PIP

[singledad64]

Hi. Im a single dad with health problems. I suffer from anxiety and depression and OCD. Everyone keeps telling me to claim personal independence payments. But because I'm a single dad to a 12 year old, I'm scared they'll think I'm not looking after him. I am looking after him of course, but it takes me longer to do stuff than someone without these problems would. Does anyone else on here get PIP and were any questions about parenting?

I guess they may ask you questions at assessment regarding caring for your child but really they are looking at how your disability affects you in relation to the PIP descriptors. Can you cook a meal from scratch, wash and dress yourself, communicate, budget, manage your own medications and therapies, how far you can walk, whether you can go out alone etc. They will look at difficulties you have in relation to those things and if you score enough points then you get an award. One of the main things is providing medical evidence which demonstrates how you struggle with these things. for example if you have to shower 5 times a day because of your OCD or wash your hand multiple times ( as some do) then you need to explain that on the form and provide medical evidence ( drs reports, psychiatrist reports , counsellors letter etc ) to back that up.

Claiming is relentless it’s more about your physical abilities if you can shit yourself feed yourself and walk you won’t qualify

Nothing to stop you applying, would you have support of your GP & consultant? DWP will apply to them for a report.

The application process isn’t easy, you fill out a book to start with, then expect a face to face assessment.

As others are said, it’s based on how your disability effects you, washing, using the bathroom, dressing, meal prep, mobility, managing money & travel.

Good luck.

I wouldn’t have thought there would be questions on parenting, lots of disabled people are parents.

No it won't matter and there are many children who are classed as young carers. The PIP form is awful and use the CAB advice to complete it. Then you have a face to face interview where the assessor has seemingly not seen the Form from Hell and asks a load of questions. I doubt my son will now get his PIP despite having several listed disabilities because he knew that if you bought something for 75 p and gave £1 you would get 25p change. He works and drives so seems pretty ' normal'. What is hidden is the huge amount of work we do to enable this all to happen.

Hi OP, I work for Citizens Advice and I have helped people to complete PIP forms, I have also helped and advised on Mandatory Reconsiderations (the first step of challenging the decision if you are unsuccessful.

I advise you to go ahead and apply, and get help from Citizens Advice or equivalent local organisation.

"would you have support of your GP & consultant? DWP will apply to them for a report."
This is a common misconception but it's not true. Claimants have to provide their own evidence. You could ask for a Patient Summary Record (from GP receptionist), and ask your GP and any other HCPs for supporting letters (nb check if there is a charge) and also send any assessment reports or other helpful documents you already have. Send copies and keep the originals.

More info and advice here
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

Do you receive any other benefits?
ESA / tax credits / HB or Universal Credit?