PIP Invite by Friday

brokennotbent · 20 January 2016 at 4:02PM

Hi, i don't really know why I'm posting this; I knew this would reach me eventually and there's no way around it, but I'm terrified.
Please nobody say that "if you're honest and genuine, you have nothing to fear" as we all know thats BS.
Anyway, i have been on DLA HRM and HRC since 2010. Initially 3 yrs but after medical this was changed to indefinite. I have now received my "invitation" to apply for PIP and I have to phone by Friday - I'm terrified.
Since my "indefinite award" I have had to move 300+ miles (as my parents moved and I'm still dependent on them financially and "emotionally" though thats a joke!). So I have left behind the one person I could trust in the medical profession, who has known me and tried so hard to help me. My new GP practice was appalling even though, after years of pushing help way, I am really trying to turn my life around but I couldn't even get an appointment. Then just before Christmas I was suicidal and had a total meltdown in the practice reception and, instead of seeing that I needed help, I was struck off their books for being rude to staff - I was in meltdown! I have finally found a new GP and registered and have my first appointment this Friday but they wont be able to write a very thorough report for the DWP as they don't know me yet, and I have no support network. If I lose my DLA/PIP, my parents will finally follow through on their threats and evict me, and although I do want to leave, I cant do this in my own yet. Please don't tell me about going for HB etc, I need to sort this out first.
Im scared this first telephone call is a trap and then it will only get worse.
Im not expecting magic answers, just needed to vent as I have none to talk to except my dogs and, if I didnt have them, I would have jumped off the harbour bridge a few weeks ago.

Bongo567 · 20 January 2016 at 7:03PM

Tell them you are suicidal. That should be enough.

You need to start preparing for the worst though, get some studies in as the way the country is going loads of needing people will lose it eventually, you have to fend for yourself.

FlyingKat · 20 January 2016 at 7:23PM

Bongo567 wrote: »

Tell them you are suicidal. That should be enough.

You need to start preparing for the worst though, get some studies in as the way the country is going loads of needing people will lose it eventually, you have to fend for yourself.

Not really helpful to the OP.

OP, the telephone call is not to trick you. They just take some basic information from you which includes names and addresses of your GP and anyone else you want them to contact about your health. You do not during the phone call share any information about your illnesses or disabilities.

After the call, you get a form to fill out in the post. This is the form where you tell them how your health affects you. With this submit as much evidence as you can, letters, hospital reports etc. You can also ask for a Home Assessment if you need one, your GP should back this request up with a letter.

tomtontom · 20 January 2016 at 7:54PM

The phone call, and the PIP process overall, is nothing to worry about. You'll feel much relief after making the call, it's just an administrative exercise.

Regarding the GP, can you write a letter, introducing yourself and outlining your problems? Also what treatment you are looking for, have you researched what mental health services are available in your area? You are going to need their support so you need to give them as much information as possible.

vlad · 20 January 2016 at 9:30PM

There is no guarantee that they will contact a GP for information, try and get help with the forms from CAB or welfare rights if possible, do you have a CPN?

Confuseddot · 21 January 2016 at 12:54AM

Ive had two pip assessments one atos one capita and both were fine. Its easy said than done but try not to get too worried. Try and get help to fill in the forms from CAB or someone similar.

brokennotbent · 21 January 2016 at 1:07AM

Tell who I'm suicidal? Enough for who?

brokennotbent · 21 January 2016 at 1:11AM

No vlad, I have no one
My "new now old" surgery I saw someone different whenever I was lucky enough to get an appointment, and they were just waiting for an excuse to kick me off their books. I hope this new GP will be different but how can he be expected to write a full report and set things up for next when I haven't even met him yet?

brokennotbent · 21 January 2016 at 1:13AM

I can't handle social settings or being out and talking to people, so the CAB would think I was being rude and ungrateful for their help. I am better behind the anonymity of my iPad, and gave joined benefitsandwork forum as well.

brokennotbent · 21 January 2016 at 1:15AM

tomtontom, this is not a great area for support, think "one flew over the cuckoos nest" and I am scared they will section me.

faerielight · 21 January 2016 at 7:39AM

it's good that you have joined Benefits and Work.. it's a huge help . Can your parents write a letter outlining your mental health difficulties? I know that the new GP doesn't know you yet, but they will have your medical notes, so I'm sure they will be able to write something about your illness. Did you have anyone else back where you used to live.. friend, mind advocate etc? get as much supportive evidence as you can, but in the meantime, read the guides that are available on Benefits and Work and familiarise yourself with the descriptors. I feel for you.. I am dreading the day when I have to switch to PIP.