Help Needed! PIP Claim and Studying Full-Time

charl456

Hi all,

This is a bit of a confusing one, but I could really do with some advise!

I'm married with two young children, and we currently claim Housing Benefit, Child Tax, Working Tax and Child Benefit as a family. Up till November 2015, I was working full time and, after a significant promotion I received at work, we were very slowly working our way towards being 'benefit free'. My wife and I are foster parents to our eldest child who is 4, and my youngest was born a month ago.

Unfortunately, things took a nose dive when I had to leave my job 2 months ago, and I was diagnosed with two significant mental health conditions. Consequently I've been signed off work and, whilst our benefits are keeping us in a moderately stable position financially, my wife and I don't really like claiming benefits, but are forced to to allow us to be financially solvent. I'm sort of old fashioned with benefits as a dad; I believe if we have a second child I should be working harder to provide for both our children rather than just claiming extra benefit- you get the idea. Sadly neither of us can work at the moment, which is frustrating for us both- I used to be the 'breadwinner' for the family, but now I can't earn a penny.

I'm on the cusp of applying for PIP, but am scared about doing so. It seems that all I read about PIP is negative, and it seems it's great when you finally get it, but I don't want our family dragged through the mud in applying for it. Can anyone give me some advice about what it's like to apply with a mental health condition? I have Bipolar Disorder, and it is serious enough that I'm bed bound and unable to leave the house for about 2-3 months of the year. Whilst I am on medication which makes it more bearable, most days I struggle to do anything more than play with my son after school and help my wife with our newborn. Stories of mental health PIP claims are welcomed.

Also, I'm thinking of studying full time at University later this year if I'm well enough and more stable- does anyone know what benefits we can and can't get as a full time student with a family? It's been suggested to me by my doctor that doing a degree would be considerably less stressful for me during my recovery, and would mean greater earning capacity when I'm better a few years down the line. It's become a goal of mine to go back to Uni, but I am worried it might financially cripple us!

Thanks everyone!

vlad

What makes you think that you and your family would be dragged through the mud if you apply for Pip? The application isn't that bad, but the internet is full of people who have a bad experience those for whom it goes well don't often take to the net to say so.
If you go to uni you will get a student loan (grants have been abolished from this sept but you will get a bigger loan.) you may also get a bursary and of course pip if you get it, child benefit plus fostering income.

When_the_going_gets_tough

Op get some help from CAB or an advice agency when competing the form for PIP. Google the descriptors so you can see how the scoring system works. Rememeber that you score points if you cannot do the specified activity repeatedly reliably and to an acceptable standard. Dont be put off by the internet scare stories - they only post the worst case scenarios - remeber the people who have little or no trouble rarely post. The process is beaurcratic but not hideous and your family will not be dragged through the mud.

surveyqueenuk

Here's the PIP scoring system. Take a look at the criteria listed and determine which ones you fill.

http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-points-system

I am assuming that with your bipolar, you're on meds which cause extra-pyramidal side effects, which can often be just as unbearable as the condition itself. Make sure you describe how any side effects you may be experiencing from your meds affect you.

Lowrix98

vlad wrote: »

What makes you think that you and your family would be dragged through the mud if you apply for Pip? The application isn't that bad, but the internet is full of people who have a bad experience those for whom it goes well don't often take to the net to say so.
.

That's true.

After reading about it online I was overwhelmed with anxiety but the whole process wasn't too stressful overall and the assessor himself was friendly & understanding. Xx

paragon909

When I done my PIP application it was the easiest application and process ever with DWP.

My hand writing isn't good and I normally use a PDF and sign tool on Adobe, But PIP form is barcoded so couldn't.

Anyway I filled in best of my ability, Sent some doctors letters, and i also sent my ESA report.

Got a letter within 4 weeks saying I was put on standard rate at £55.10 a week for the next 5 year, So basically ill get a review sometime in 2019....

I feel if you have a genuine illness you will get the sickness benefits.

controversy

charl456 wrote: »

Hi all,

This is a bit of a confusing one, but I could really do with some advise!

I'm married with two young children, and we currently claim Housing Benefit, Child Tax, Working Tax and Child Benefit as a family. Up till November 2015, I was working full time and, after a significant promotion I received at work, we were very slowly working our way towards being 'benefit free'. My wife and I are foster parents to our eldest child who is 4, and my youngest was born a month ago.

Unfortunately, things took a nose dive when I had to leave my job 2 months ago, and I was diagnosed with two significant mental health conditions. Consequently I've been signed off work and, whilst our benefits are keeping us in a moderately stable position financially, my wife and I don't really like claiming benefits, but are forced to to allow us to be financially solvent. I'm sort of old fashioned with benefits as a dad; I believe if we have a second child I should be working harder to provide for both our children rather than just claiming extra benefit- you get the idea. Sadly neither of us can work at the moment, which is frustrating for us both- I used to be the 'breadwinner' for the family, but now I can't earn a penny.

I'm on the cusp of applying for PIP, but am scared about doing so. It seems that all I read about PIP is negative, and it seems it's great when you finally get it, but I don't want our family dragged through the mud in applying for it. Can anyone give me some advice about what it's like to apply with a mental health condition? I have Bipolar Disorder, and it is serious enough that I'm bed bound and unable to leave the house for about 2-3 months of the year. Whilst I am on medication which makes it more bearable, most days I struggle to do anything more than play with my son after school and help my wife with our newborn. Stories of mental health PIP claims are welcomed.

Also, I'm thinking of studying full time at University later this year if I'm well enough and more stable- does anyone know what benefits we can and can't get as a full time student with a family? It's been suggested to me by my doctor that doing a degree would be considerably less stressful for me during my recovery, and would mean greater earning capacity when I'm better a few years down the line. It's become a goal of mine to go back to Uni, but I am worried it might financially cripple us!

Thanks everyone!

I would recommend that you visit your able forum and look into the resources there. A lot of my friends there deal with this sort of thing all the time.

YourAble.com

Sent you a Private Message with more info.