Would you apply for PIP?

[Violetmouse]

I’ve been struggling with depression for the last two years or so, had two admissions lasting around six months in total and still needing to see a psychiatrist and have ECT every fortnight. I’m much better and am able to work though not as much as I was working before. I feel really torn about whether or not to apply for PIP. I’ve been very lucky with the amount of help I’ve had - I know many people struggle to access help - but my life is far from back to normal. I can’t drive, my partner needs to stay at home with me after ECT which is tough for her with work, organising and motivating myself to get meals ready etc is hard and I feel bad about how much my partner does at home - even though the feeling bad hasn’t translated into actually doing more myself.
So how do you decide whether or not it’s reasonable to apply? I meant to apply 18 months or so ago but lacked the motivation to do it!

Well the risk is how shitty the process will make you feel. It is very dehumanising vomiting out your most private information and problems for some official to pick through to see if they consider you are sufficiently disabled by your condition to get the money. That’s how I found it anyway. If I could have afforded not to claim I would have avoided it.
Have someone with you for support filling in the form and at the assessment if you decide to go ahead and record the assessment in case there are discrepancies in the report which follows.
I would very much recommend two sites to look at for help in how to put your symptoms etc into “Pip language” these being fightback4justice and benefits and work.

Yes I think you should apply

I applied for PIP after being terrified of the process for years, on the advice of mumsnet. I had a telephone assesment and was awarded high rate care and normal mobility. I have BPD, GAD, OCD and MDD and like you my partner needs to be at home to keep me safe and make sure I do the things I need to do.

You should apply for it.

My DD was awarded it today, it took about 3 months in total. I filled in the form on her behalf. I didn’t find the questions on the form intrusive, we answered it together and honestly. She didn’t have an assessment. The initial call was easy and the person we spoke to was understanding and helpful, you are allowed to nominate someone to speak on your behalf.

@Dinnerisburnt

I need to apply for it for my DD (17) . I have been putting it off for ages! I know there is quite a lot of help on line. Were there any websites that you found were particularly useful? It will absolutely be me filling it out (with her input)!

Well done on seeing it through!

@lemonsaretheonlyfruit

I did use a website to determine whether or not it was worth applying, can’t remember which one! The form is lengthy but there are examples given on the to help guide you on the sort of information they are looking for. Once you make the phone call which isn’t complicated they send you the form and you have a month to fill it in and send it back. My DD is also 17! They back date any award to the date you first call them. I did put it off for four months before I made the call! I would rather she was healthy enough to be at school and to have a part time job, but that just isn’t possible for her at the moment.

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk

@Dinnerisburnt

Thanks I appreciate it. Yes mine dropped out of A levels a few months ago and spends most of her time at home. A friend has given her a 1 day a week job recently and she has managed to do that for the first 2 weeks but has already said tonight she doesn't know if she can go tomorrow.

She does see her one friend and go out for walks very occasionally- on a good day but it's very rare. I don't know if that will count 'against' her getting awarded it as it's v minimal.

I have a PIP letter written by her CAMHS therapist for her.

Anyway - thankyou - I shall stop putting it off and make the call tomorrow. Thank-you.

Thanks @TheShellBeach . I'll have a look now

That site helped me to get PIP for myself and my son, and to get AA for my neighbour.

@lemonsaretheonlyfruit DD is supposed to be restarting her A levels in September if I can get her through the door! She has been at home for 6 months now. You will need your DD’s national insurance number when you make the phone call. Good luck 🤞🏻