PIP Mental Health Issues

whambam

paragon909 wrote: »

When you fill your "how your disability effects you" form. Do you send back evidence from like GP's, CPN, Mental health team etc. I would also send them a copy of your ESA report. And going from what you write and to what evidence you provide. There is no reason they will reject you, The points system and assessment is abit different from ESA.

I did not. I was told they checked themselves I now know its the opposite they don't and go ahead and decline you. Do everything yourself they are supposed to tell you but don't. Majority of people who get ESA support related get some form of PIP. Remember ESA used to be called incapacity benefit for the disabled the new name implies that its not for the disabled its for the unemployed.

Poppie68 wrote: »

Have you informed DVLA of your depression and anxiety, both are notifiable conditions especially as you think they are severe enough to warrant PIP...it is an offence not to inform them and could invalidate your insurance.

Really, since when? what do you have to send in and can they disqualify you if you have had depression and anxiety for more than a year they will ask why didn't you tell us when you were diagnosed? Isn't it better to keep your mouth shut as I have learned.

charlies-aunt wrote: »

In my experience as a benefits advisor, it really helps if you can evidence that your mental health significantly impacts your ability to live a 'normal life'. Supporting statements from both professionals and non-professionals can help to support your statements.
Maybe I am preaching to the converted . . . . . but it is very important to read, understand and answer the actual questions on the PIP2 form, if you can give examples or if there are any areas that you want to comment on that aren't covered by the questions - put these in a supporting statement.
Try keeping a day-to-day diary of how your condition affects you -or- ask a family member or friend to do this for you and include this with your claim as it helps to give the decision maker understand how your condition affects you on a day-to-day basis.
As a final piece of advice - don't be shy about admitting to experiencing "embarrassing" side effects to your mental health such as impotence, incontinence, self harm and how this side effects impact on your life.
Hope this helps - good luck

I am going to a money adviser who has dealt with PIP appeals before rather than do it myself problem is getting an appointment is a f*****g nightmare.

Poppie68

DVLA will ask you some questions, depending on how severe your depression and anxiety they may require a medical report from your GP, ask you to attend a DVLA medical or no action needed. As long as you are honest and upfront with your condition then there is no comeback from them in the future..

Poppie68

Have you tried your local authority Welfare department? Some if not all have Welfare advisors who can help you fill in intial PIP applications and appeal forms.

Poppie68

Sorry me again... Just reread your last post, informing the DVLA is a legal requirement, not everyone suffering from notifiable conditions are suspended from driving...they have to fit a criteria for that to happen.. Not doing it can bite you on the backside if you are involved in an accident and medical reports from your GP include that information.

Alice_Holt

Appeal it.

See your local CAB. Many CAB's can help you through an appeal. Many appeals are successful. The panel members at a tribunal hearing are far more informed, thorough, and fair than the medical assessors.

More Info here:
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-appeals

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/mandatory-reconsideration/

Good luck.

Ponsienella

I would appeal. If you have a CPN perhaps they can help you in making the appeal or making a fresh claim.

From completing the PIP2 on behalf of my brother I found that he seemed to think he could do everything asked about on the form with no problem whatsoever....because he'd always been able to in the past before suffering a sudden psychotic episode.
People who are suffering mental ill-health aren't always the best placed to fill in the form.

I didn't expect my brother to get the mobility component of PIP at all because he doesn't have trouble walking but he was given 10 points and put onto the standard rate Mobility component for needing help with planning a complex journey on public transport.

He receives the Enhanced rate of Daily Living component of PIP and he wouldn't have got that if I'd let him answer.

I would suggest ticking every box stating you need help with aspects of daily care unless you definitely know you can do the thing they are asking about without help. Then justify it by writing in each section what you need help with. It may just be that you need someone to remind you to do virtually everything - reminding you to take medication, or to wash, clean your teeth, get dressed, nag you to make something to eat etc but that is still needing help, irrespective of whether you actually have anyone to help you or remind you.

Don't be afraid to repeat yourself in each box either. Do not under-estimate the effects of your anxiety and depression.

When completing the form for my brother, I did this and told the truth (even though he felt he was capable of doing some of the stuff, he couldn't really). I then backed it up by obtaining copies of letters his Psychiatrist sent to his GP after each appointment and copies of reports carried out by an Independent Occupational Health Advisor at his place of work. I also attached his prescription list.

He was awarded PIP for an initial 3 year period and he did not have to undergo an assessment interview either. If you provide sufficient evidence to back up the claim there may be no need for an interview.