To spend my PIP on new boots?

[FlapsTie]

I let slip to my sister that I receive PIP (for MH stuff) a while ago, god knows why I did because I knew it would bite me on the bum.

I bought myself some really good boots last week. Primarily because I can no longer drive and have a mile to walk to school, so four miles a day, plus dog walks.

Anyway, my sister made a snippy comment about 'nice to know this is what your benefits are spent on' the other day.

I pointed out that this is exactly what PIP is for, to help with the costs that my illness incurs. I also get ESA because I can't currently work. DH has a good job and I know my sister (and my mum) think I shouldn't claim anything at all.

I know they now think I am totally unreasonable to be claiming and spending money on 'luxuries' like decent boots.

Am I unreasonable? I know the unreasonable thing was giving them this ammo but that's done now.

"These boots are made for walking
And that's what they will do
One of these days these boots are going to walk all over you"

I can't get the tune out of my head!

Not that you need to, but it's possible to argue that boots are part of you therapy as they enable you to get fresh air and exercise. Your family are idiots btw. They would rather see you dependent and vulnerable upon one person than have the self respect and dignity of your own income.

Unfortunately I know lots of people who think that if you are in receipt of government assistance you should be barefoot, dressed in rags and slowly starving on stale bread and water. Anything other than desperate poverty just demonstrates that you 'dont really need the money'.

They are totally unreasonable, of course, but you'll never convince them boots were an acceptable purchase because they are starting from such a radically different premise.

Well I spent some of my PIP (which I get for being severely agoraphobic) on a dog!! This lovely puppy of mine has helped me t oget out more in the seven weeks I've had her than I was able to go in the 2 years+ beforehand.

Previously I could barely go to my garden, could only get the children to school if my husband was with me etc. Now I take her into the garden a couple of times a day and I am able to walk round the block with her by myself. This sounds really silly, but it's huge for me. She is also great when I am feeling down (with anxiety induced depression) as she is lovely to cuddle and follows me everywhere.

She has helped loads and my family are the first to see that. They love how much she has helped and actually suggested I get her.

Dolallytats that's wonderful! Good for YOU x

That is lovely.

I have a dog that I bought as a puppy while I was hypomanic. She is my best ever unwise purchase. I can't imagine life without her now.

YANBU. Do ignore the sour faced old bitch. PIP isn't even means tested anyway. You could be awarded it if you were on 50k. I even think Katie Price's son was awarded it.

Yanbu at all. Enjoy the new boots.

YANBU

If your mother or sister were entitled to claim a benefit and chose not to - well that is up to them.

We all make our own decisions. If you are entitled to it and wish to claim it then that is up to you.

As I tell my DP - stop telling people stuff its none of their business...enjoy your boots :)