PIP Medical Evidence

MECFS_2

In 2010 I was awarded indefinite DLA at the higher rate for both care and mobility. I have been asked to apply for PIP.
When sending in the PIP2 claim form how much evidence is enough evidence? What type of supporting evidence should I provide?
So far I have the following - a letter from my gp which details the descriptors and says my situation won't improve, a letter from my consultant which details appropriate descriptors and says I won't improve, a letter from a councillor I saw due to reactive depression caused by my physical disabilities which details descriptors and says I won't improve, a letter from a specialist. Are 4 supporting letters enough? Should I include letters sent to my GP from my consultants which outlines my conditions?
Many thanks in advance!

pollyanna_26

Hi that sounds a good amount of letters especially those meeting the descriptors .
We also included a list of diagnosed conditions from my daughters GP
Also a full list of current medication which he also printed off .
I paper clipped everything to the form to ensure nothing came adrift during processing .
The most important thing is to make a copy of everything you send including the claim form .
It is best to keep all the copies in a folder or file .
Also keep a check of the date you return the form and any calls or letters you may receive during the process .

Most importantly send everything back 1st class signed for over the post office counter .
You can go onto the Royal Mail tracking online and see the date received and signature .
Print a copy of that and keep it with the paperwork as that is proof if needed that your claim did reach them .
Hope all goes smoothly .
polly

MECFS_2

Thanks Polly. As far as medication goes I was going to send in a copy of my current repeat prescription ie what they call the right side of the prescription. Is that ok as proof?2 of my medications are on acute prescription purely as they are controlled drugs and that is the surgerys policy although in reality I get them at the same time as my repeats - I have got them to print off my acute. When my consultants write to my gp they outline my problem in detail. Is it worth getting hold of these letters too in addition to the evidence I already have?

pollyanna_26

Hello again I seem to be in and out tonight .I'll be off to bed after this reply .
The repeat prescription lists are useful and Dr printed them in full .
The two controlled drugs my daughter is on are now actually on the repeats which is fairly unusual but they have been a constant for a number of years and that is unlikely to alter in the future .

Re the consultant reports they are very useful to send .
We actually are copied into all letters from the hospitals involved so receive a copy from them through the post .

I notice you have posted another thread today , I was reading that after logging out .
I would advise you to contact one of the charities either related to your health conditions or general support for DWP issues and ask if some support to prepare for a possible face to face assessment and to support you on the day is available .
They are under a lot of pressure so the earlier you try the better . you may need to try a few .
It's a very good idea to have your copy of the form to hand at assessment as you can refer to it .

I didn't notice if you had requested a face to face assessment be done in your home if needed .
When I made the initial call I wasn't asked that question but our GP had stated in his letter that my daughter was unable to travel and asked that matters be dealt with in sensitive and timely manner with a home assessment if one was needed .
She did get assessed at home and it was very kind and caring nurse who didn't let her do anything to cause pain .
We hear more bad stories than good but the good ones do exist .

I notice you have Fibro both my daughter and I too . My daughter has much more serious conditions but i feel your pain re the fibro .
The hot and humid weather last week was a nightmare as are the cold and damp days .
I'll keep an eye on your thread and see how your doing . I do have my own thread over on the old style forum sadly neglected for a while but I'm hoping to bring it back to life in a few days so you are welcome to come and join us as we limp out of the breaks that illness , benefit claims etc bring about .
Take care , I'm off to bed !
polly

MECFS_2

Thanks once again. I haven't requested a F2F at home but my GP wrote that the assessment should be close to my local area as travelling is painful due to Fibro and also a spinal injury which has caused incontinence. I can travel short distances but I've heard nightmare stories of assessments being miles away. As my surgeon refuses to carry out any further spinal surgery I rely on epidurals andpain meds without which I can't sit down to travel. What is the old style forum btw? Thanks again.

pollyanna_26

I wonder if there is a record for logging in and out
If you look at the full list of forums and scroll down you will see old style there .
Go onto that and you'll see a list of the threads . My thread should be on the first page as I've just been posting there .
Total fibro fog but I think it's old style ways and poor health .
Among other things there was quite a lot of discussion about transfer from DLA to PIP .
Anyway I'll be back on there tomorrow to drag them all out of hiding and there are a lot of posts there you may care to read . It wanders back and forth through lots of things .
Now I'll say goodnight before I fall asleep in the chair .
polly

Alice_Holt

It helps if the medical evidence relates to the PIP descriptors,
Quality (i.e. relevance to PIP) not quantity is important.
Read through the evidence carefully and be sure it supports your case.

On the PIP2 form don't forget to itemise the use of any aids and why there are necessary i.e.
rails to get on/off loo, shower seat / bath rails, grabber for shoes/socks, perching stool for sitting to prepare food, incontinence pads, dosette box, etc
It's useful to have the descriptors and points in front of you when writing the form:
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-points-system

Here is info on how the points should be interpreted:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/547146/pip-assessment-guide.pdf
Pages 86-135 are relevant.

Other sources of info:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-pip-claim/fill-in-form/
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-pip-claim/your-supporting-evidence/
http://www.myfibromyalgia.co.uk/benefits/personal-independence-payment/

pollyanna_26

I forgot to say last night that the right hand tear off section from your prescription repeats is fine to enclose with the controlled meds proof from your doctor . I just stapled them together and added to the other evidence .

I also had the repeats tear offs and details of any current add ins ready when the nurse came to assess my daughter and that proved useful .

Alice has given you some good information so that should help .

polly