PIP Claim

panda53

Hello

My son has recently been diagnosed with borderline learning disability, probable autistic spectrum disorder and possible ADHD. During one of his visits it was suggested he may be able to get PIP payment. So we have filled the form in and just sent it back. It took a long time to complete as it was asking how his condition affects him which was really hard to explain because he can do things but it takes such a long time and repeated explanations for things like preparing a meal, then it's the same the next day. Same with going out, finding places, managing money etc. But for someone looking from the outside and not seeing the day to day difficulties it's hard to explain because he presents to them as 'OK'.

I'm just wondering if anyone can advise if the claim is likely or not to succeed and also what happens at the assessment and if the assessor is trained enough to spot the difficulties or if they are likely to dismiss them. Also how much the person going with them can speak on the claimants behalf?

Thanks

pmlindyloo

panda53 wrote: »

Hello

My son has recently been diagnosed with borderline learning disability, probable autistic spectrum disorder and possible ADHD. During one of his visits it was suggested he may be able to get PIP payment. So we have filled the form in and just sent it back. It took a long time to complete as it was asking how his condition affects him which was really hard to explain because he can do things but it takes such a long time and repeated explanations for things like preparing a meal, then it's the same the next day. Same with going out, finding places, managing money etc. But for someone looking from the outside and not seeing the day to day difficulties it's hard to explain because he presents to them as 'OK'.

I'm just wondering if anyone can advise if the claim is likely or not to succeed and also what happens at the assessment and if the assessor is trained enough to spot the difficulties or if they are likely to dismiss them. Also how much the person going with them can speak on the claimants behalf?

Thanks

I am presuming that you have sent any medical evidence with your application? They rarely contact any medical professionals so if you haven't already done so, please send the evidence now. (Put name and NI number/address on evidence with accompanying letter)

Usually, a companion will not be able to speak at the assessment. If you are your son's appointee then you can speak on his behalf.

From what you have said it seems that your son's problems fluctuate. It is therefore may be helpful for your son to keep a diary for a few weeks. This must be detailed and, based on what you have said, time frames may be helpful .e.g. explaining how to...….. .., which took --- minutes, then he forgot/did it incorrectly/had to repeat - that kind of thing. You could write accompanying notes if he cannot manage this.

A template here which you could use or adapt.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Documents/Advice%20(public)/pip-diary.pdf

You can send this before the assessment if you wish to give them time to look at it.

pmlindyloo

May I also ask how old your son is?

panda53

pmlindyloo wrote: »

I am presuming that you have sent any medical evidence with your application? They rarely contact any medical professionals so if you haven't already done so, please send the evidence now. (Put name and NI number/address on evidence with accompanying letter)

Usually, a companion will not be able to speak at the assessment. If you are your son's appointee then you can speak on his behalf.

From what you have said it seems that your son's problems fluctuate. It is therefore may be helpful for your son to keep a diary for a few weeks. This must be detailed and, based on what you have said, time frames may be helpful .e.g. explaining how to...….. .., which took --- minutes, then he forgot/did it incorrectly/had to repeat - that kind of thing. You could write accompanying notes if he cannot manage this.

A template here which you could use or adapt.



You can send this before the assessment if you wish to give them time to look at it.

Thanks. He's 20. We have sent several medical letters including the clinical psychology report with the diagnosis and several other letters showing missed appointments, psychometric assessments and Aspergers referral.

I am not sure how to become my son's appointee and can't recall anything on the form asking about this?

Part, or most of the difficulties are with memory, reading, comprehension, understanding etc. He will receive letters and leave them unopened. When we encourage him to open he does not grasp or action the significance of the letter. He certainly wouldn't keep a diary of his difficulties because that is his one of his limitations so we will print the template and complete these. How long do you think these should be done for?

The claim form return date has been extended to Mid January and I think the message when I called said another 8 weeks to the assessment. Should any accompanying notes be sent to the same place as the form went and when?

poppy12345

If he's unable to manage his money because of a learning disability or because of the autism then have a read of this.
https://www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits


Future or missed appointment letters aren't classed as evidence.


Assessment waiting times will depend on backlog in your area and 8 weeks is just a guide, some wait much longer and others not as long.



The whole process can sometimes take several months. No one can advise you whether a claim would be successful or not because no one here knows how his conditions affect him.


Some information here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

panda53

poppy12345 wrote: »

If he's unable to manage his money because of a learning disability or because of the autism then have a read of this.



Future or missed appointment letters aren't classed as evidence.


Assessment waiting times will depend on backlog in your area and 8 weeks is just a guide, some wait much longer and others not as long.



The whole process can sometimes take several months. No one can advise you whether a claim would be successful or not because no one here knows how his conditions affect him.


Some information here.

He can manage his money to a degree but does not understand what things cost. His learning disability is borderline, but together with ASD and ADHD he struggles to comprehend information so either makes poor decisions or doesn't bother reading because the detail doesn't go in and his memory is poor even when explained several times. Is the appointee subject to meeting certain criteria or could he simply nominate someone because he struggles with understanding and explaining.

poppy12345

panda53 wrote: »

Is the appointee subject to meeting certain criteria or could he simply nominate someone because he struggles with understanding and explaining.

A DWP representative will visit his home and fill out a form. They may ask a few questions. When i become an appointee for my daughter she didn't have to sign anything, or even speak to the person who came. They filled out the form and i signed it.


Once she returned to DWP the notes were added onto the computer and they then send you confirmation that you're the appointee.



The appointee is responsible for filling and signing all forms, reporting change of circumstances and receiving the claimants benefits in their own bank account. All letters from DWP will be in your name, not your son's. When i receive my daughters PIP i transfer it straight to her bank and then i support her with dealing with her money from there.

panda53

poppy12345 wrote: »

A DWP representative will visit his home and fill out a form. They may ask a few questions. When i become an appointee for my daughter she didn't have to sign anything, or even speak to the person who came. They filled out the form and i signed it.


Once she returned to DWP the notes were added onto the computer and they then send you confirmation that you're the appointee.



The appointee is responsible for filling and signing all forms, reporting change of circumstances and receiving the claimants benefits in their own bank account. All letters from DWP will be in your name, not your son's. When i receive my daughters PIP i transfer it straight to her bank and then i support her with dealing with her money from there.

That's what I want to be able to do as my son can't manage this by himself.

pmlindyloo

Here's the link telling you about becoming an appointee and who to contact.

https://www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits

poppy12345

panda53 wrote: »

That's what I want to be able to do as my son can't manage this by himself.

The links have been posted in twice please read them as it tells you what you need to do to become an appointee. See posts #5 and 9.