PIPs application and WPW. Experiences please.

[curiousitykilledtheKat]

Hi.
Nc'd for this.. cancel the cheque, penis beaker etc... I've been around a while!

About 8 years ago I was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White syndrome. I've had several ablations to treat it but they've not been successful. Symptoms are as bad as ever.

I'm considering applying for PIP from the government but wanted to gauge the likelihood of it being successful before I put myself through that rigmarole.

Have any of you done this? Successfully or unsuccessfully. Keen to hear experiences. Thank you in advance!

PIP isn't based on conditions. It's based on impacts. I have PIP at the highest rate in both areas. But I can barely walk, am in constant pain, and cannot do lots of things. My condition was so bad that I got it first time in 2019, based purely on the paper review and no phone or in- person assessment. But I was very bad by the time I applied becuse I put it off for a few years by convincing myself I didn't need it and I wasn't that bad.

It also depends how much the assessor understands about the impact of your condition. Mine understood nothing and decided it wasn't that bad (despite being under the hospital for it) and went as far to say the people who diagnosed me were liars.

Have a look at the points system for PIP here

PIP descriptors and points

and if you think you'd score 8 or more points in total for either daily living or mobility descriptors, it's worth applying.

I'd advise getting help from benefit adviser at CAB or similar when it comes to filling in the form, or getting the guide from Benefits and Work. The form looks relatively straightforward, but it isn't, and there are a few things you need to know if you're doing your own form.

PIP is based on how it affects your life rather than the diagnoses. It’s worth getting help from CAB or welfare rights to fill in the forms. I get standard rate PIP and it was based on a paper assessment as I had lots of evidence but in most cases you will have an assessment.

I’ve just had an assessment for anxiety/ED/PMDD and body dysmorphia so very different but my assessor was so kind to me. I received a positive outcome in just a couple of days.

id say just give it a try, you’re no worse off if they say no.

Thank you all... that's very useful info.
I'll get episodes or cardiac palpitations maybe 10-15 times per day on a good day. It causes me to be EXHAUSTED. And I mean I have to stop what im doing and sleep which causes so many other issues.
I also get terrible brain fog which impedes my judgement, productivity and ability to do my job. On a really bad day I can't move with the exhaustion and need help caring for myself and my kids. It also depresses me!
I'd never even considered applying for disability until someone mentioned it.

I have WPW. Before my ablation I was having an episode every few days which would last anywhere from an hour to 12 hours. It was really disabling so I’m struggling to imagine how you cope with 10-15 a day. Huge sympathies. Definitely apply for PIP, this is absolutely the kind of thing it’s there for.

OP, start gathering reports from your doctors and medical professionals to evidence how your condition affects your daily living and mobility.

LakieLady has good advice. Definitely get a benefit advisor at CAB or a volunteer group. The form has to be filled in in a certain way. PS you don't have to handwrite everything. You can type and attach the sheet to the form.

In no way ask DWP for advice. They are not your friend for PIP applications but are your sworn enemy in sheep's clothing waiting to catch you out. Be careful what you say to them on the phone or in writing. They will seize on anything to turn down your application. Unless your medical evidence is compelling (and even if it is), expect to be turned down on application and on mandatory reconsideration. Expect to fight all the way to appeal where your chances of success at an objective tribunal are much better.

A PIP application these days is a gruelling process and a war of attribution with the DWP. It is not let's see whether I get it. You have to psyche yourself to take it to the next step and not give up until you finally get to appeal. You might be lucky but anecdotally you probably won't.

Dd finally got her PIP award (turned down twice and just before appeal DWP caved and offered the highest award). She did not have WPW but her experience would be soul destroying to any applicant. It took 8 months from start to finish with deadlines. Her advisor said her experience is typical.

From my understanding PIP is based on how the condition affects you and your ability to live independently for examp!e can you cook meals ,attend to your personal care ,travel independently those kinds of things?

my youngest child gets DLA,at the highest rates due to having severe autism and learning disabilities he's nearly 13 even when he transfers to PIP,I think he will be entitled to tel higher rates as e needs full1:1 support at all times to keep him safe
I have wondered wether my 16 would apply for PIPes he's now insulin dependent diabetic,but although he would have qualified under DLA,(as it's about the extra care a cold needs ) I'm not sure he will qualify under PI P.

I bought this https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/resources/personal-independence-payment and it was the best invetsment I have made in a long time - explains the entire thing down to what words to use etc.

Oh my goodness thank you everyone!
I think that would be £7 well spent!

Thank you so much. Was your claim accepted?

The key to being successful with a PIP claim is having supporting evidence to show how your health condition affects your daily functioning.
So get letters and reports from HCPs involved in managing your condition and submit them with your application.

Apart from Quveas' link, try this for a very comprehensive guide to filling in the PIP form, gathering medical evidence and challenging PIP decisions:

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-claims

It costs 19.95 per year but has detailed sample language throughout, including how to ask your GP for a letter. I read a lot of online guides (not Quveas' so cannot comment on that), including CAB's. This one really worked for me once I was in trouble (i.e. the DWP turned it down) because it literally tells you how to write it.

It was also recommended on mn.

My husband became disabled and it took a long time for the PIP to be awarded. Just send as much evidence as you can and do it via Recorded Delivery. I sent three envelopes! Hope you get it sorted out