What do you spend your PIP on?

[UndertheCedartree]

I know many on a low-income will be using it just to cover normal living expenses. But aside from that I was wondering what people use their PIP for?

~Wheelchair
~Aids like a bed wedge, bed table & grabber
~Clothing more suitable to my needs
~Eventually, a downstairs loo.
~Private medical appointments (Thanks NHS )
~Private medications & supplements
~Home Help

Cleaning - my cleaner is my saviour
Transport
Wheelchair exercise bike

My bungalow, my car, aids, food costs above standard (I can't cook for myself so good quality ready meals are expensive as is pre prepared food in general, sliced fruit for example is £££), splints because NHS ones last 8 weeks max but only one set a year provided, software to help me type by voice, ergonomic accessories like a funny mouse and tilted split keyboard so when I can type it's more comfortable, a cleaner it adds up fast

@pippippiphooray - it certainly does add up fast!

Thanks for the input, everyone. I'm looking at ways to make life easier. I use over half for normal expenses but got some I could use for its intended purpose!

• Cleaner
• Fees for hiring things like scooters and actually saving for my own mobility scooter
• We’re buying a house soon and so will also be saving for adaptations like a stairlift and grab bars for bathrooms etc
• I also actually used my back payment when it was awarded to pay off debt that I had accumulated since having to go part time due to poor health but then not earning enough to live on

I cried when it was awarded it was such a relief! Such a vital resource!

Mostly to contribute to normal household costs, but also petrol, car insurance (don't use my car enough to bother getting a mobility car), any aids I need- recently bought a Pregnancy U shaped pillow to help support my joints.

I also buy supplements and CBD products

I also pay for dc swimming lessons and football subs as they are both things I'm unable to do with him. Keeping him occupied and teaching him life skills enhances my life so I see it as valid.

@Arholidau ,- I cried too!

@NippyNippy - good ideas. There are so many ways disability can affect us beyond the obvious.

Not PIP, and not me, but a friend uses her son's DLA to pay for therapy and tuition for him, as he can't go to school.

Ooh just realised I also pay for my iPad Pro on contract. I am an artist but often these days I struggle with traditional materials and the mess I then have to clean up . So I'm learning digital art that I can do from bed even if need be. I've also bought a keyboard (cheapy) for it so it functions as a laptop now too and so much lighter and more portable than my 10 year + laptop.

I do often have to retrieve it from the child's clutches though lol.

Cleaner.

Normal living expenses - DM can't work at all, hasn't got any savings - without PIP she'd be living off about £125 a week to cover all expenses .

With PIP she can afford food, to heat her house and pay bills .

Dsis in same boat, uses PIP for normal expenses (also totally incapable of paid employment) plus has to pay a portion of her care (supported living) .

They both live in constant fear of it going though - my mum's was stopped for 18 months and she tried to commit suicide as a result - its a horrible, horrible system .

My son has DLA , currently it's used towards electric and food as he's a school refuser. (asd + semh).

Particularly clothing he'll wear.

Hopefully come September he'll have a place at a special school, then it'll be put towards travel expenses and equipment.

I save mine , having had periods where I had no income and no eligibility to claim benefits I use it to ensure that I have something to fall back on.
I do have a cleaner but my husband and I split the costs for that

Cleaner, taxis the bills also help with kitchen update and sitting down bath.

Lots of things. Only wheelchair accesable hairdressers is twice price of cheaper ones for example.

Home all day so heating and air con costs

When lift breaks down (often) it’s for deliveroo and other premium delivery services. Goods also cost more.

Meals when can’t face cooking takeaways. Still cheaper than paying Agency come and make something at £18 for 30min visit.

Quite a lot on extra equipment meds aids. Had UTI on weekend. Get often. Can buy a kit with test strips and anti Bio to treat. Other wise could have had to get taxi to some medical centre miles away. Be to ill to travel to far for loo anyway. Then mess around going get meds from chemist. About £38 cheaper than taxis though.

Up grading basic equipment that the NHS provides to something work
Better and are more comfortable. Sticks wheelchair cushions , shower chairs etc

Lots of gadgets for the kitchen that may or not help but you don’t know till you buy them.

Frivolous things that make me feel like I have a life, so Netflix odd treat on Amazon or online bingo once in while. Often not well enough to go anywhere and extra transport costs and feeling ill for days means it’s often not worth it for when you do.

Going on holidays once every two years. Compared to non wheelchair accessible places you pay mega costs, plus travel hire of vehicles that can take chair all stupidly expensive.