Has anybody had a successful pip claim for depression?

[PrettyLittleButterfly]

Posting for traffic.
I am contemplating applying for pip for my chronic depression and anxiety, however I've spoken to a couple of friends who said I'd never even be considered for depression and if I applied science I would end up with social services coming out. I've been on anti depressants for 3 years now, tried to end things twice and ended up in hospital. I rarely go out, my sister does a lot in terms of cooking and cleaning for me and my children.
I currently receive universal Credit and I receive an element called lcwra because my doctor deems me not fit for work.

Would it be worth applying? Has anybody had any positive experience claiming for depression?
Thanks

I used to be a PIP assessor. I would apply, but it’s wise to gather evidence from your GP and MH team too if you can.

@DismantledKing I was going to get a letter of support from my doctor, my children's school and my key worker with the Haven and also send my prescription list.
Would that be enough supporting evidence?

It isn't so much about the diagnosis but how it impacts your life. Try taking this test (you don't need to enter your email) to see what your answers would be: https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/pip-test-form

In my experience PIP does discriminate against those with ‘invisible illnesses’, but it’s certainly worth a try if it impacts your ability to do everyday activities. That supporting evidence that you’ve mentioned seems useful.

The letters from the Childrens school wouldn’t be considered relevant I don’t think. GP’s won’t usually do a letter but would print you off a patient summary which contains a list of your diagnoses & what meds you’re on.

None of this would provide detailed enough evidence as to how your condition affects your daily living skills. You’d need a detailed letter from your MH team (your care-coordinator if you have one) which attests to how your condition affects you.

I started this thread back in 2016 under a different username. It was a while ago now, but I think the principles might still apply.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/2764894--to-give-people-assistance-with-claiming-PIP

@DismantledKing i have my assessment next week and feeling real nervous. Are they going to be nice ? As the way i feel if someone is horrible ill just get upset x

I don't think you'll get it, but there is no harm in applying. They don't apply logic or understand all of the conditions that are eligible.
I have heard of people having more success with appeals, though. I am ND with mental health issues, have official NHS diagnoses for all and well-documented serious issues with socialising and advocating for myself.
I was refused PIP as I spoke to the assessor on the phone and didn't seem phased by it, therefore I don't have issues communicating. That's how simplistic it is. Until they employ people who actually understand the issues of the people they're talking and aren't just following a one size fits all criteria, the system will remain very flawed.

Yanbu if you meet the criteria for PIP, which based on what you have said here you possible do, you should apply.

Did you appeal to tribunal?

I've known someone found it easier to make a successful PIP claim for "anxiety and depression" than it was for stage 3 breast cancer.

As others have said it's not about your diagnosis it is about how your illness affects you in relation to the PIP descriptors.
Can you cook a simple meal from scratch ? Can you wash and dress yourself, manage your own medications ( remember when to take etc ), communicate, mix with others, can you do a journey alone ? Can you do these things reliably, within a reasonable timeframe and as often as reasonably needed ? These are the things you need to consider. take a good look at the PIP descriptors to see if you would score enough points. As pp says the other key to an award is good relevant medical evidence, this is escpecially important.

Yes same here ! Many times over. I think the majority of claims now are for MH, well certainly the ones I assist with through my job are.

I think they are pretty picky as to what medical evidence they want. I have a client who is paying a private doctor to write a letter to try to get her award increased but I have a feeling it isn't going to hold much weight.

I think for MH claims,the most chance of success is letters/ reports form Pyschiatrist, community Psychiatric Nurse, crisis team etc.

Yes also seen this. I know quite a lot of relatives and friends who claim for mental health and ND and then conversely have relatives and friends who have been knocked back for claims based on severe physical disability with diagnoses of e.g. MS, psoriatic arthritis and stage FOUR cancer. All of these people were so unwell they just didn't have it in to continue with an appeal (and also felt humiliated by it all).

Lots of people who have depression claim PIP. The forms ask how it affects you day to day, and with mobility. So feeding yourself, going out, socialising, walking, houshold bills etc. There is no harm in applying but get advice from people who have done it before. It can be quite an upsetting process to be honest, and you may not get what you want. But you can appeal.
I' say go for it.

@PrettyLittleButterfly did u get it ? X

This is really good on applying for PIP for MH:

https://www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/en/welfare-benefits/pip-mental-health-guide/

I did and it was a battle. I was eventually awards HRC and LRM. The info from my GP was not enough. Eventually my counsellor wrote a very detailed letter about how debilitating my condition was. It took me a long time to gain the confidence to ask her but it made all the difference. DWP changed their mind before my appeal with that info. I previously had been awarded 0 points due to lack of evidence (and they didn’t invite me to be assessed as it would cause me too much distress)

@PilgorTheGoat do u work? Do i need to tell my manager? As shl gossip to all my colleagues and i dont want them all knowing xx

I don’t work at the moment but I don’t think you would need to tell your manager unless you feel they could provide some helpful evidence, ie any adjustments that need to be made for you at work due to your condition.

@PilgorTheGoat oo ok , because i thought they may contact them as they also contact my gp(which im very glad about)
but in work i try and keep my life private i only do 18hrs mqx. So hardly in work x