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Original poster

PIP for Dyslexia

50 replies

Rayoflight2020 · 15/05/2020 18:48

I have telephoned and made an application for a PIP today. I am now waiting for the booklet to arrive to fill it in and return.

Has anyone been through this process?

I was wondering if it would take a long time and if it can be backdated at all. Nobody mentioned PIP to me until the other day and until now I was totally unaware of it.

I do not claim any benefits. I am currently employed and historically never claimed any benefits except DSA whilst at university.

Should I look at anything else as well?

There is help out there I’m just not aware of it and that where you all come in.

Any help is appreciated. Thank you in advance

OP posts:
NoCaseToAnswer · 15/05/2020 18:53

I'd say you'd have no chance for PIP tbh.

dogwithmohican · 15/05/2020 18:56

I assess for dyslexia- I doubt that you would qualify for PIP on the basis of dyslexia only

AnotherEmma · 15/05/2020 18:59

What they said. Have you read the eligibility criteria?
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/before-claiming/check-you-are-eligible/

We usually advise people to do this before claiming
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-self-test

Elmo230885 · 15/05/2020 19:05

No, you won't get PIP for dyslexia alone. At a push you may get 2 points in the reading category bit you would have to have the back up of diagnosis, input when you were at school, assistance/ aids at work for example.

Original poster
Rayoflight2020 · 15/05/2020 19:23

I had a formal diagnosis and subsequent EP reports since age 7. I had DSA at university and had no issues. I do have an additional problem. I have ENT related issues which are ongoing and I suffer from chronic headaches. It’s a bit complex but when I was a baby I was treated for meningitis and I believe all the issues I have are connected. I have a referral to go to hospital for the ENT problem to see a neurologist. I have not been yet as doctor says it’s not safe to go to the hospital....
Shock basically in a nutshell there are some medical negligence issues relating to the meningitis which will take a long time to resolve.

OP posts:
Original poster
Rayoflight2020 · 15/05/2020 19:26

I should have said I’m 38 but have a phonological age of a 7 year old. I have a full diagnostic history and in terms of my ENT issues it’s all documented etc. Why is it so hard ? I got the DSA with the information I have and nobody questioned anything

OP posts:
HavelockVetinari · 15/05/2020 19:27

Unless you have decent evidence that your other health issues are real then I'm afraid you won't get PIP. They don't care what caused your problems, only that you have them and can prove it.

If you believe there was medical negligence then your best bet is to see a solicitor to see whether you have basis for a claim.

MooFeatures · 15/05/2020 19:29

DSA and PIP are completely different kettles of fish. Getting DSA does not qualify or entitle you to PIP.

Original poster
Rayoflight2020 · 15/05/2020 19:29

I have the evidence of the ENT issues and dyslexia. What happens on the telephone call discussion?

OP posts:
StylishMummy · 15/05/2020 19:31

If the bar for DLA was mid-high level of needs, the bar for PIP is Olympic level

NoCaseToAnswer · 15/05/2020 19:31

Did you look at the criteria a PP posted for PIP? You should.

Percephone · 15/05/2020 19:32

PIP can't be backdated and it's getting more and more difficult to qualify now. I have had a lot of patients with significant disabilities be denied PIP at reassessment when they were receiving it before. I doubt you would qualify with dyslexia.

BuffaloCauliflower · 15/05/2020 19:32

The criteria for PIP is really strict and it’s for additional costs related to your disability - what additional costs do you incur from dyslexia and the ENT issues you mention? Do you struggle to get around by yourself? Do you need support to prevent you harming yourself? This is what PIP looks at.

DSA is a whole different ball game, you could need additional equipment and support as a dyslexic student, it’s much less strict than PIP

BuffaloCauliflower · 15/05/2020 19:34

I still get DLA as a lifetime award for mental illness, I’ve been terrified for years about when they’ll reassess me for PIP because I won’t meet the criteria.

LockedInMadness · 15/05/2020 19:37

Why do you think you need PIP? Can you not work or do you need help everyday because of dyslexia/headaches? Confused

TerrifiedandWorried · 15/05/2020 19:40

My husband has huge mobility issues and is in constant pain. He has been unable to work for several years, he has continence issues etc He only gets basic rate, not even mobility.

givemebooks · 15/05/2020 19:40

I am sorry to say that no way you will get PIP for Dyslexia alone.

My son has Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalclia, and ASD, other medical issues including pica, full support, EHCP and he was turned down for DLA!!

Appealed and awarded but if its that tight for DLA I have to admit I am dreading his PIP application at 16!

If you wish to proceed with the application please be aware that a HUGE amount of evidence is needed you must send EVERYTHING! My boy is 13 years old I have 3 massive folders filled with his medical info, every test every report

His last application cost me £14 to send recored!!

Original poster
Rayoflight2020 · 15/05/2020 19:42

My headaches are chronic and debilitating. I take a painkiller like diazepam. Historically I have been tested for brain tumours and had to take a year off as not able to function normally. At the moment I am taking painkiller daily and it’s killing me. This history is all documented. On the dyslexia side I have major issues getting from A to B and I have issues with budgeting and I use aids as standard. On 2 points I scored 12 points. I will read the information fully but I scored 12-14 points on the self test

OP posts:
TerrifiedandWorried · 15/05/2020 19:45

DH also dyslexic and got points for those things

LockedInMadness · 15/05/2020 19:45

On the dyslexia side I have major issues getting from A to B and I have issues with budgeting and I use aids as standard.

But you still work? What aids do you use?

Original poster
Rayoflight2020 · 15/05/2020 19:49

Thanks everyone for your advice. I’m thinking it’s not worth bothering with. Just out of curiosity though what do they actually do on the interview discussion?

OP posts:
NoHardSell · 15/05/2020 19:49

Your thread title is about pip for dyslexia (which I would be stunned to find any person ever had managed to get on those grounds) but your health issues sound more complex? It is an incredibly difficult benefit to claim but there is no harm trying

NoCaseToAnswer · 15/05/2020 19:52

Your self test will bear no resemblance to what they will assess you as. The threshold for PIP award is very, very high.

givemebooks · 15/05/2020 19:52

Oh and my Dad who claims PIP for other chronic medical issues was awarded no points in the understanding written information even though he cannot read or write (brought up in a children home so did not learn and also we believe dyslexic like me and my brothers)

He got no points because his wife reads things for him! So she is an aid! If you use an aid you will not get that points value

So say you cannot make a meal on the cooker due to pain when standing

If you can use a stool or a microwave to PIP you can use a meal using an aid so you don't get the points

The very fact you have telephoned yourself and are having a form sent will be already recorded and they will question how you can fill it in if things are so bad

I do not mean any of this is a negative way its just a system that i helped my dad with and going through the DLA side with my son I know they are very on the ball and harsh (or at least you think they are!) and question EVERYTHING!!!

bigbluebus · 15/05/2020 19:54

My DS got DSA for Uni as he has ASD - he also had 1:1 support all the way through school. There is no way he would get PIP - and I've filled in the forms for DLA (it's predecessor) many times for my DD who got full rate for multiple and severe disabilities. I very much doubt you would get anything for Dyslexia but couldn't comment on your other health issues. It is notoriously difficult to get.

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