Newly diagnosed but unsure if PIP is possible

fatblokexl

my wife has recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

we are both in work, but have been told about Personal Independant Payment (PIP).

due to the type of MS she has which is remitting and relapsing she may appear normal and healthy, fully mobile and functioning but at any time the MS can relapse and she is no where near this mobile.

before we call the DWP to enquire, we aware that potential claimants undergo assessment but at the time of any appointment she may be tip top and show no signs.

do you think this will negatively impact on the assesment result?

rogerblack

Diagnosis is not required for DLA or PIP.
It of course may help.
If - most of the time, they are not affected by symptoms, and not having to manage their condition, they would not be entitled to PIP.

In principle, the assessment looks at the prior 3 months, and the next 9.
Over that assessment period, on average do they or do they not meet certain descriptors.

Taking one descriptor as an example.
Merely being 'at risk' of not being able to walk 20m does not get you PIP.
You need to be likely to not be able to do so for at least half of the days.
Or you need to have been medically advised not to walk 20m or it will risk your health.

From memory, there is an additional descriptor 'managing a health condition' - but this is unlikely to apply as I understand it.

pmlindyloo

You may this helpful:

http://www.mssociety.org.uk/sites/default/files/Documents/Essentials/Claiming-PIP-Oct-13.pdf

fatblokexl

thanks, great piece of info there. we are still trying to find out a lot of things.

it does seem a bit of a palava.

she was first unwell mid august and this lasted til october. Diagnosed this week but at present the symptoms have 99% cleared but could come back tomorrow, next week, next month or next year so it seems we may have to apply for PIP each time she has a relapse (if the symptoms go again that is - is that right?

has anyone experienced RRMS and tried to go for PIP? if so how did you get on?

we dont want to claim if we dont need it but when she relapses

nannytone_2

to qualify for PIP, you need to have had vare/mobility needs for 3 months and expect to have them for at least another 9 months.
if your wife is unable to work when she has a 'relapse' and has paid sufficient NI contributions, she may be able to claim ESA when unable to work.
she can only claim ESA once her company sick pay or SSP has run out

bll78

I think your wife would struggle to get PIP at this time. PIP does allow for fluctuations in conditions, but she would need to have issues more than 50% of the time for PIP to apply and have had issues for the lengths of time Nannytone mentions above and that doesn't sound like it's the case. PIP is meant to be for extra money for disability related costs that are associated with the disability it's not given for the condition i.e having MS doesn't make you eligible but having MS and not being able to walk would. The care questions are around ability to wash, dress, cook, communicate, making decisions and using toilet etc.. and the mobility questions are about being able to walk short distances (less than 20 metres for highest rate) and/or a requirement to be accompanied due to psychological not physical issues.

What I would say is if your wife deteriorates then look at PIP again at but at this point unless there's some more info you haven't mentioned there's no chance of her getting PIP. However if she has a short episode other benefits like ESA, tax credits etc.. may be appropriate. If she is unfortunate enough to have a long relapse i.e had issues for months and expect it to last another 9 months and it caused the issues listed above then it would be appropriate to apply for PIP. I have a neuro condition that used to relapse and remit before it became permanent. I had long relapses so applied for DLA (now PIP) and was awarded it. I cancelled it when I improved. I have been awarded DLA on 3 separate occassions and cancelled it twice but met the time period and other criteria, so it is possible but DLA/PIP are based on the individuals needs, so just because Mrs Smith got it with RRMS it doesn't mean your wife would.