Is it worth applying for PIP?

[HarleyQuinn21]

Hi all,

I am new to all of this so I was just wondering if anyone can help, my mum had been with my dad 28 years since she was 18, she had a bad childhood, didn't go to school so isn't educated and he has looked after her since then, nothing has ever been in her name, she doesn't have a concept of money or bills and it's worse than I realised - I think she has undiagnosed learning disabilities, she hasn't eaten in a few days as she doesn't know how to prepare food properly, she struggles using the oven and microwave so my husband and I have meal prepped for the week and I've shown her how to use the microwave but I have to come every night to make sure she's okay with it as she kept ringing me, she can't read properly or write (I think she has dyslexia), she had no concept of money, I've sorted all her bills out today but she doesn't really understand what they're for, she doesn't understand how much things cost etc because my dad paid for everything, she never had her own money, she's never had a job. I need to remind her to bathe every other day etc - as a child I just thought she was abusive and neglectful but all this has come to light and I guess with my dad being an older man he just ignored it and dealt with everything but with it being undiagnosed I don't know if she can claim PIP, please can someone help?

Sorry for rambling

Thank you

Anyone can try and claim for PIP it sounds as if it would be quite obvious if she had a face to face exam that she was having some difficulties. Does she have a GP? I would start by asking for some sort of assessment or review she is clearly a vulnerable adult. Has your dad recently died or left? Sounds like this level of care is new to you.

Even if you are willing to care and sort things out you will need some sort of diagnosis and authority to take over her affairs and speak to departments on her behalf. Worth also a call to Social Service and explain she is a vulnerable adult.

Why not. Pip or if shes over 60 it will be Attendance Allowance and not PiP. Get some advice/help about filling in the form. Somewhere like Citizens Advice or if she is over 50 then AgeUK might help.

Both forms concentrate on the ability to do everyday living tasks. Fill it in for her worst days.

It might be worth talking to her doctor and possibly even adult social care if she needs help.

Does she even have a bank account in her own name? If she can’t manage it you need authority to manage that on her behalf, again these sort of things need doing officially to prevent abuse.

Yes, but it might help to get some written evidence first e.g. an assessment by adult social care or a referral to the appropriate place for medical assessment by her GP. You can apply if you don't have any of this but then the assessor may decide that she can do things she says she can't. The more paperwork the better.

Sorry I forgot the most important details, my dad passed away. I've opened her a monzo account and I'm looking to get lasting power of attorney. Thank you for your replies.

Read through this - it breaks down the questions she would be asked if she applies. What would your answers be? If you find yourself reading the questions and nodding your head in recognition of various difficulties then definitely do apply

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

What other income will she have? Was she left /does she have assets valued over £16,000? If no she might consider claiming Universal Credit with an element to recognise the fact she is unable to work.

I’d also be looking at her NI record as she may have a shock when she reaches pension age (assuming she isn’t already). You can search via gov.uk what state pension she may get and what shortfall in NI you might want to consider topping up if there is money available

@starfishmummy

Why not. Pip or if shes over 60 it will be Attendance Allowance and not PiP. Get some advice/help about filling in the form. Somewhere like Citizens Advice or if she is over 50 then AgeUK might help.

Both forms concentrate on the ability to do everyday living tasks. Fill it in for her worst days.

It might be worth talking to her doctor and possibly even adult social care if she needs help.

PIP if under state retirement age ( which varies ) and AA if over.

@starfishmummy

Why not. Pip or if shes over 60 it will be Attendance Allowance and not PiP. Get some advice/help about filling in the form. Somewhere like Citizens Advice or if she is over 50 then AgeUK might help.

Both forms concentrate on the ability to do everyday living tasks. Fill it in for her worst days.

It might be worth talking to her doctor and possibly even adult social care if she needs help.

Also you do not fill in a form on just on the worst days. You describe a worst day and how often a worst day scenario happens. If she says on a worst day she can't walk 50 metres then on the day of the assessment is having a good day and is seen to be walking fine then it is going to cause problems. To meet a PIP descriptor you must have those difficulties for 50% or more of the time and have medical evidence to back up what you are saying.

I would be thinking of a full (ss?)assessment, they will deal with not just her financial needs but her physical ones too. First stop, GP