PIP decision

[Babyaj2k11]

Hi all, I've had my assessment for pip last week, it was a trainee so she said it would take longer and have to be checked by her boss. So I still haven't had the text to say dwp has received it which means I can't yet request a copy.
I'm so anxious about getting denied and having to go through tribunal etc
I suffer severe OCD and have done since childhood, as long as I can't remember. Never claimed anything for it as never thought I would qualify, also means I don't work. Last at universal credit suggested me claiming so I gave it a go, now I'm just so anxious and second guessing everything I said to them. The assessment itself was as awful as I expected, they last was nice but I just ended up in tears when describing how it affects me, and how long it's had a hold of my life. It really hit me that this is all I have ever known, and I haven't lived a normal life. I don't go out, socialize, work or even just walk down the street.
Has anybody else claimed pip for OCD? What was the outcome?
TIA

Just an update for everyone, I was awarded standard living and standard mobility for 3 years. So happy that I won't have to fight it and just relieved xxx

Fantastic news! So pleased for you x

@Babyaj2k11 That's wonderful news, so pleased for you. The mobility part is so difficult to get, especially for mh issues, my dh can't leave the house alone, has a Support Worker who takes him out once a week and the CMHT Caseworker, Social worker etc all do home visits. I recently became his Appointee and the DWP Officer even did a home visit as they understood he couldn't attend their offices, yet he never gets awarded the mobility component of PIP granted to him. They always reply saying in their opinion he can undertake familiar and unfamiliar journeys without the aid of another person. They've never even met him but say he can do this, yet I have a social care assessment carried out by a social worker that says he can't leave the house alone and all these other people do home visits. It's beyond belief!

Sorry to hear that, I was surprised as had heard so many people saying that they don't get awarded especially with MH issues. I don't know if it just luck of the draw with who does your assessment or what 🤷🏼‍♀️
I would have thought with all the services you have involved then he would get it, I don't have a social worker or support worker so have no one to provide more details other than my doctor. I've heard alot of people going to tribunal when they don't agree with decision and winning so you could go down that route xxx

@Babyaj2k11 Thanks, I think, as you say, it's the luck of the draw who you get assessing you. I'm very pleased to hear that you got it, it does give us a bit of hope. I probably could have appealed in the past but they frighten you by saying that anything you have been awarded could be taken away from you and as he's always been awarded standard rate PIP, I just darent risk losing it. I think the whole system is run on fear.

I only get standard living and no mobility for MH. Things have changed a lot for me since I applied a few years ago, I can't go out anymore, haven't been able to for a few years but cant face letting them know at the moment to see if I could get mobility in case they take it all away. I'm in a really low place at the moment but I might try if I feel a bit stronger at some point. Not sure. I'm really really pleased for you though, you hear such horror stories of how people are treated. So happy for you 💐 xx

That's absolutely horrific, if they can't see your DH is entitled to mobility with all the input he needs from different services I don't know what to say, it's shocking. I hope maybe at some point you feel able to apply for it but I'm the same, too scared to upset the applecart. Hugs x

Sorry to hear that, I would have been exactly the same if they'd not awarded me, I'd not be in a place where I could go through it again, I hope you manage to find the strength to apply for more, if you can't go out you should get mobility, that's the only reason I do, I am physically able to walk etc. xxx

Op

im glad you got your award but can I ask do you ever to intend to do some hard research to resolve your condition?

the life you are leading is basically just existing and there must be a strong chance your son will also develop MH issues?

and what if your relationship crumbles under the strain? Will you still be able to look after your son

does this mean you and your son/partner cannot participate in anything together beyond your home?

personally I would invest in better therapy’s and solutions even worldwide as there is a whole world out there waiting for you

Congratulations on getting it awarded without having to appeal.

As per my user name I had a double stroke.

my friend filled the form in for me because I can't currently write, I think both of us were overly positive about my abilities and how it's affecting me.

Today I had the call, I guess an assessment over the phone? From the people who write the reports. Again, I think I was a bit. Upbeat and positive I'm finding it kind of difficult to admit to how difficult everything is.l, it's not really my nature. I live alone so I just have to crack on with it. Things like they ask if you can get dressed. Well yes I can because all I am wearing is leggings and a T-shirt, I have a very kind neighbour and we have been friends for a long time and she would help me if I needed her to but I certainly couldn't get dressed every day to go to work in clothes that are suitable for a work environment.

She seemed like a very nice woman that rang today but I'm not sure if whether that's to allow you into a false sense of friendliness and she didn't ask that many direct questions but looking back a lot of it was indirect and I don't think I've helped myself any🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️

I got a text message from DWP to say that they have received the report and will get back to me regarding my claim in due time within eight weeks

Can anyone tell meShould I ring up and request a copy of that report or should I just wait and see what the outcome is first??

I have NHS therapy, unsure if it will help or not at the moment, yes I'm sure things do affect my son and I feel guilty every day for that, he is what my anxiety and OCD are based on, I worry so much about him.
I'd like to get better of course, I realise I am just existing, I have a loving supportive family and I do live in abit of a bubble.
Can't really answer much else, other than I would like to get better of course.

Hi I felt very unsure after my assessment, I didn't feel like we'd spoken too much about my mental health but the lady was really nice. I did request a copy of the report as I was advised to prepare for a reconciliation so having the report sooner than the award gives you time to make your points etc. I suppose it's good in some ways and bad in others as the decision maker doesn't have to agree with the report. If you are am anxious person I would say get the report, at least you won't be over thinking it, but just don't take it as an award, I hope you get the result you deserve xxx

@Quitelikeit There are a heck of a lot of people with MH issues who are "not really living" and "just existing" as you put it. My dh has many people working on his behalf, trying to get him better, yet he still suffers from irrational psychotic thoughts, hears voices, sees things that aren't there etc He's been hospitalised after numerous suicide attempts, spent time in a mental health unit after nearly accidentally killing me whilst trying to kill himself, has spent time in a rehab house and receives daily medication and therapy. Yes, it's negatively affected mine and our son's life, I'm also "just existing". That's the reality of MH issues and how they affect not just the person but also their family. Due to his illness we lost our beautiful home and ive had to give up a good job to care for him full time. How I wish I could just do a bit of research and cure him!

@Babyaj2k11 Don't feel guilty. You are ill and it's not your fault. There's little sympathy for people with MH issues these days, especially where benefits are concerned. You deserve every penny of your award.

@LarasLupins Thank you. It's awful isn't it, having to gratefully accept whatever award we are given, as we are so terrified that if we appeal a decision we will lose the award we've already been granted. The whole system is run on fear. I think people who have never applied for PIP haven't got a clue how difficult it is to get and what an absolute nightmare it is just applying for it.

I know, I think people think we're just scroungers and MH can just be sorted out with a bit of counselling or whatever. They literally have no idea what it's like to live with it. If only we could get better with a bit of magical thinking! People have real genuine psychiatric illnesses that cannot be 'cured' , only lived with and managed as best we can. It's horrendous actually. I wouldn't wish it in my worst enemy. And the stress of applying is just too much. I think it's cruel of @Quitelikeit to try and guilt @Babyaj2k11 about her husband and son. If it was that easy to get better there wouldn't be any psychiatric illnesses.

Totally uncalled for and nasty in my opinion

Anyway I'm pleased for those who've got their awards and hope for the best for those waiting x

@LarasLupins I agree with everything you say. Do people think we choose to live like this? That mentally ill people and their families choose to live their lives "just existing" and that sufferers and their families have never considered researching their illnesses, desperately trying to get better. The amount of money you get on disability benefits just about supports a very meagre lifestyle. Anyone who thinks we are all rolling in it, living the high life is very mistaken. All these people having a go at people on disability benefits ought to do a bit of "research" themselves, they'd soon find out it's no easy option trying to survive on benefits and never truly being able to relax or plan ahead as your PIP could be reviewed and removed at any time.

Thankyou, I think those of us with mental health issues will always carry some amount of guilt and shame, it's nice to hear from your point of view being on the other side of it, suffering from it all but still there for your partner ❤️ thank you for sticking up for us xxx

Thank you ❤️

Thank you

I'm keeping my 🤞🏼🤞🏼

no, I'm not a really anxious person and at the moment I have a lot of other things to stress about so I'm able to put this in the what will be will be box at the moment. I was just wondering whether it was a good idea to request a copy of the report or not if either looks better or worse.??

I asked for mine and was still awarded so I don't think it looks bad as such, I don't think the decision maker even knows if you've got a copy of it, you just ring the original number that you started your claim on and ask them for a copy, not sure it goes any further than that. Good luck with it xxx

Thanks, I'll do that tomorrow. When I get it, I'll report back on my feelings about it.

Ah good would be good to hear back from you, got my fingers crossed xx