PIP and Public Transport

Crazydennie

I had my F2F this week and it went smoothly in general with only one point of contention, which seemed to be planning and following a journey. I am able to drive anywhere I need to as long I am driving or being driven by family. Having the car there is important to me as I have paranoia and need to feel safe on the Journey and have somewhere to retreat to, where I consider my self safe at the other end.

The assessor did not seem to want to accept that I do not use public transport due to my anxiety and feeling unsafe and challenged me over journeys for my daughter without a car. If I can't take my daughter there in the car then the reality is that my daughter doesn't go and I gave examples of where this has already happened. There are very few drivers in my family so there are limited options for support from family.

The last time I tried to walk down my road I had a massive panic attack as I was convinced that people were monitoring me and had to return home.

I don't understand why they were questioning this as I have already admitted I can drive wherever I need to and hence follow and route and navigate.

So is using public transport important for this question?

NeilCr

Some information here

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/fill-in-form/13-going-out/

I know this is easy to say but try not to worry about it too much till you get the result.

It may turn out okay for you - whether or not the public transport issue has been treated 'correctly"

Crazydennie

Thanks, NeilCR. I wasn't expecting to get anything for mobility which is why I told them I can drive wherever I need to because I can.

Alice_Holt

Crazydennie wrote: »

Thanks, NeilCR. I wasn't expecting to get anything for mobility which is why I told them I can drive wherever I need to because I can.

Have a look at the PIP assessment guide:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/725533/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-assessment-criteria.pdf
Page 109 to 114
"A person should only be considered able to follow an unfamiliar journey if they would be capable of using public transport – the assessment of which should focus on ability rather than choice."

The assessor was quite correct to ask you about whether you could use public transport.
The assessment also looks at journeys on foot, so "The last time I tried to walk down my road I had a massive panic attack as I was convinced that people were monitoring me and had to return home." should potentially score you points if this reaction might occur on the majority of the days.

What did you put on your PIP2 form? Did you tell the assessor about your panic attacks when outside?

I would suggest that when you complete your PIP renewal form, you either get help with it, or do some research online. The Citizens Advice guide NeilCr has linked you to is a good place to start. Other useful guides are available on the Benefits and Work site, also Rethink Mental Health.

This is the advice on the Rethink Mental Health site:
"This activity covers mental distress caused by making a journey. It looks at things such as -
• your ability to plan a journey in advance,
• your ability to leave home and start that journey, and
• your ability to follow the planned route once you have left your home.
If you can’t use public transport, the DWP should not count you as able to plan and follow an unfamiliar journey alone."

Crazydennie

Crazydennie wrote: »

I am able to drive anywhere I need to as long I am driving or being driven by family. Having the car there is important to me as I have paranoia and need to feel safe on the Journey and have somewhere to retreat to, where I consider my self safe at the other end.

The last time I tried to walk down my road I had a massive panic attack as I was convinced that people were monitoring me and had to return home.

The sections above are in my PIP2 form. I did read through the criteria but really struggled to make any of them fit me for this question when I am able to go out in my car. Maybe I am not being objective enough. Without my car I am pretty much housebound and dependent on family for transport.