Are My PIP Answers Too Long?

MECFS_2

I've been answering my PIP form questions in rough before filling in the real thing. In the 'Extra Information" boxes I'm giving detailed and relevant information. However my answers are about one side of hand written A4 long so far for each question. Is this too long? Is their such a thing as too much information?

[Deleted User]

ME/CFS wrote: »

I've been answering my PIP form questions in rough before filling in the real thing. In the 'Extra Information" boxes I'm giving detailed and relevant information. However my answers are about one side of hand written A4 long so far for each question. Is this too long? Is their such a thing as too much information?

I'd say not unless you are repeating yourself in the same question.

I've not applied for pip yet but when applying for DLA I always sent pages of A4 paper with it with more detailed answers.

MECFS_2

I've always sent pages of A4 with extra information in my answers too in my previous DLA claims. However each individual answer has never been a side of A4 long Before! I guess I'm trying to get the balance right between providing detailed information whilst appreciating that a medical assessor for example will only give a short time reading the claim

jessex1990

I would say not a problem as long as they are detailed and specific to you and your difficulties. It is better to provide slightly too much than not enough otherwise the assessor has to ask you more questions which would take longer than reading a slightly longer answer

Icequeen99

If you are sure it is relevant to the question and is about the impact of your condition on your ability to carry out the descriptor repeatedly, reliably, safely and to an acceptable standard then yes.

However if it is about wider issues or your condition more generally then I wouldn't include that on each question.

IQ

Alice_Holt

Not if you are addressing the descriptor, explaining in detail how your condition makes it difficult to do the activity reliably, and giving examples.
The boxes are too small. Don't be afraid of repeating yourself over the form as a whole (i.e Because of my fatigue I take a long time to do this activity, but still cannot do it to an acceptable standard et,etc), but try not to repeat yourself overly within each individual activity.

It's a good idea to ask someone to proof read it who knows you and how PIP works.
You can type your responses on sheets headed with your name & NI no., attach these firmly to the form, and write in the relevant box - 'See attached sheet'. This makes to easier to review, change, and ensures it is legible and clear.

MECFS_2

I've decided at the end of each detailed answer to provide a summary ie I can't do this activity at all on this number of occasions, when I do it I can't do it reliably. This is because it takes me too long((say how long), it is unsafe (say why and refer to reasons above, I can't do it to an acceptable standard ( say why and refer to reasons above) and I certainly can't repeat it (say why and refer to reasons above). This is despite using aids and appliances as described above. Please see medical evidence from X which confirms this is the case.