Tips on how to get PIP with these conditions

[Jaffaexplodingmouse]

I would appreciate tips on how to word my PIP application to highlight the significant things about how these conditions affect my life

Depression
Binge Eating Disorder
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Dermatillomania
Psoriasis

Has anyone else managed to get approved for PIP with these conditions?

Thanks

It's how each of these things impact your day. Do they impact you leaving the house, planning journeys, getting dressed, preparing food etc.

I get PIP for RA, currently under review (again).

PIP isn't about the conditions, it's about how you're affected by them.

You should seek help from somewhere like citizens advice if you're unsure how to complete the form.

Yes, Answer the questions in a mental health impact way. At first glance they seem very much to focus on physical issues (can you eat properly etc) but think about how you feel sometimes, when you cant bring yourself to cook, eat, wash etc, and answer in this way

You'd need to explain why you think PIP payments would help. Do you need someone to make sure you are eating regularly, properly? What would happen if you were left to your own devices?

Do the other conditions affect your confidence, meaning you can't go out shopping for yourself?

That kind of thing

Thanks, I never even considered applying for this before as I thought it was for physical disabilities but there are so many impacts on my life.

Do any conditions affect you from cooking a simple meal eg omelette?

Can you bath/shower yourself?

You can look up the full set of questions and decide if any of the conditions you have affect how you can do the tasks.

I never cook because of ED and depression. I live on ready made sandwiches, microwave meals and sweet junk.

I can bathe but struggle to wash my hair (mentally not physically) so have to wear woolly hat if I go out.

I hide if anyone comes to the house

Do these type of things count?

Take it question by question - there is no out looking for wording how each diagnoses affects you, you have to answer the specific questions. Look up the diagnostic criteria and see where you think you might score points. Be aware though that if you would score say 2 for needing prompting to wash due to mental health snd 2 for avoiding washing becsue of painful widespread psoriasis, you only score 2. You can't add them up per condition.

Thanks. It is strange to actually think about these impacts rather than just battling on with life

Absolutely!

Yes, avoiding cooking probably counts as you can't manage it. I'm not sure if microwave meals count as cooking but I suspect they will as you end up with a hot meal. Also if you live alone you presumably have no one to prompt you. Also consider if a task takes you longer because of a condition. You need to back up what you say with evidence. A letter from your consultant etc. It's shocking I know but they probably won't believe what you tell them without evidence. Many people are in despair and have to go to appeal. If you are on medication for any condition put in a medication list and state what each medicine is for.

It's not about the diagnosis. It's about how it affects your life. You need to tell them how things affect you and who needs to help you.

i agree that support letters from your GP and other HCPs involved in your care are very helpful indeed. Diagnoses, treatments, medications, therapies you have/had/waiting to have etc.

Like others have said it’s not really about the conditions that you have, but how they impact your day to day life. Good luck 🤞🏼

I get PIP for a genetic condition that can vary between not being aware you even have it, to needing a wheelchair, tube feeding, surgeries/reduced lifespan etc. So I guess how the
condition/s you have affect your life, is more relevant in assessing your needs, than the actual condition itself.

I think it’s quite unlikely you’ll get PIP. Psoriasis has absolutely nothing to do with your mobility or your ability to look after yourself. Neither does pulling your hair out - there are tons of bald people! Depression maybe, but I’ve never known anyone get PIP for depression. I have autism and I can’t get PIP because I’m too functional. I’d say autism is more serious than the conditions you mentioned, so if autism doesn’t make you eligible for PIP then depression definitely won’t.

I'm autistic and I get PIP (well ADP in Scotland but it's essentially the same thing) lots of people do. It depends who's the condition affects you.

As for psoriasis, it may score you the 2 points you need to get over the 'line' for an award if you have other conditions. An example would be if your psoriasis is widespread and you avoid washing because of the pain or if you don't use your creams etc and need prompting / the hard part of this is of course evidence.

There is no way to say you can't get it for X because you don't get it for Y

omg i get pip for depression and no autism is not worse as it varies from person to person don't spread this crap, really made me annoyed. are you able to work? leave the house? have friends? drive? leave the bed? open your curtains?
have a light on in the day?

Thanks.

Bit harsh. My depression and APD do seriously affect my life so I need to get that across on the form.

@Jaffaexplodingmouse

Juts ignore that poster, they are talking nonsense. Possibly bitter becsue they didn't get PIP

It's not condition top trumps! That's why PIP is based on how well you are functionally, not the condition that you have.

I’m not sure I can face having the assessment meetings anyway so no point in applying for PIP or ESA

You can take someone to the assessment to speak on your behalf. If you're struggling to leave your house you can ask for a phone assessment and, again, someone can speak on your behalf.

I’ve been awarded PIP now

That's excellent news!