Adult disability payment allowance?

[KittyKatMcNairn]

Hi folks, im writing here to see if anyone has been in the same boat as me.

I am 37 years old with a history of anxiety and depression. I have been on and off antidepressants a lot of my life.

My husband has to deal with all my finances as I physically stress and struggle with anything money related. My social anxiety is horrendous. I thought after having a baby I would be better but nope - my husband has to come places with me unless it’s a familiar place I know. Social gatherings I now take beta blockers for as I come out in a rash over my neck, chest and face as I am so anxious. he has to remind me to take medication otherwise I just don’t take it, he cooks for me as I struggle to read recipes and if he is out to work I go to sleep so I don’t have to cook.

Before my husband done anything for me, my parents done all this. I can’t drive as the thought scares me, I only leave my house if I’m with husband and baby. I can’t read maps unless it’s voiced on my phone.

i applied for ADP (I’m aware this is the equivalent for PIP). They called to book a face to face appointment. What are the chances of winning this? anything to prepare for for the appointment? Any help appreciated thanks 😊

I get PIP for MH issues. So it is possible. I include every letter I can proving appointments and hospital stays.

Not at all. Mental health professionals would caution against it.

From what I know, I've assisted quite a few relatives and friends with applications, they really do consider the diagnosis, treatment and your own narrative as a whole.

So, if you're prescribed a minimal dose of anti-depressants, have no psychological or psychiatric input and your narrative is that of someone with the equivalent of chronic depression/anxiety they will see right through that and refuse you.

An example of this was for a relative of mine had lung cancer and, thankfully, had the tumour successfully removed. Post-op, dis day-to-day symptoms, honestly described, were rejected based on the DWP's expectation of how he should have recovered, ongoing treatment/monitoring etc. We thought that was harsh, because his symptoms were as described. However on reflection we see why they reached that conclusion.

Fast forward a couple of months, my relative had repeatedly refused to see their GP but was eventually press-ganged into doing so. Investigations identified they have COPD and Emphasymia. Submitted a change of circumstances notification, and they have now been awarded enhanced on both elements because their diagnosis and treatment matches their narrative/experience.

The point here is you can tell them the truth but without evidence of diagnosis and treatment for that diagnosis, they will chase you. They are not fools despite what people believe. Remember, they know what the typical symptoms/impact of conditions are on people and any attempt to over-egg that pudding by describing only your worst days will get their hackles up because, in effect, you are attempting to take them for a fool.

And, yes, the worse you paint your picture the more danger there is of you being charged with fraud if they investigate you. Claiming to be, say, unable to leave the house unescorted and then, say, observed on a daily basis, on your own, taking your child to nursery will see your benefits suspended, you interviewed under caution and, most probably, charged because you won't be able to deny the evidence of pictures of you trotting along the street with the buggy on a daily basis.

This isn't a mild disability.
You can't drive, can't prepare food, or manage medication,and just go to sleep without your DH there
In this case you are completely incapable of looking after a child, or working in any capacity.

Your DH should also be entitled to carers allowance, unless he is working and you have external carers to manage day to day.

This must be very frustrating for you, and demoralising.
You should have benefits available to ensure that your child is cared for, and your DH can access work to support you.

You may have heard it, but it is wrong advice. What babyroobs says is correct. I am a welfare lawyer working mainly on pip appeals.

You may well be eligible, OP. The poster who says ability to read a map or a recipe isn’t relevant is also wrong. These things are part of the criteria assessed.

Look at the task descriptors for each task and be clear how you meet each one. Appeal it if turned down.

People are not obliged to accept treatment in this country. Taking medication is still optional and has little bearing on a decision regarding benefits
.

You say you have assisted quite a few but then you go on to mention DWP so I assume you mean you have assisted PIP not ADP which is what OP is talking about.

@Willyoujustbequiet

I'm not confused. My comment was more of a 'really!' how dare you be so bloody rude. You posted on here for no reason other than to make a negative dig at a poster who is clearly struggling with their mental health. What did you get out of that?

It is true that DWP will deny many applications for these reasons. But case law doesn’t support that and we always win on appeal when these are the reasons given.

I have no experience of the Scottish disability payments. However, colleagues do and I’m told that the criteria are extremely similar to PIP.

1. They absolutely wouldn’t be saying that after someone had a baby.

1. That’s a very broad assumption considering anxiety and depression is so widely varied - no they wouldn’t caution against it for everyone.

It is true that DWP will deny many applications for these reasons. But case law doesn’t support that and we always win on appeal when these are the reasons given.

Because legally it's a choice whether or not to medicate. The refusal to take medication doesn't eliminate disability so it's no surprise appeals are won.

Fair point about medication. I don't know anyone who has completely refused medication to assist with their condition. However as another poster notes, those circumstances will see you being refused initially. Of course if you have mental and, sometimes, financial resources you can request a mandatory reconsideration (which will most likely result in the same outcome) prior to submitting an appeal. So it's true medication is not compulsory but is a substantial element of the decision making process. The difference in ADP is in respect of how applicants are handled.

The assessment criteria remains the same which means if your narrative differs wildly from your diagnosis/recommended treatment you will still face the mandatory reconsideration and appeal route to establish your claim.

Fair point about medication. I don't know anyone who has completely refused medication to assist with their condition.

ADHD is good example, same with depression, anxiety and several physical pain conditions.

I'm not suggesting the criteria are different btw. I'm suggesting the idea that people who don't take medication will be viewed as not helping themselves and disallowed is against the law. No matter what people opinion are.

Life sounds really hard for you. I know this post is about your PIP claim but have you ever had help to get relief from your anxiety and to find ways of living better with it? Some antidepressants have a good effect on anxiety. Have you ever had therapy? Are you able to look after the baby at all on your own? Occupational Therapy may help you to function day to day better. You can find ways of preparing food that don't involve reading a recipe if this make you anxious. Also you can reduce the admin around finances etc by using direct debits etc. I hope you

@SouthCountryGirl have you actually seen a pip form? The questions are phrased so you have to answer how you are on both your best and worst day. They then make the assessment.

I supported someone at a PIP appeal recently. The panel really questioned her as to why she had not been to her GP for her chronic condition for over 10 years and had refused surgery that may have helped 10 years ago !

I struggle with day to day tasks because of negative symptoms of Schizoaffective disorder but can only get the low mobility rate of PIP (due to having photosensitive epilepsy)... I put in a lot of evidence too. But didn't try going to appeal. This was nearly 4 years ago.
Now I've had to reapply for my PIP claim as it's due for renewal & I've been waiting over a year for assessment as they're so behind!
I do need the money as I struggle to work only part time.

@SouthCountryGirl write about how you are normally in each section with evidence if you have it. I had a local charity to help me fill my form in. For some of my examples i need help with my finances from my sister, I struggle to shower regularly due to various reasons (not getting into it here) & I struggle to cook. Also travel is hard for me as I have the epilepsy.

You really need a good amount of backup in the form of Consultants letters, hospital reports and GP letters or referrals. To show that you have been engaging in trying to improve your health- even though with Covid its been nearly impossible.

Then while filling in the paperwork refer to the appropriate letter.
I.e. "my anxiety is debilitating as agreed with Dr X in y letter dated x/x/x (attached as appendix 5)
Then staple copies of letters to the form.
Go into much more detail than the box allows, i type mine, or get help to - and then staple the pages to the form. Put your name and national insurance number on every piece of paper you send in.

Also to be successful I believe you need to be medicated for your mental and/or physical health issues and show this by attaching a list of all medications and even go back to show if you have tried different types of meds.
(This is based on the fact my DM suffers badly with her MH but believes the meds make her worse, she has never been successful in getting points for MH issues, even after being in a MH hospital for a few months - if she won't medicate they see it at not trying, and I can see their point, but also hers as the meds she has tried have made her more unwell. But it's just a def NO from PIP)

You really need a good amount of backup in the form of Consultants letters, hospital reports and GP letters or referrals. To show that you have been engaging in trying to improve your health- even though with Covid its been nearly impossible.

No you don't. You need these things to prove your disability. There is nothing at all on the PIP application that talking about showing how you have tried to improve your health.

Also to be successful I believe you need to be medicated for your mental and/or physical health issues and show this by attaching a list of all medications and even go back to show if you have tried different types of meds.

Nope: you do not need to be on medication to have a successful PIP application.

This isn't fraud at all, with these forms you always fill in your worst days because "good days: can be few and far between.

Op nobody can say if you will be successful there is no magic answer just be honest and be prepared to appeal if your application is refused.

OP please get help from a local support worker who has experience with ADP. So much mis information and scare mongering on this thread. I would suggest your husband contact your local carer centre. They will be able to help with your ADP application, check for any other supports you may be entitled to and that you are all well supported as a whole family.