Should I apply for PIP?

EmmyLou123

I have Tourette's syndrome, anxiety, panic attacks, depression and OCD. It has been diagnosed by a neurologist.

I experience physical and vocal tics which causes me a great deal of stress, discomfort and anxiety.

It's like a viscous cycle. The tics make the anxiety worse and the anxiety worsens tics.

I struggle to social with people, including people I know, and struggle to make eye contact.

I live at home with my parents. I am 30. I don't feel able to move out due to the anxiety mainly and my memory isn't great. I use phone reminders to remind me to take my medication and sometimes when cooking. Would it be worth applyIing for PIP?

I can supply more info if needed.

NeilCr

Good starting point here

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/before-claiming/check-you-are-eligible/

If you look further there is more detailed information available on the descriptors etc

WantToBeSE

PIP is all about how your disabilities affect your life and your ability to do things.

If you feel that any of your disabilities effect your everyday life then yes i would recommend that you apply for PIP.

Alice_Holt

I think you should.

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

8 points are required for a Standard award.

Would be worth seeing if you can get help with the PIP form from your local CAB.
Medical evidence is very helpful.

rockingbilly

WantToBeSE wrote: »

PIP is all about how your disabilities affect your life and your ability to do things.

If you feel that any of your disabilities effect your everyday life and that you are able to fit one or more of the descriptors, providing evidence to support them then yes i would recommend that you apply for PIP.

It is important to remember that you may well be disabled and you may well have many difficulties , but if those difficulties do not fit the relevant descriptors and that you do not score more than 8 points it is a waste of time making the claim in my opinion.

dktreesea

OP, have you tried Tourettes Action? They don't help with filling out forms, i.e. they don't have benefits officers, but they have produced a guide to claiming PiP.


https://www.tourettes-action.org.uk/storage/downloads/1410791558_Factsheet---benefits.pdf

[Deleted User]

I was wondering if SCOPE might help http://www.scope.org.uk/support/families/diagnosis/autism?gclid=CjwKEAiAwfzDBRCRmJe7z_7h8yQSJAC4corO58teYmis-wb4N2ox8mswrdpQE-aIwjiPtwWAog4VfxoCgi7w_wcB

They help people with autism, and Tourettes is a type of autism. My son has aspergers and I know that without help filling in forms from a local organisation, getting DLA and ESA would have been much more difficult. They know what counts, and how to word things.

rockingbilly

deannatrois wrote: »

I was wondering if SCOPE might help http://www.scope.org.uk/support/families/diagnosis/autism?gclid=CjwKEAiAwfzDBRCRmJe7z_7h8yQSJAC4corO58teYmis-wb4N2ox8mswrdpQE-aIwjiPtwWAog4VfxoCgi7w_wcB

They help people with autism, and Tourettes is a type of autism. My son has aspergers and I know that without help filling in forms from a local organisation, getting DLA and ESA would have been much more difficult. They know what counts, and how to word things.

Yes that does seem to be the way forward. But I do have a great deal of sympathy for those who are unable to get that help and have to go it alone.
Should the result of a PIP claim be decided by the quality of how the form is completed and how well organised you are in looking for the best available evidence?

PHILANTHROPIST

I helped a friend with similar impairments, inc "tics". She was refused PIP at the outset, but her claim form was not well put together, i.e. it did not focus on maximising point scoring opportunities. At first she was awarded zero points, and the medical report contained falsehoods, or misinformation. I stepped in thereafter and she was successful at appeal - being awarded enhanced mobility, and standard daily living.

Get help from CAB, a welfare rights officer or any knowledgeable person with whom you feel comfortable.

The system may be against you, but thankfully, for the main part, the law is not. That is why approx two thirds of PIP appeals are successful.

rockingbilly

Savile wrote: »

Yeah why not most of the country is on it anyway

'Most' ??

And where do you get that information from?

Tommo1980

Tourettes is not a type of autism. It is a tic disorder. There may be co-morbidity of the two, but they are completely separate neurological conditions.