Am i entitled to PIP (HELP)

BlackBeltBanter

I work 34 hours per week on special shifts in my work due to circumstances like child care and anxiety.


Because i work im unsure if id qualify for PIP, my circumstances are that i suffer from bad anxiety and just recently been diagnosed with tourettes although i dont swear randomly i do have tics with my neck which have cause mild pain over the years after going to pyhsio and different opinions its now confirmed i have tourettes with a small cough, tics with my neck and facial experessions, this has always been on my mind when at work or daily social life as im worried ppl look at me and causes my anxiety to be worse at times, tourettes was the last thing i thought it would be.


My anxiety is treated by beta blockers and at times anti depressants over the years its getting worse and im now taking time off from work, becoming distant to ppl and evebn my kids, iv no energy to do anything im always tired and worrying about little things due to my excessive OCD with cleanliness and having structure in my life, my life is fully planned out due to way i get anxious and worried if things are not in control of what i have planned.


Iv only put this into a short detail as didnt want to rabble on exactly but this is the gist of it which doesnt really explain everything that happens to me and my feelings.


Am i entitled to PIP and would i be likely to get it if anyone has any past experience?

cantcope

I don't think any of us can tell you if you are entitled as its not our decision. However, other than a few hours of writing you have nothing to lose by applying and sending off an application for it.

PIP is not income related so the fact that you work has no relevance to whether or not you would qualify.

BlackBeltBanter

really cant do with strain of writing so is using cover letters typed up on computer sufficent or does it all have to be written by hand do you know? just got the forms the other day through to apply

Diary

BlackBeltBanter wrote: »

really cant do with strain of writing so is using cover letters typed up on computer sufficent or does it all have to be written by hand do you know? just got the forms the other day through to apply

You can type your answers but be very careful to label each sheet really well.

50Twuncle

If (like myself) you are unable to write legibly - you need to contact DCPUALTERNATIVE.FORMATTEAM@DWP.GSI.GOV.UK
they will email you an editable (by PC) form to fill in, print out and send off by post....

Muttleythefrog

I would sit down with the descriptors (statements of disability)/criteria for the benefit and try to honestly answer the question yourself. From that criteria you'll be directed in the sorts of information it'll be essential and relevant to include in "How Your Disability Affects You" form (this is the big form sent out after initial claim made usually by phone call). You've nothing to lose except perhaps there is a decent chance you'd be called for a face to face assessment and that can be quite a stressful experience for claimants. Other advice above I agree with and there's plenty other general application advice across the threads and internet.

Alice_Holt

Typed sheets firmly attached to the form and headed with your name & NI number are fine.
On the main form write "See attached sheets" in the box for the relevant activities. Then reference the typed sheets back to the activity page / number you are describing.

In fact this is probably the best way to do it, as -
It's legible,
You can easily amend and refine it,
It's an easier way to produce a consistent write up of your difficulties across all the relevant activities / descriptors.

I would tend to start with the activities / descriptors to identify where you score the necessary 8 points (per Muttley):
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-self-test

There are a number of useful resources:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-pip-claim/fill-in-form/
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-claims
https://www.tourettes-action.org.uk/11-support-in-everyday-life.html
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/547146/pip-assessment-guide.pdf (page 97 on )

Good luck.

Edit: Be aware that reliability is key (PIP assessment guide p86 on).
With OCD you may well take more than twice as long as others to complete such tasks as dressing, washing, cooking, etc. If so, you should not be assessed as being able to do this activity reliably and should be awarded points.

BlackBeltBanter

Thanks Alice thasts a great help, i started writing out the claim form but stress of not having aenough room i had to stop and worried about getting all my points accross, going to write out on computer and print off and attach.

teddysmum

If you want reassurance that people aren't staring at you when having an 'episode', watch last night's BBC2 programme Me and my Dog.


'Badger' has Tourette's (She spoke frankly about it in an earlier programme and explained how her dog helps) and has some tics when she is feeling unhappy, but no one takes any notice. She is just treated like everyone else.


They know about her situation ,as will your work colleagues, who will find it unremarkable through familiarity and so won't take any notice.

itsallabitmuch

Someone else can fill in the form on your behalf, and sign to say they've done it - you also need to sign if you're able.

Visit some websites that deal with your conditions - the charitable and support sites often have PIP-dedicated sections with tips and advice.

I've been claiming PIP myself for some years now (was previously on DLA), and I also volunteer as a form-filler for people who struggle with forms for a whole host of reasons.

Feel free to PM me at any time hun x