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 agree get proper advice visit CAB they can help with form filling and whatnot your husband can do it on your behalf if you find it difficult. I think the conflicting replies isn't helpful.

For PIP, I was given the advice to answer ‘no, but’ instead of ’yes, but’ in questions where the answer is complicated. Eg if asked can I cook a meal , instead of’yes, but only once a week, and I need somebody helping me and I would need to rest for two hours afterwards', you might say the same info but begin your answer with no, on the majority of days I’m not well enough to cook. And then give the true details about the challenges on days when you do cook, and what happens on days when you don't cook. Apparently with pip assessors this helps to make sure they don’t make mistakes in assessing you as more capable than you are. Hopefully the Scottish assessors would be better!

Also ask for breaks if you need to and explain if you find it difficult eg if you’re feeling anxious or upset at a particular point, or if talking is hard. You might be able to take a support person with you too.

Would you like to see a CV? 🤷‍♀️

I agree op that misinformation and conflicting info here is unhelpful to you. CAB can advise and there are also specialist welfare advocacy services like the one I work for, where you can be sure you’re getting the correct advice.

I generally try to comment on pip threads with the correct info but there are always know it alls who don’t know the law, and there’s a particular idiot on this thread who somehow thinks it’s impossible to be a welfare rights lawyer… but I literally do tribunals every day, and the law is the law.

OP, mumsnet isn’t a great place for benefits advice even though there is a wealth of experience here, mainly because of arseholes who confuse the picture with half baked notions. So definitely get clear advice and support to fill the form in. Wording the answers to reflect the descriptors and with knowledge of case law so there’s no wiggle room if it’s appealed makes all the difference.

I was only commenting using my experience vs my mums. We have the same.e genetic disorder.

She also had had admissions due to her MH which I have not, and is obviously older and has some significant osteoarthritis.

I take all meds suggested by my consultants and have tried everything to become "healthier" which is futile but I've done it..

Mum hasn't engaged with the pointless and tedious physiotherapy (I've had multiple 8 week courses with OAPs gaining strength after a hip replacement- I dont have a hip replacement)
I'm not sure if it's a physical issue or her MH holding her back, but she is convinced medication makes her worse and even paracetamol doesn't agree with her (this does make me skeptical)

I on the other had take 30 tablets and injections a day in order to live some sort of life.
I get high rate care and mobility. Mum gets low rate care only, and I think due to her non compliance she is in a much worse state than me and during physical tests would very much struggle to do them at all.

So in my small pool of 2 with the same disease, compliance with Drs, taking meds and treatments offered and showing a history of drs letters showing you've tried xyz to no benefit DOES help back up what you have written on the form.

@Irritateandunreasonable, I was advised by practice nurse to write down what I could do on a good day and a bad day. Then how often I had good and bad days and any triggers. I think you need to be honest. Also if help if you have evidence from specialists. Eg report from Psychologist on how how you did on CBT and what medication you are on.

How long did peoples letter take to arrive after a decision was made? And to receive back pay?