PIP claim - Systemic Juvenile Arthritis

poppy12345

Rybeast wrote: »

Alice suggested I had left it too late.

Alice asked a question. It wasn't a suggestion... also advice was given for the 14 day extension.

Alice_Holt wrote: »

Have you left it too late to get help with the form from your local advice agency or CAB?
You can request a 14 day extension if that helps you get accredited advice.

Alice_Holt

Another question for the OP:

Are you aware of the differences between DLA & PIP?

"Under DLA, if you couldn’t walk more than 50 metres you qualified for the higher rate of mobility support. But the goal posts have been shifted for PIP – the measure is now just 20 metres."

Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2018/06/19/the-governments-senseless-20-metre-rule-is-causing-devastating-benefit-cuts-for-people-with-ms-7639924/?ito=cbshare

It would be useful for the OP if he had answered the questions I posed @post 6.
I assume he (having looked at the links) is now aware of the importance of aids for a Daily Living award.
(Again a difference between PIP and DLA).

I would strongly advise the OP to get an extension and seek advice (if his local advice centre can fit him in at short notice), as he does not appear to understand the PIP criteria - there are no magic words to show neediness.

Apart from reliably (per kingfisherblue) another factor to consider is how you are affected for the majority of days. This is often ignored at the assessment, so a good idea is to have a diary (relating to the PIP descriptors) ready for the assessment. The assessor will compile a functional history (ask you about a "typical" day) from which they draw the evidence to justify their findings on your abilities re the PIP activities. You need to be careful to give the full picture and to qualify answers (fatigue, after effects, repeatability, etc). Use google maps to find the exact distance in metres of places you walk to (local shops), count the number (and length ) of stops to get the distance you can walk before needing to stop due to discomfort. Be consistent in your answers about both the distance and time it takes you.

The Citizens Advice site has info on this, do use the resources we have given you.

[Deleted User]

Hi Rybeast

I have arthritis too (not juvenile but do have pain and fatigue) and had some` problems with my PIP face to face. I also had problems writing my mobility sections.

I found it all a bit overwhelming as the questions didn't really allow me to say what I needed to say to describe how the condition affected mobility and I read reams of advice sites and was still left with no idea what to actually write. In the end I scribbled out all I had written and told them I couldn't answer the question on the form lol.

I did eventually get enhanced mobility and care at Tribunal, helped probably by the fact to get to the appeal room I had to negotiate lots of ramps over stairs and I was watched lol. The head judge was standing there watching me as I left I realised as he directed me outside.

If I had to do it again, I would say how far I could walk until the pain became too much, and describe the fatigue. Like for example, I don't shop in large shops anymore, I use smaller ones. The bus stop is about 50 meters away, up a slight incline. I find that difficult. Generally speaking, if I go out, I go to bed when I get in because of the pain and the fatigue. I don't limp enormously normally, I don't know why, I just walk (I am damn stubborn and hate looking disabled, only limp at all because one leg is shorter), but it hurts a lot. That was one of the things the face to face assessor decided meant I didn't have any mobility problems at all.

I also have problems just getting in a car because of the bending and twisting you have to do. That doesn't just go away once you are in the car.

I hope this helps. Be prepared for this to have to go to Tribunal though. But getting enhanced care and mobility has transformed my life. I can now pay for things like taxis and help to make my life SO much easier.

Oh and if you do have a face to face, it is ok to refuse to do exercises that will cause lots of pain. Believe it or not I was asked to do squats in spite of by then I was just sitting with quite a lot of pain. Point blank refused, stating it would cause too much pain and I'd never get up again, in spite of the look on the assessors face. Still can't believe it now lol. I swear some of those assessors have a special place downstairs reserved for them. She also bare faced lied in the report, saying she'd seen me do things I hadn't done (including picking up my 18 kilo and 20 kilo dogs, both together lol, quite ridiculous). Be prepared for that, move through the shock and write your MR and appeal paperwork to refute the report claims if they are untrue.

Rybeast

Thank you for replying, but considering the attitude you've taken towards me, even after I've explained myself, this is going to be the only reply.

I've found your replies upsettingly patronising. I've explained numerous times that I wanted to know whether there was anything further to consider. I don't know what the DLA criteria were - I've not applied for DLA, I was given an indefinite award at the age of 8. I am aware of the changes - thus my wanting to try and nail this the first time. I don't need an extension - I've filled in the form, I've answered the questions it poses, and I've edited to include the reliability factor suggested by Kingfisher. I'm not looking for a 'magic word' - I'm looking to try and include as much detail as I can so whoever is on the opposite end or doing my face-to-face assessment recognises and understands that although I look 'well', systemically I'm not.

[Deleted User]

Not sure my reply could be considered patronising. But there you go.

poppy12345

Rybeast wrote: »

Thank you for replying, but considering the attitude you've taken towards me, even after I've explained myself, this is going to be the only reply.

I've found your replies upsettingly patronising. I've explained numerous times that I wanted to know whether there was anything further to consider. I don't know what the DLA criteria were - I've not applied for DLA, I was given an indefinite award at the age of 8. I am aware of the changes - thus my wanting to try and nail this the first time. I don't need an extension - I've filled in the form, I've answered the questions it poses, and I've edited to include the reliability factor suggested by Kingfisher. I'm not looking for a 'magic word' - I'm looking to try and include as much detail as I can so whoever is on the opposite end or doing my face-to-face assessment recognises and understands that although I look 'well', systemically I'm not.

No one has patronised you! You specifically asked " what can i write" and you were advised that we can't help you with that.



You were given links to read to help you understand the criteria. I'm not sure what you find patronising about that.

Alice_Holt

deannatrois wrote: »

Not sure my reply could be considered patronising. But there you go.

I don't think the comment: "...considering the attitude you've taken towards me, even after I've explained myself, this is going to be the only reply. I've found your replies upsettingly patronising. I've explained numerous times..." was aimed at you Deannatrois. Rather I think it may have been aimed at my posts.

It is a shame, the OP hasn't engaged with the points both poppy and myself made, and didn't reply to the questions asked.
I don't come onto this forum (and spend my time) to patronise posters. I have knowledge of PIP forms, appeals etc, so try to point posters to useful online information.
I am aware that not everyone can get specialised advice from their CAB / local advice centre, so I try to show how and why particular descriptors may apply to the poster (when the poster is willing to expand on their difficulties, and reply to questions asked).

Of course, suggestions on this forum will never be as effective as face to face advice. In F2F advice it is possible to tease out more info, check that the person understands why certain questions are asked, and (generally) prevent the interview going down a dead end.

I do hope the OP does take my suggestion to get F2F advice, as a good advisor may be able to help the OP complete the form in a manner that maximises his chances of both a mobility and a daily living award. It is quite possible the OP could make a sound case for needing aids to prepare a meal, wash and bath, dress, and possibly toilet aids.

It is a pity for the OP that this thread has ended as it has.

poppy12345

Alice_Holt wrote: »

I don't come onto this forum (and spend my time) to patronise posters. I have knowledge of PIP forms, appeals etc, so try to point posters to useful online information.

I have to vouch for this. There's quite few extremely helpful members here on the forum and you're one of them Alice.