New pip claim

[coffeetofunction]

Hoping I've posted in the right area.

I have reluctantly made an application for pip. Having been informed by a number of health professionals I should have done this a number of years ago. I completed the form without support and have a telephone assessment this week. I know when I did the form I maybe should have added more information but I struggle with the idea of being disabled. I found it very upsetting to complete the form and including what felt like all the negatives about myself. My partner attempted to read what I'd documented but they became very upset seeing it all written down.

Now I'm getting myself worked up about the assessment. This is because on a good day I look normal or often my daughter will help hide my symptoms.

I've gradually gotten worse over the last two years but worry if I talk about everything I won't be believed.

Can anyone offer any support with dealing with the assessment and how best to deal with it without it leading to another flare up of my conditions. Thank you

Look at the websites which explain how you score points in each section. It helps to make some notes in preparation.

With my first claim I had to ask for a tribunal. The settled my claim before it happened. I am currently under review, they've had my reassessment form since April. Big joke.

Any way good luck. Remember they want to hear about the worst day you could have. I would also put them on loud speaker, and have someone with you, remember to tell them this. Your partner (if available) may want to add information to the questions.
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-points-system

I'll look at that link, thank you

Basing it on your worst day is fraud. They want to know how you are half the time

No, to accurately complete the form, if your condition fluctuates, you should write:

"On my worst days x,y,z...on my slightly better days a,b,c...on the best days f,g,h. I tend to have 18 worst days per month, 10 slightly better days and 2-3 best days."

Or

"I have x,y,z symptoms most of the month, but I get flare ups about 3 times per month which stop me doing a,b,c."

Or

"I have x condition which fluctuates. Most of the time I struggle with x, y, z, but every six months I get a week or two when my symptoms get better and I can do x, y, z more easily, although it still takes me 15 minutes when most people take 5 minutes."

They don't want to know what it's like 'half the time'. They want an accurate picture of how your condition affects you. However, they can only award the benefit of your condition sufficiently disables you for more than half the time.

Remember though, that to be able to 'do' an activity, you must be able to do it to an 'acceptable standard' which means to a standard that most people would accept. You must be able to do it repeatedly - as often as is needed, and in a reasonable time frame - not longer than double the time it would take the average person.

Hi
You are entiled to have someone supportive by the side of you too, whilst on the tel PIP call,

you need to obviously inform in enough time beforehand this is what you want to do,

So PIP agency can tel your supportive friend or member of family or independent support worker who works on your behalf,

I did this for renewal PIP application claim recently ,

I was awarded the PIP benefit again the right amount for my personal circumstances.

I also totally agree with other posters who have said to look up PIP health score system website and write brief notes , have them on hand in front of you whilst talking to PIP agency tel call,

Also try to visualise the tel call beforehand, a practise run with a good friend or your partner,
do a roles practise thing, so you gain cofindence
before you have to do the PIP agency tel call.

I am not sure a member of family can be a supportive person with the PIP agency application tel call?
but that infor they will have on their official website and definitely on their PIP application form helpful tips infor booklet,

You be quite susprised the difference all these factors make

I have adversion to tel calls with proffessionals situations as this,
but the funny enough thing over time i have become a bit more cofindent each time, and nowadays i don't mind tel calls like this,
in fact i see them as opportunities for me to get my viewpoints across and improve my health care ect.

Good luck @coffeetofunction

You have done the right thing turning to mumsnet,

I was with my first PIP application turned down,
then later on , awarded this with backdated payments which was good,

quite often my support worker from a well known charity told me this happens,

obviously you can do a practise run with a supportive member of your family too.

Going to try and get prepared today. Still very nervous but hoping I express myself fully. Thank you all for your help and advice

@coffeetofunction

Best of Luck

I hope you get awarded PIP claim sooner or later down the line,

How did you find that official PIP benefit agency tel call then?

was it the way you imagined it to be or a bit better?

Did any of our posters advice make a real difference then in the big scheme picture of things then?,

I wanted to report back on how I got on. I was very difficult emotionally and physically for me, and the call lasted over an hour. The assessor was lovely and very patient. I'm not honestly sure how well I get everything across but I tried my best. I'm hoping I don't have to go through it all again but I know I won't know now for weeks so I'm going to have to put it to the back of my mind for now and hope for the best.

Finger crossed for you. Good that you've got it out of the way now. It's good that you reported back to help others.

@coffeetofunction did you get it ? X