Was self employed but want to claim PIP

earningNsaving

I was going to post this in the citizens advice beaurau board but I couldn't find the 'new thread' button.

I am self employed and have been for a number of years. My earnings have always been low. After taking out expenses I'm lucky if I have £3000 profit a year.
My partner has a full time job and brings home £500 a week. We are not married.

Last year my profit was about £2000 for the entire year. Since this new tax year, I have basically made next to nothing. I was selling on ebay but have been finding it too stressful. I have a long term history of stress and another mental illness. This mental illness makes it difficult for me to get a proper job. I can't cope in those circumstances and am feeling depressed about having no money coming in.

I had been told about looking in to claiming PIP (the new name for disability allowance) under the 'difficulty engaging with other people' section as I can't use a phone and I have trouble talking to people.

I am still registered as self employed but not earning anything. My partner has to come with me everywhere as I can't leave the house on my own. I wanted to post this here instead as I would find it difficult going to the CAB and my partner would have to take time off work to come me.

Indie_Kid

PIP is based on care and /or mobility needs. Your employment status, whether you've paid any NI, etc. doesn't matter.

Or do you mean ESA? This is for people whose disabiliy makes working difficult.

earningNsaving

That's a relief that self employment wouldn't affect it.

It's definetly PIP I was told about. With the difficulty with engaging with others one

TattyG

I don't think you would get PIP based solely on 'difficulty engaging with others' as it goes off points and that alone would only get you maybe 2 to 4 points.

Have a look at this link and see how many points you should get before applying and then have a look at the descriptors as well http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-points-system

Tx

Indie_Kid

You need at leats 8 points for stnadard care and 12 for enhanced care.

rogerblack

'Engagement with others' - might in principle lead to an award of low-rate standard care, on its own, if severe enough.
The 8 point descriptor is:
'Cannot engage with others due to such engagement causing severe psychological distress, or behaviour which would lead to a substantial risk of harm to the claimant or another person'.

However, if this is the case, then other descriptors come into play.
For example - 'managing a health condition' - if needing a pill dispenser to keep track of medication - 1 point.

Similarly - 'communicating verbally' - if most of the time you can't use the phone, and due to your condition, you also can't talk to new people - you may attract points under that.
If difficulty going out amounts to not being able to go out without support, then that again may count under mobility.

earningNsaving

Thank you very much for the replies I have received with this. You have been very helpful. I can only try to claim (I have medical evidence to back it up) and the worst that can happen is I'll be rejected.

I really appreciate the help though, so thanks very much