Claiming PIP for Mental Health - it's impossible, right?

homeisthecalm

Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you :beer:

DomRavioli

You can ask for a home visit - your GP has to write a letter supporting it and explaining why, and they need to fax it to PIP.

Nobody knows what your chances are, because it is done on a case by case basis. Each on their own merits. Send as much evidence as you can - letters from psych, anything you can get your hands on.

Torry_Quine

Do you have a support worker or CPN who could help you?

Faith177

homeisthecalm wrote: »

Well, perhaps not impossible but down right difficult.

For the last 6 months, my Psychosis has returned with a vengeance. I'm currently claiming ESA and I'm due my face to face meeting this Thursday, after which my money should go up to £104 a week. I'm sceptical and hoping they won't put me in a work placement group, as I physically cannot set foot into a workplace.

Things are just impossible, most of the time. I can't answer doors due to paranoid thoughts and suspicions. I can't even answer a phone call and often wonder if it really is the person it says on the caller ID. I won't open my own letters because I can't help but think it'll be a death announcement. Going out alone isn't just impossible because of paranoid thoughts and hallucinations, but I also worry how people will react if I appear unusual in my actions and words.

I can't go out without my Mum with me, making shopping an extremely difficult task. I won't travel alone. I'm living a very sheltered life. My medication (Risperadone) is helping my hallucinations but is making me so exhausted I feel like a zombie 24/7. I sometimes wonder what the point of this all is.

I'm often forgetting to meet my own basic needs and recuire assistance. I can't cook a basic meal - last week I tried frying myself a bacon sandwich and forgot the stove was on! If my Dad hadn't noticed the burning smell, I could've caused a serious accident. What's more, the smell made me adamant the house was going to blow up! It was a moment of pure lunacy. But at the time, I'm the rational one and everyone else is just blind to the truths.

Even if I did get an interview for PIP, I don't know how I'd get there. I'm a grown adult and my Mum has very young children to consider, not to mention she works and isn't always available. How will I explain myself to someone? It doesn't seem possible, given that I can barely get my words out. By the looks of someone's letter, it seems they only welcome someone you know to speak for you, and don't supply anyone. I can't get on public transport either.

What are my chances of getting PIP? I suffer from Fibromolagia too, but I've heard people say that's even harder to claim for.

What are some good tips for filling out the form?

I just had to fill out the forms for my husband and there was an example in there of keeping a diary for people with mental health

It was basically writing down a bit like you have here a day to day record as best you can of what you experience so for example your entry for when you burned the bacon would be just how you you wrote it here with the date on it to give them an idea of how frequent your symptoms are. You could also use it to put down how your Fibromyalgia affects you that day as well

Hope this helps and wish you well xx

homeisthecalm

I do apologise, I forgot to mention that I've been waiting 8 weeks now for a psychiatrist appointment, and GP has prompted it twice but still nothing.

My GP trained in mental health specialisation, hence him prescribing me my medication.

paragon909

No it isn't impossible to get PIP for mental health.. I get PIP for stress and social and health anxiety and I was awarded it at a standard care for 5 year without a face to face assessment.

So I wouldn't listen to stories you hear about assessments etc.

homeisthecalm

I suspect I'll have to have a chat with my GP, see if he can write on the form (if that's allowed/he can add some comments somewhere).

If I wrote a diary, it would be full to the brim. Would I have to narrow it down?

Ames

I can't post a link because I'm on my phone but if you google 'PIP descriptors' you can find what the things are that you're assessed on, and tailor your diary to them. For instance (date) washing and dressing descriptor a, because (give example) due to (health problem).

It'll be easier than trawling through waffle when it comes to filling in the forms, and save you putting down things that are irrelevant.

homeisthecalm

Sorry to be nosey - are you getting the standard daily living on its own, or the mobility too?

Sophie

paragon909

homeisthecalm wrote: »

Sorry to be nosey - are you getting the standard daily living on its own, or the mobility too?

Sophie

I only get daily living component at standard rate... I'm able to walk and run etc and can drive so I was only awarded 4 points for mobility.

Alice_Holt

This is helpful:
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip