Pip claim - ptsd, mental health

Libbyd

I have some physical illnesses but PTSD, anxiety and depression limit what I can do also.

I have PTSD and it stops me sociialising, I cannot even do doctors appointments without severe distress. I even struggle to answer the phone. I can't open my door to sign for parcels. Hubby has to take the children to their appointments etc... It's horrendous. It effects me daily and it's all so very draining physically and emotionally.

I scored high on planning a journey, talking to others etc... as I am sure you will too.

I had to have a paper based assessment but did a telephone assessment and the nurse was lovely, so very sympathetic. She did me a really honest report. I hope you get a nice assessor and they help you with the assessment like mine did.


I wish you lots of luck with your application. I applied in July last year and it is only just coming to an end, so don't be worried if your claim takes a long time.

Lib

kaggy30

Im overwhelmed with the amazing advice here. Thank you so much everyone. I have tried ringing PIP this morning but got stressed as was on hold for ages so I have decided to try giving the forms a go this afternoon.

My local cab is fully booked until beginning of April so no luck there.

Thank you all again I was not expecting such a response.

xx

kaggy30

Libbyd wrote: »

I have some physical illnesses but PTSD, anxiety and depression limit what I can do also.

I have PTSD and it stops me sociialising, I cannot even do doctors appointments without severe distress. I even struggle to answer the phone. I can't open my door to sign for parcels. Hubby has to take the children to their appointments etc... It's horrendous. It effects me daily and it's all so very draining physically and emotionally.

I scored high on planning a journey, talking to others etc... as I am sure you will too.

I had to have a paper based assessment but did a telephone assessment and the nurse was lovely, so very sympathetic. She did me a really honest report. I hope you get a nice assessor and they help you with the assessment like mine did.


I wish you lots of luck with your application. I applied in July last year and it is only just coming to an end, so don't be worried if your claim takes a long time.

Lib

Thank you Libby, this sounds exactly like me it's such a horrible illness. I feel like I will never be fixed x

pmlindyloo

You could try this organisation for some help:

https://www.scope.org.uk/support/disabled-people/local/about

pmlindyloo

Or this one:

https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/our-policy-work/benefits/where-you-can-find-help/

Danday

Hi Libby
I was diagnosed with similar - PTSD, anxiety & depression 20 years ago. As a consequence of that I was awarded a 'for life award' Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit by the DWP at the 40% rate following an assessment with one of their doctors..
Yet the side effects of those conditions that affect my life have never been taken seriously by the DWP when making awards for DLA and PIP. In fact there is no mention of either the award or the conditions/needs in any of the decision notices over the years.

Surprising really that one part of the DWP believe that I have difficulties yet another does not accept them.

kah22

You!!!8217;ll find BenefitsAndWork one of the most helpful sights on the net. I strongly advise you to visit it

Two pieces of information I will offer:
Find out what each word and phrase means, be aware that these are legal definitions not necessarily what it!!!8217;s everyday meaning is
Unless you can answer a question in 2 or 3 senentences just write !!!8220;see attached sheet page !!!8216;x!!!8217; for additional information on each sheet give your Name: National Insurance number:
Question number:

Then write/print your Additional information:
This is an accepted way to fill in the form and it allows you to say exactly what you want to say. Remember you are explaining your situation don!!!8217;t let them artificially tie you down

If you like ask your GP to write a letter for you asking that you be offered a paper based assessment on the grounds that the stress, anxiety whatever would be detrimental to your health. Should you go down that road make sure that your doctor asked for a paper based assessment NOT a home visit. Many doctors are unaware that PBA!!!8217;s are available

One word of caution I will give you is don!!!8217;t expect to be accepted for PIP be prepared to go to Manadatory Reconsideration even then don!!!8217;t expect the decision to be changed be prepared in your mind that you!!!8217;ll have to go to the Tribunal but take heart for figures show that the percentage of claimants winning their appeal has risen from 65% in the first quarter of 2017/18 to 68% in the second quarter and 69% in the third quarter

Kevin

dimuna

Hi, I am in the same boat as you are. I have to fill in my PIP form for PTSD. Reading the questions, they don't really cover everything for me. Makes me very anxious all this. I also would appreciate any tips here. All the medical team around me have said that I may improve once I leave the area and sell up.This is because I was assaulted in my home and I live in the middle of a ring road where I have triggers on a daily basis - I cannot do this ATM as I am in court cases with my house as it is at risk of collapse! I am in a right state with all of this and do not know what to write. I am on ESA ATM, but that is not enough to cover my bills let alone any food and am desperate. Please Help

jollyed

Hi there
My daughter is also in the same boat as many of you on this forum. She is 19 and suffers from complex PTSD, anxiety and depression. The condition is often crippling and she receives support from the whole family in order to function and be safe(from herself). We are currently appealing the decision not to award her any PIP, a decision made after a 1 and a half hour visit from an assessor who I suspect had no training in mental illness/awareness and certainly no training in compassion. We were very honest on the original form and were able to say that there are times when my daughter can function, but due to her condition, this is not regular. She is receiving EMDR therapy and this in itself is causing her to suffer 3-4 flashbacks per day. She is constantly at risk and thus I had to leave my work back in April to ensure she is never alone. During the assessment the assessor asked about my daughter's suicidal tendencies. She asked 'What stopped you in the past? Was it due to intervention by others or did you simply change your mind?' My daughter had been sitting holding my hand and trembling. At this question she just wept. The assessor asked if we wanted a break but I wanted her to leave my house asap so declined the offer. My daughter didn't have a flashback whilst she was there and appeared lucid but obviously upset and anxious. How can an assessor make a decision about the effects of living with PTSD from such a short assessment, conducted in a 'safe' place like home?
We have 4 weeks to appeal the decision but I never want my daughter to have to go through an ordeal like that again. I was horrified by the woman's lack of sympathy and so may even not pursue any payment.
Has anyone else had a similar experience? Or if anyone has any advice we'd be most grateful. Thank you.

Robbie64

Have you asked fror a copy of the assessor's report? If you haven't I suggest phoning up and requesting a copy. The form is numbered PA4 but just asking for a copy of the assessor's report or the consultation report should be fine.


The decision you got should outline why the Case Manager has decided your daughter doesn't qualify for PIP. More than likely this explanation will simply be repeating what the assessor wrote on the report. You can read through the report and highlight where you disagree with the assessment. You must however tie your reasoning into the criteria which would enable your daughter to get PIP.



Has your daughter asked for a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR)? If not then when asking for a copy of the assessment report she (or someone on her behalf) can also set the MR in motion by asking for one and indicating that the reasons for the MR will follow. You can then read the report when it arrives (it should take a week at the most to arrive) and then draft a MR which you can post to the DWP. Most MR's take a few weeks to be decided so you should be able to get in a written submission in time. If you or your daughter needs help with the MR then the Citizens Advice may be able to help though there is often a wait for an appointment.


The questions the assessor asked your daughter re: suicide and suicidal tendencies are understandably upsetting but the DWP guidance that the Health Care Professionals have to follow does require the assessor to ask about suicidal tendencies if this has been indicated and if it is appropriate. It's not pleasant to be asked about it but as much as it is upsetting I would like to think the assessor was at least sensitive about it and only asked what was needed (that is, the assessor didn't push your daughter to answer and didn't dwell on the subject too long).