Pip

[Bettyboop28]

I just wanted to clarify that a microwave IS an aid for pip and you do get a point for using one? Someone said it isn't and I don't think thats true. If you can't chop or boil or anything them the next thing is a ready meal? Or tinned meal? That get heated in the microwave. Perhaps they got it wrong and a MICROWAVE absolutely IS AN AID.

Are you talking about PIP benefits? You've probably posted in the wrong section.

All your information is here;

www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

@Linguini that’s exactly what I thought too

@Bettyboop28 I'm not sure why you've posted in this section but microwave is considered an aid. But it depends on the reasons why the aid is required. Have a look at the assessment guide posted. It's what decision makers use.

According to this website

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-points-system

Cannot cook a simple meal using a conventional cooker but is able to do so using a microwave. 2 points

But presumably you'd need to explain why the person is unable to use a conventional cooker and isn't just choosing to use a microwave for convenience.

Re ready meals: they can also be cooked in an oven so use of ready meals doesn't automatically mean they'll be cooked in a microwave.

Anyway, Citizens Advice advice re the definition of 'preparing a meal' is this:

It’s unlikely your idea of a simple meal is the same as the government's. It’s helpful to base your answers on this example: peel, chop and boil 2 large potatoes, open a tin of sweetcorn and fry a small piece of meat or fish.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/fill-in-form/3-prepare-and-cook-meal/

If the person can't prepare the ingredients for a simple meal (rather than using a microwave because they can't use a cooker) then that seems to be a separate criteria worth 8 points (according to the Benefits & Work website above).

"Cook a meal" seems to be literally cooking it. Preparing the meal has a separate criteria.

A microwave is considered an aid but if you struggle to carry a pan of boiling water to the sink to drain veg, you will probably struggle to carry a plate of hot food safely out of a microwave; and the assessors don't always take that into account.