The Bipolar Support Thread

[BippityBoppity87]

Hi everyone Just thought I'd start a shiny new thread for anyone who is suffering from bipolar disorder.

Hope everyone is ok!

How much do you get if you don’t mind me asking?

This is what I got on an online test

Well done Diary 😊 did you get any points for mobility at all?

Hi Bip 💕 I get about £80? £85 a week now, a little bit less than before because I’ve lost the mobility component (which was about £20 a week). You could also apply for employment and support allowance, something to think about

Your online test is exactly what I scored in my assessment report! When I did a self assessment I only got 7 points so I was pleasantly surprised.

Oh no I got 16 for the daily living bit and 4 for mobility.

I didn't get the mobility component so will get £57.00 per week. I go no points for dealing with medication when I told her I have trouble remembering but like I said before I'm quite happy on the standard rate it's better than nothing.

I think you should apply bippity you might be surprised. Like I've mentioned before citizens advice filled out all my forms so the only stressful bit is the assessment and tbh it's not that bad really, it's more the thought of it I think!

I’ve just got off the phone to them, so should hopefully be getting my form in the next few weeks!

I hate talking on the phone, always makes me so nervous.

I'm the same with the phone. My house phone is unplugged. Thats good that you're getting the forms. When I first applied I didn't even get an assessment so you never know what will happen.

Does it work in your favour if you have a cpn, see a psychiatrist and regular therapy? Which is all what I’m currently doing.

Just had a quick look at esa, I still work, but I do struggle with that too. Combination of my mental health and my knee.

Well done Bip 😊 Fingers crossed they make a decision just on medical evidence.

I’m the opposite, a complete monster for chatting on the phone all day and most of the night 😀

I think the woman who was assessing me was getting pushed off with me by the time we came to the mobility section. She said "okay the next part is about walking, you can walk okay? You have no problem with that?" I said "no I can walk fine."

Pissed off not pushed off

So I need to take any paper work, as in dr’s notes or psychiatrist appointment letters with me etc if I go to citizens advice?

Also can I still apply for esa even though I work more than 16 a week?

16 hours a week that was meant to say 🤦‍♀️

No you can only work a 16 hour week or less to claim ESA. You get it in the grounds of permitted.work.

Absolutely take your letters etc to CAB. The more you have for your claim the better. Remember to get a copy of your PIP form from CAB after they fill it in as that's the form they work with if you need an assessment

Ah ok, I have my crisis plan from the intensive home treatment team and a couple of appointment letters to see my psychiatrist. Will that be enough?

Yes that will be fine. I didn't have any evidence so they wrote to my psychiatrist. I have no idea what was reported back though.

Ah ok. Hopefully I’ll get my letter soon. Do I just make an appointment with citizens advice and they’ll help me fill it out I take it?

Yes just phone them and tell them you need help filling out the form, you can go in or they come out to your house.

Also do you get universal credit? Would I be entitled to it even though I work? Just reading it confuses the hell out of me. I need someone to spell it out to me in simple terms.

Ive not been changed over to universal credit yet but was just coming on to tell you that you can apply for it even if you work over 16 hours. You can also apply for the new style ESA and can get both this and universal credit but I'm unsure how many hours you can work to be eligible for ESA. I would ask at citizens advice they are very knowledgeable about benefits available. They told me to claim DLA before PIP came in

Quick question, and I’m getting myself stressed over it. I have a GP appointment tomorrow to make sure I’m fit to work and to get my medication. Problem is, I’m working tomorrow. Tried to get an emergency appointment today, but they didn’t have any.

I’ve emailed my work, saying how it’s very important that I go to this appointment. Can they penalise me for it? I’m getting myself worked up over it, to the point I’ve given myself heart burn and feel like I’m going to be sick. I don’t want to lose my job