PIP assessment

Brain and nerves
1

Hello,

I have an assessment for PiP in a week and I just wondered if anyone knew what to expect. I'm really worried as I have dropped hours at work and now part time and financially at a loss. Can anyone give any advice or their experience?

Thank you!

2

Hi Lisa,

I've not had a PIP assessment as still DLA system. It maybe worthwhile you reading the criteria and info on PIP on the website. Will give you a good insight as what to expect and where you fit into it.

Remember it's about the effect on your day to day living and not what condition you have. Try and be clear about how you are affected.

Try not to stress about it, I know easier said.

X

3

No advice I'm afraid - but me too... Mine's this Thurs, I've also had to cut back on work and my income is half of what it should be - and I'm also very anxious about the assessment. So much that I've just been in tears on my husband, saying why do they have to come here (I'm largely housebound) and make me prove how ill I am when the form and evidence that I sent already proves that! So I have great empathy, will be praying for yours as I pray for mine, and will fill you in after I've had mine so that you know a bit more of what to expect.

4

Thanks. I'm able to get to mine but I am really concerned about it. I'm being investiagting for a possible sleep disorder and CFS but its still not diagonsed. I fall asleep at the drop of a hat so I can be a bit dangerous. I'm 20 years old and I feel like they won't have a lot of belief in me since i'm so young sad . Good luck on thursday! 

5

I had a read the other day and also had a look on action for ME. Lots of people have just recommended that I do base it on my absolute worst day. 

Thank you for your advice x

6

hi lisa. there's site called ''Benefits & Work''. it's got good info. on how best to deal with the PIP.

all good wishes

7

Membership of B&W costs about £19.50 per year. I think it's brilliant, and so do the other CFS sufferers I know who have used it. It warns of the various reasons why an honest claim can fail through difficulties that an uninformed claimant might not expect.

8

Hi Lisa not much advise I'm afraid, I've had the forms for PIP for 3weeks now but some off the questions don't seem to connect if you know what I mean, I'm now on less hours from work and also half pay for being on the sick once again. I don't know how to approach this as I also suffer with Fibro, Adrenal Insufficiency and now diagnosed with Growth Hormone, a Piturtary Disease. My heD is a shed. So I wish you good luck and hope things go as they should do for you x

9

Hi Lisa 

i had my pip meeting back in January after waiting 11 months for the appointment.

i got the highest rate in mobility but nothing for the care side, as I can look after myself, once you get thet I was giving a letter to keep stating that I was disabled, I then was able to show this at the postoffice when my car tax was due and this gets you your tax free,and also received a blue badge for the car so I can now park in town as I don't walk far 50 meters and my legs don't want to do more with out pain.

all I can advise is don't say on a good day or bad day, tell them like your having a the worst day ever,tell them that when you go out you need someone with you or that you need a walking stick,tell them exsatlely what this illness has done to your life.

i hope this helps and good luck

 

10

My advice is think how you are today, think how your were 5 years ago, have you got worse? If so, do you know why, then project if you have a firm diagnosis how you will feel in the years ahead, as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue as yet are not clearly understood.

11

Hi, I had mine earlier this year. The lady was very nice.  You have to remember it is in the governments advantage that they do not reward you money.  They will not reward you points if what you provide or show or tell them would mean you do not meet the requirement of being awarded points for each of the elements.  You need to show or tell them how you meet the requirements on almost everyday.  Therefore you need to tell them about your condition most days.  The problem with our condition in this case is that we don't look as bad as we feel.  There job is to listen and observe you on the day.  To work out yes if you meet the requirements but also where you don't meet the requirements.  It went against me that I wrote the report (even though it too me the full 4 weeks) and that I could read my own notes on the day.

During the PIP assessment interview she looked at my form I filled in, she asked me questions relating to the criterias ie. what aids I have around the house.  I had to do a memory test on three words and a sum.  Finally she did a physical test on me. You won't know on the day how you scored.  I think I was told within 14 days afterwards.  

The main thing is that they are trying not to give you money.  It's not personal, it's what they are employed to do.  However, if they feel you meet the requirements they will be rewarding you the points and therefore getting the money.

Hope it goes well for you smile

12

How did you get on?  

13

Thank you, I had help from the advice shop to fill out my forms, it would of been impossbile myself. Good luck x

14

Thank you.

I don't think i'll get the motibility as I can walk unaided but as for in the house I am a nightmare. I'm back with my parents and can't do anyting unless supported or its done for me. Just get nervous because I'm only 20 they might think its bizarre.

Thanks for your advice. 

15

I don't as of yet have a diagnosis and I went to see a ME specialist and he has sent me to sleep medicine and everythings up in the air until I have an assessment. 

I can clearly state what has changed in my life though. 

Hopefully I won't be judged by my age. 

Thanks 

16

I'm even more nervous thinking about a memory test and a sum. I have software of my work pc for my poor memory so it makes me nervous to think they will ask me to remember something. 

Thanks your advice. 

17

hi lisa. oh dear, sry to hear it's all up in the air again.............yikes. what has the consultant done in respect of 'sleep medicine'?/

Caitlin

18

Hi,

I'm to have a band fitted around my arm to monitor me then I've got to go in and sleep over night and for obs during the day. They are looking at narcolepsy and sleep apnea before deciding on CFS. Hopefully get called in soon and get some answers.

Lisa

19

thanks Lisa. so they haven't given u a 'definitive' diagnosis as yet? do u know how that'll affect ur PIP evaluation/appointment?

Caitlin

20

I was told when I went to the advice shop that for PIP they aren't looking for a diagnosis they are looking for how the symptoms of what's wrong affects me so it would be irelevant. I can fall asleep with instantly so that's really the most dangerous thing that affects me.

Lisa