should I claim pip for PTSD?

[Geneticsbunny]

After suffering with PTSD since 2020 I was finally diagnosed last September. I have managed to start some EMDR which is helping a lot but my issue is that I am a born optimist and I keep assuming that I will get better soon. Even though evidence is not really supporting this. I would definitely be unable to work full time at the moment and struggle to do quite a lot of things but I can manage, it just takes me a lot longer. Should I apply for pip? I feel like a fraud.

Yes you should apply for it. You have a diagnosis and you are receiving medical care and the benefits system is there to support people like yourself until you feel able to work.

PIP is to provide people who have disabilities with money to help mitigate the extra costs which being disabled can incur - it’s designed in theory to level the playing field, so your disability may require special equipment or adaptations, or physio, or it might be used to pay for ready cooked meals or taxis etc .

There is nothing to stop you applying for PIP but I don’t think realistically you would be awarded it for PTSD as this is a temporary mental health condition not a long term disability. And I don’t say that lightly my husband has PTSD.

Having said that - it won’t cost you anything to find out more and put an application in.

Thank you both for replying. It is hard because the internet says I should get better and recover, however I still have to live with the thing which caused the PTSD every day and my situation will not change any time soon, so I guess I might not recover soon? Maybe doing the forms will help me get a better idea of what issues I have and how manageable they are and I could go from there?

I definitely dont want pip and would much rather just muddle along until I recover. I guess applying is like admitting that I really am actually disabled at the moment.

It will be classed as a disability if you can evidence it has affected your ordinary everyday functioning over a long period of time.
The key to a successful PIP application if having evidence from HCPs involved in your care of how your condition affects your daily functioning, what level of support you need and why you need this support

I'd start gathering this evidence in advance of applying as it's notoriously difficult to get PIP for MH conditions as you'll see by the many threads on here

If you don’t want pip don’t apply
people only apply for PIP to get the money …..not to admit they have a disability
i get pip…I applied because I wanted the money….same as everyone else

I don’t think realistically you would be awarded it for PTSD as this is a temporary mental health condition not a long term disability.

PTSD is eligible under PIP. And I would strongly disagree with the comment about it not being a long term disability. I'm currently on a 3-year award and I work.

OP - I recommend contacting your local CAB as there is a specific way to fill out the forms. Don't feel shame or guilt about claiming. It's there for a reason. 💐

Yes but it is a long process so don’t be disheartened if you get awarded nothing, that is common. You just have to push forward and appeal. It is emotionally draining but is worth it if you get it in the end xx good luck

Just a query about PIP payments. I read that you have to have been struggling with a condition for 3 mths and expect it to last for another 9. What happens if you find yourself in the situation I was in.
I had a breakdown last year, I have a diagnosed anxiety disorder. I didn't work for 7/8 months. I'm now working p/t but for those 8 months I didn't have any income. Luckily because of my husband's job we coped but what help is available if you find yourself unable to work for a few months??

Pip isn’t a means tested benefit….I have worked full time and claimed pip

@Kitkat1523 thanks for your reply. I don't understand how that works though.
I totally get that you can work and still be affected by a condition daily. My anxiety disorder is a daily battle. But when I've looked online at the eligibility it says things like 'needs help with cooking' or 'needs help with mobility'.
I just presumed you would be denied PIP if you have a MH condition but can function well the majority of the time.
Sorry if I'm being ignorant. 😬

@Ilovedogs1 For mental health issues, it would be more about the lack of motivation to do those things.

Thanks all. You have been very helpful.

My main issues are around being sofa bound when I go through a really bad patch which are becoming less frequent, and everything taking me ages the rest of the time. It is like wading through mud and I can't think properly.

@Kitkat1523 obviously the money would be helpful given that I can't work at the moment.

If you need support to manage everyday tasks such as cooking, travelling, and personal hygiene, where the extra support will help you cover those costs, then yes. Absolutely.

It's a benefit to assist the additional costs of your independent living. Such as carers, travel, etc.

@SilvSilverCatStripes C PTSD isn't temporary for everyone. I have it.

I've learnt to manage it rather than it manage me along with my other mental health problems.

PTSD may settle down. However, it can flare up again at any time. Otherwise known as co reoccurring

There are online calculators that will give you an indication if you’re likely to be approved.

You might also want to look at Access to Work. They can fund taxis to work and all sorts of things.

@IIlovedogs1 PIP is about the help you need, whether you get it or not.

For example, prepping a meal with a mental health descriptor would be like this "Because of depression and low motivation I struggle to prepare a meal. I don't eat properly because I don't sleep well and I'm fatigued. I eat maybe a sandwich or crisps or the like, which is quick and easy. "

Other brief examples are the washing and bathing areas "because of depression and low motivation. I struggle to motivate to shower and see to my personal hygiene. It can take me 2 hours to do this. I can go days without seeing to my personal hygiene"

It's not about the illness. It's about the help you need whether you get it or not

Mobility planning and following a journey is about the struggles you face with society when you're outside, such as not being able to cope with crowds, feeling whomever trapped and anxious/panicky in shops, etc

Hope that helps

There is nothing to stop you applying for PIP but I don’t think realistically you would be awarded it for PTSD as this is a temporary mental health condition not a long term disability.

This is total nonsense, both medically and legally.

''There is nothing to stop you applying for PIP but I don’t think realistically you would be awarded it for PTSD as this is a temporary mental health condition not a long term disability.''

That's incorrect.

For some people the symptoms can last for many years, especially if they go untreated. PTSD symptoms can stay at a fairly constant level of severity.

Don't give advice if you don't actually know what you are talking about...

Back to you OP: you have nothing to lose by applying.

Just be prepared that the DWP is a really hostile environment for disabled people right now and that you might need to go through the PIP appeal process and even the independent tribunal stage to be awarded anything.

1. Yes you need the money
2. 2. If you get Universal Credit you get a higher rate & it can get you off conditionality (ie having to be available for work)
3. Someone eg a friend or relative can get Carers Allowance or Carers Element in UC for looking after you
4. You may be asked to attend an assessment, ask that it is recorded as if you go to appeal you can ask the DWP to provide a transcript which can then be compared with the assessors report (Ie demonstrate that the report is a complete fabrication)
5. 5. Citizens Advice can help you with your claim

Good Luck!

Yes you should apply. I have complex PTSD, OCD and an anxiety disorder and also fibromyalgia and I applied and was successful. Both elements. You need to really drum it home how much it affects you, be very in depth and confident.

Ignore the person that said it's temporary as I assure you they won't see it like that. I've had an anxiety disorder for 12 years and medical history to back that up. If you have had it for 9 months or longer and you expect it to continue for 12 months or more you can claim.

Incorrect. It's not temporary. I have PTSD and an anxiety disorder and OCD. I've had them since I was 18. I'm now 32. I've had intense treatments and medications and I'm sadly no better. In fact I'm worse. I became agraphobic and I need support fo almost all tasks because I can't function most days. I applied for pip and had all medical evidence to back me up and I was awarded high rate for both components for three years. So sorry but you are wrong.

@SilverCatStripes

PTSD as this is a temporary mental health condition not a long term disability.

Eh?

Temporary? I've had it for 22 years.