Would I have any chance of getting PIP while pregnant?

[99Samblaze]

Hi everyone, I’m just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation or has any advice. I’ve heard that it can be difficult to be awarded PIP while pregnant because some people see pregnancy related difficulties as temporary, but I’m struggling quite badly with anxiety and depression and have been referred to the prenatal mental health team.
On top of that, I’m suffering from severe pelvic pain, to the point where I have to lie down after sitting for around 10 minutes.

Mentally, I feel completely exhausted and overwhelmed, and even the simplest everyday tasks take me forever to get done. My husband does most of the cooking before he goes to work because I struggle to manage everything myself. I’m also worried about how PIP would view my situation, as I’ll soon have a newborn as well as a toddler to look after. Would they hold that against me and assume I’m coping because I have children to care for, even though I’m genuinely struggling both physically and mentally? I’m not expecting anything I’m not entitled to, but I was wondering whether I might have a chance of being awarded the standard rate of PIP?

I heard also on FB forums that it’s extremely difficult to get PIP, has anyone got it after going birth?

Thanks

PIP is for long-term conditions, not for conditions that will end in less than 6 months once you give birth.

Unless your pregnancy has caused you a condition which is expected to be long-term, you're on a hiding to nothing.

You have to have had fhe condition for 3 months and expect it to last another 9 months min which excludes pregnancy. Plus the waiting period is so long for assessments it's hugely unlikely you'd still be pregnant by then. If you have other standalone disabilities though it's a different answer.

I am due next week. I just had baby last year.

You are taking the piss, surely?

As people have said it’s for long term health conditions. Also to qualify you need to meet the descriptors. Such as cannot plan a journey can not cook a meal can’t wash unaided etc

This has got to be rage bait. Of course you can't!

They generally hold everything against you. One of my patients was refused PIP as they claimed she could not have cognitive difficulties because she USED TO have a professional job BEFORE she became ill. It's a shit show.
Having said that, pregnancy-related functional difficulties which were not present before pregnancy and are likely to resolve will absolutely not qualify.
If something else is happening in the background which is more permanent, I would advise to get in touch with CAB and they will be able to support you with application or, at least, advise you whether there is anything you may be entitled to.

Pregnancy related difficulties are temporary.

To be considered for PIP you need to have experienced difficulties with daily living tasks or mobility for at least 3 months AND the difficulties must be expected to last for at least another 9 months (making a total of at least 12 months). Nothing pregnancy-related counts under this definition.

If you are still experiencing serious difficulties a few months after giving birth and there's no prospect of things improving any time soon (it would be quite difficult to prove this, because most professionals would agree that things are likely to improve dramatically as you recover from pregnancy and birth, assuming you are treated for any perinatal conditions, mental or physical, that are identified) then you could reconsider.

Claiming PIP is a long drawn out, very difficult process, aside from pregnancy related difficulties not really being covered in the criteria, by the time your PIP was decided your child may well be approaching school age.

Sorry, but I fear you’d be wasting your time.

No, because they won’t count that as continuous, even if it has been for you.

It won’t be worth your time to apply but you can give it a go. I’m sorry you’re suffering so much and I hope it eases once baby is here.

Unless you have been advised that the conditions you suffer with are long-term, it's definitely a no.

You won’t get pip. I have stage 4 cancer and can’t get it. My husband does all the cooking, cleaning and shopping, and I rarely leave the house, but I’m not entitled.

Yes but the PGP is a pregnancy issue, if you weren't having a baby you wouldn't have the pain. It has to be a constant issue. Also for mental health issues you need to prove medication and treatment aren't helping and you cant work due to these conditions. is it PND or general depression as they have different causes and treatments

Thank you.

It seems from the replies unlikely you would get it.

But can I ask what difference it would make to you anyway? How you’d more income help with your health issues? Is it that you’re struggling to work? Surely your employer would pay you some sick pay if you need to be off work for a while?

Wow that’s so heartbreaking.

Take some tax payer funds, that'll cheer you up and make you less anxious.

Have you read "somewhere" that people are awarded PIP for anxiety ? Pip is awarded to people with long term medical conditions so if you have a long term medical condition then of course apply, it isn't handed out like sweets though it is a lengthy process. Your mental health may improve after your baby,

You must appeal this. You should get it.

I get PIP at the highest rates long term for lupus and other autoimmune issues. I think unfortunately it does seem to depend on whose desk the form lands on.

I did some supply teaching but had to stop because of my anxiety and depression but I guess PIP can use that against me and say well you were well enough to lead a class. I did eventually stop when symptoms became severe with my physical pain.

@daisyponddid you appeal the decision? I had stage 2 and am now NED. I applied whilst going through ops and chemo and got turned down. I did a MR and was awarded high rate for both for 4 years. It’s definitely worth trying again x

@daisypond That is categorically untrue - you are eligible for PIP under the special conditions rule if you have terminal cancer. Use SR1 form. Contact Macmillan or your local Citizens Advice if you need support to do this.

But OP indeed can't claim for pregnancy alone.

OP I wonder if you are talking about out of work benefits such as Universal Credit (limited capability to work) or ESA?

PIP is unrelated to work. The basic requirement is that your disability or health condition has been for 3 months and expected to last further than 9 months. People do indeed claim for long term mental health conditions but not pregnancy as such.

And this is why the world we currently live in is an absolute joke!
Teenagers and toddlers can get it for anxiety .
And u have a condition like this absolutely ridiculous and downright piss take
And people like op Obviously pregnant continuous for 2 pregnancies is why she has pelvic pain !!
entitled springs to mind !!
I have psoriatic arthritis axial spondyarthris and have just been now told I have a severe bulge in my c5 C6 neck joint and I am struggling to get dressed and drive my car I have never thought about applying for pip because there are people worse of than me !!!

PIP is only for adults over 16 so you are talking shit.

Welfare rights charities have calculated there are millions in unclaimed benefits from people like you who could be eligible. Don't martyr yourself, just apply if you're eligible. PIP is a gateway for further discounts, easier to apply for blue badge and disabled railcard etc, not just money.