advise on pip.

Also when filling out the form and speaking to the assessor you should very much emphasize the effect your condition has on you.

It varies massively. For some people it's horrendous; for others very easy. It's an extremely unfair process - and I say that as someone who was given the higher rate without any interview. I know I was 'lucky' to have my application accepted and that many people who legitimately deserve PIP do go through hell to get it. Equally, don't believe anyone who says everybody gets rejected - it isn't always the case. It can be a very easy process.

After applying to appeal in the month the DWP get to look at the claim again I won my enhanced award back, the first phone call I was given it for 5 years & the day after the lady rang back & improved it to 10 years with only a soft review then. I hadn't sent in any further information & asked why they hadn't got it right first time & was told they only read everything if an application to appeal is done.

It's a difficult process. I've found it really hard, have just applied for the first time after avoiding doing it for years. I applied in April and was awarded 2 points so now waiting on the response to a mandatory reconsideration. I would get some help to do it, I have had my friend who is a benefits advisor do mine with me as I really struggled to cope with it. I'm not sure if I will go to an appeal if I am rejected again, the whole thing just feels very overwhelming and upsetting.

if you are getting Pip but your condition gets worse im guessing you ask for a change of circumstances does your Pip stop or do you still get normal payment while they look for change od circumstances?

thanks

I applied in May, and I only had my assessment yesterday and I've been advised it will be another 8 weeks until a decision is made. I didn't record my interview but they have evidence from GP and Mental Health Case Manager as well.

The only bit I am concerned about is I couldn't have someone with me due to short notice, plus I am CEV, and part of my assessment is for mental health.

My assessor didn't even have the forms I filled in, but she had the GP letter and she spent a lot of time asking me questions that showed she had at least some understanding, particularly around safety.