Claiming PIP with a good job

poppy12345

PIP is based on how your conditions affect you the majority of the time over a 12 month period. So at least 50% of the time. If you can complete an acitivity for 3-4 days per week, each week then you will not score any points for that activity.

This link may help, don't know if it's been added as haven't looked back through the thread to check. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

sarahlply

This template also might help https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Documents/Advice%20(public)/pip-diary.pdf I used it for two weeks when I sent in my appeal, a page a day.

Spoonie_Turtle

poppy12345 said:

PIP is based on how your conditions affect you the majority of the time over a 12 month period. So at least 50% of the time. If you can complete an acitivity for 3-4 days per week, each week then you will not score any points for that activity.

This link may help, don't know if it's been added as haven't looked back through the thread to check. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

Yes, but only if they can do it to an acceptable standard without unacceptable aftereffects.

To elaborate for the OP, "can" means "can without impacting your ability to do the other activities, and can do it as often as you need to".  Reliably is the most important concept here, especially with fluctuating conditions.  Do not make the mistake of interpreting 'can do it' literally - if doing an activity depletes your spoons and means you can't do other daily activities, that is not what's meant by 'can do it'. 

Nondisabled people don't have to budget their energy or brainpower to be able to do these activities, that is the huge difference between us managing to do it with a struggle, and them simply doing it as the most basic part of their day.

Further info: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#reliability-1

Rather more in-depth if you wish: https://pipinfo.net/issues/reliably

leeloolee

Spoonie_Turtle said:

poppy12345 said:

PIP is based on how your conditions affect you the majority of the time over a 12 month period. So at least 50% of the time. If you can complete an acitivity for 3-4 days per week, each week then you will not score any points for that activity.

This link may help, don't know if it's been added as haven't looked back through the thread to check. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

Yes, but only if they can do it to an acceptable standard without unacceptable aftereffects.

To elaborate for the OP, "can" means "can without impacting your ability to do the other activities, and can do it as often as you need to".  Reliably is the most important concept here, especially with fluctuating conditions.  Do not make the mistake of interpreting 'can do it' literally - if doing an activity depletes your spoons and means you can't do other daily activities, that is not what's meant by 'can do it'. 

Nondisabled people don't have to budget their energy or brainpower to be able to do these activities, that is the huge difference between us managing to do it with a struggle, and them simply doing it as the most basic part of their day.

Further info: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#reliability-1

Rather more in-depth if you wish: https://pipinfo.net/issues/reliably

Yes, exactly...that's the thing. Technically I 'can' cook most of the time, but it takes a very significant toll on me. It's one of the reasons I hardly ever go outside the flat. Preparing a meal often means my entire afternoon/evening is gone - it takes me forever to do the prep, do the cooking, and then gather the energy to do all the washing up afterwards. I've slowly realised that it really isn't normal to have to spend so much time and energy on these basic survival tasks that you have none left for anything else. 

If I need to do anything else other than cook, then I can't cook, if that makes sense. I couldn't, for example, make dinner, wash up, and then go to a yoga class or meet a friend for a drink. I just don't have the executive function or the energy for that. I am basically limited to one activity a day, and that includes essential things to keep me alive. I'm not sure how to convey this stuff to an assessor. 

Spoonie_Turtle

leeloolee said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

poppy12345 said:

PIP is based on how your conditions affect you the majority of the time over a 12 month period. So at least 50% of the time. If you can complete an acitivity for 3-4 days per week, each week then you will not score any points for that activity.

This link may help, don't know if it's been added as haven't looked back through the thread to check. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

Yes, but only if they can do it to an acceptable standard without unacceptable aftereffects.

To elaborate for the OP, "can" means "can without impacting your ability to do the other activities, and can do it as often as you need to".  Reliably is the most important concept here, especially with fluctuating conditions.  Do not make the mistake of interpreting 'can do it' literally - if doing an activity depletes your spoons and means you can't do other daily activities, that is not what's meant by 'can do it'. 

Nondisabled people don't have to budget their energy or brainpower to be able to do these activities, that is the huge difference between us managing to do it with a struggle, and them simply doing it as the most basic part of their day.

Further info: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#reliability-1

Rather more in-depth if you wish: https://pipinfo.net/issues/reliably

Yes, exactly...that's the thing. Technically I 'can' cook most of the time, but it takes a very significant toll on me. It's one of the reasons I hardly ever go outside the flat. Preparing a meal often means my entire afternoon/evening is gone - it takes me forever to do the prep, do the cooking, and then gather the energy to do all the washing up afterwards. I've slowly realised that it really isn't normal to have to spend so much time and energy on these basic survival tasks that you have none left for anything else. 

If I need to do anything else other than cook, then I can't cook, if that makes sense. I couldn't, for example, make dinner, wash up, and then go to a yoga class or meet a friend for a drink. I just don't have the executive function or the energy for that. I am basically limited to one activity a day, and that includes essential things to keep me alive. I'm not sure how to convey this stuff to an assessor. 

Makes perfect sense.

You convey it by explaining, every part of it and every effect it has on you.  So like you've said above - "it takes me forever to do the prep, do the cooking, and then gather the energy to do all the washing up afterwards" (although the washing up isn't counted, but you can include it to paint a full and consistent picture) you'd explain why it takes you forever and then the effect afterwards, especially on any activities you'd reasonably be expected to do if you were to live a typical, nondisabled life.

The basic formula is 'tell them what difficulties you have with the activity' + 'explain why you have those difficulties', for typical days and on worse days.

To get a good idea of exactly what descriptors you would meet and thus how much you should score, you would need to read through the PIP guidance on gov.uk that's been linked a few times.  Knowing how it's assessed and therefore how to tailor your answers may help to be able to tackle the form (you may wish to prepare thoughts and maybe draft something before actually applying, or you might be someone who needs the pressure of a deadline to actually be able to start; there's no one right or wrong way to approach it).

Muttleythefrog

leeloolee said:

Muttleythefrog said:

leeloolee said:

DullGreyGuy said:

elsien said:

It’s not means tested. Which means that the government decided that it is absolutely fine for someone to claim it if they need it regardless of income.

In no way reflecting on the OP and absolutely agree that they are entitled to claim based on what they have posted.

However I am confused by the comment "if they need it" @elsien. Given PIP is just a cash payment then "need" on the surface really would mean its a means test

The government has decided you can claim it if you qualify... it's nothing to do with "needing" it. An associate is a senior partner in a law firm and blind; I understand he would qualify for PIP (no idea if he claims or not, not my business) but I'd strongly suspect that as he bills out at £1,500 per hour that £68/week is unlikely to even be noticeable in his account and so question how you'd think he "needs" it?

I guess your associate would have a hard time convincing the assessors that he "needs" PIP if he's on that kind of money, but what if his disabilities were so expensive and required so much special equipment that it would make a difference? It's an interesting question - do the assessors actually ask how much you earn? Are they allowed to? 

As above... would be completely irrelevant.... assessors are there specifically to look at disablements in relation to the activities looked at like dressing and undressing or mobilising while also making observations to justify their determination of disablements and their durability. There is no financial angle of assessment or enquiry for PIP at any point by anyone. There is an activity which looks at ability to manage budgeting decisions but that enquires in a very different way about mental functioning rather than resource.

In theory at least, as I referenced above, for someone of wealth they may be better placed to claim PIP because significantly the challenge of getting PIP is proving disablements in a system that can be quite hit and miss or dismissive and requiring of particular approaches to describe and explain disablement. Someone with resource could potentially acquire private medical reports tailored, or helpful, to applying for PIP whereas someone without may struggle to even get GP appointments.

For quick reference... the PIP activities and descriptors...
(Daily Living 10 activities, Mobility 2 activities. 8 Points required for standard award of either component or 12 for enhanced award)

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

My firm advice would be put aside financial thoughts other than that PIP is absolutely underpinned with explanation for existence precisely for people like you. Focus now entirely on the technical - should you qualify according to the activities looked at and your level of disabilities experienced. If you think so then I would advise applying.

Importantly when looking at the descriptors (point scoring statements of disability) you must bear in mind that to be considered able to do something you must be able to do it reliably... and by reliably for PIP that means 

• Safely
• To an acceptable standard
• Repeatedly
• In a reasonable time

i.e. if you can get dressed and undressed but it takes 2 hours to do either then that's not in reasonable time. 

Those criteria are incredibly confusing to me. 

Agree with the advice given by others. In terms of explaining things to an assessor... also as advised you'll be completing a lengthy form and this will precede any assessment in person or by phone etc should that be necessary. In completing the lengthy form and having followed advice and guidance here and linked you'll likely be well schooled in how to describe difficulties in any assessment where you'll have far less control of time or events. The variability and reliability issues others have addressed.

Given your particular issues it's important I think for me to stress again as others do that you being able to literally do something does not mean you can do it to the standard required to be considered to do so for PIP. This example may help you think about how descriptors and reliability can be considered. e.g. for Mobility 1 activity I can plan a journey outdoors to an unfamiliar or familiar place and I can go on that journey without support..... but the reality is a) it takes me so long to plan such to overcome the fears and anxiety associated that I rarely can go out. b) if I am able to plan and get out I will usually abort the journey due to panic and anxiety or distress c) I need my partner carer to help with the planning and then the support on the journey and even then it is often only so they can get me home after the failed journey. How am I scored for this activity - firstly, correctly (which is an achievement in itself)... I am awarded descriptor (e) Cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress. How do they reach this conclusion - well, they accept that when I go out I am unable to follow the route of a familiar journey without my carer (descriptor (f)) and they also accept that at times I can go out without support having planned a journey (as I did for my first PIP assessment in 2016 which ended up with the assessor and myself in distress!) but for the majority of the time my problem is I never start the journey as I am unable to due to overwhelming psychological distress. Therefore descriptor (e) is awarded as while I can go out on a journey, for the majority of the time overwhelming distress prevents it.

leeloolee

Muttleythefrog said:

leeloolee said:

Muttleythefrog said:

leeloolee said:

DullGreyGuy said:

elsien said:

It’s not means tested. Which means that the government decided that it is absolutely fine for someone to claim it if they need it regardless of income.

In no way reflecting on the OP and absolutely agree that they are entitled to claim based on what they have posted.

However I am confused by the comment "if they need it" @elsien. Given PIP is just a cash payment then "need" on the surface really would mean its a means test

The government has decided you can claim it if you qualify... it's nothing to do with "needing" it. An associate is a senior partner in a law firm and blind; I understand he would qualify for PIP (no idea if he claims or not, not my business) but I'd strongly suspect that as he bills out at £1,500 per hour that £68/week is unlikely to even be noticeable in his account and so question how you'd think he "needs" it?

I guess your associate would have a hard time convincing the assessors that he "needs" PIP if he's on that kind of money, but what if his disabilities were so expensive and required so much special equipment that it would make a difference? It's an interesting question - do the assessors actually ask how much you earn? Are they allowed to? 

As above... would be completely irrelevant.... assessors are there specifically to look at disablements in relation to the activities looked at like dressing and undressing or mobilising while also making observations to justify their determination of disablements and their durability. There is no financial angle of assessment or enquiry for PIP at any point by anyone. There is an activity which looks at ability to manage budgeting decisions but that enquires in a very different way about mental functioning rather than resource.

In theory at least, as I referenced above, for someone of wealth they may be better placed to claim PIP because significantly the challenge of getting PIP is proving disablements in a system that can be quite hit and miss or dismissive and requiring of particular approaches to describe and explain disablement. Someone with resource could potentially acquire private medical reports tailored, or helpful, to applying for PIP whereas someone without may struggle to even get GP appointments.

For quick reference... the PIP activities and descriptors...
(Daily Living 10 activities, Mobility 2 activities. 8 Points required for standard award of either component or 12 for enhanced award)

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

My firm advice would be put aside financial thoughts other than that PIP is absolutely underpinned with explanation for existence precisely for people like you. Focus now entirely on the technical - should you qualify according to the activities looked at and your level of disabilities experienced. If you think so then I would advise applying.

Importantly when looking at the descriptors (point scoring statements of disability) you must bear in mind that to be considered able to do something you must be able to do it reliably... and by reliably for PIP that means 

• Safely
• To an acceptable standard
• Repeatedly
• In a reasonable time

i.e. if you can get dressed and undressed but it takes 2 hours to do either then that's not in reasonable time. 

Those criteria are incredibly confusing to me. 

Agree with the advice given by others. In terms of explaining things to an assessor... also as advised you'll be completing a lengthy form and this will precede any assessment in person or by phone etc should that be necessary. In completing the lengthy form and having followed advice and guidance here and linked you'll likely be well schooled in how to describe difficulties in any assessment where you'll have far less control of time or events. The variability and reliability issues others have addressed.

Given your particular issues it's important I think for me to stress again as others do that you being able to literally do something does not mean you can do it to the standard required to be considered to do so for PIP. This example may help you think about how descriptors and reliability can be considered. e.g. for Mobility 1 activity I can plan a journey outdoors to an unfamiliar or familiar place and I can go on that journey without support..... but the reality is a) it takes me so long to plan such to overcome the fears and anxiety associated that I rarely can go out. b) if I am able to plan and get out I will usually abort the journey due to panic and anxiety or distress c) I need my partner carer to help with the planning and then the support on the journey and even then it is often only so they can get me home after the failed journey. How am I scored for this activity - firstly, correctly (which is an achievement in itself)... I am awarded descriptor (e) Cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress. How do they reach this conclusion - well, they accept that when I go out I am unable to follow the route of a familiar journey without my carer (descriptor (f)) and they also accept that at times I can go out without support having planned a journey (as I did for my first PIP assessment in 2016 which ended up with the assessor and myself in distress!) but for the majority of the time my problem is I never start the journey as I am unable to due to overwhelming psychological distress. Therefore descriptor (e) is awarded as while I can go out on a journey, for the majority of the time overwhelming distress prevents it.

Thanks, this is helpful. I never would have thought to give this answer (which also applies to me) based on their criteria. I took 'planning a journey' to mean literally plan it. I have no problem looking at Google Maps and figuring out how to get somewhere. The issue is I then panic and worry about every single thing that could go wrong. Like today, I really wanted to travel to a Meetup group for an evening activity, I looked up how to get there, but then I started worrying that the train would be packed, that I'd be panicky and anxious with all those people, I might catch Covid (I'm still sick from last time I had it), that there could be delays or cancellations that would mean my planned journey wasn't possible (because of my autism I really struggle when things go wrong or plans change suddenly), that I could be mugged or pickpocketed (which then turned into an anxiety spiral of what if someone stole my bag with my flat key, and the friend who has the spare key is abroad, so I'd be locked out), that my physical issues could mean I'd get fatigued and struggle with getting back, and then I just decided not to go. This is really typical for me...I probably follow through on about 1/10 things I really want to do. Most of the time my disabilities and anxiety mean I'm trapped in my flat despite desperately wanting to make friends and meet a partner. When I do manage to do things, they take hours and hours of planning and effort and thought. I need Plan B, Plan C, etc. 

I genuinely thought until recently that life was like this for everyone. I had no idea that other people can just have an idea and execute it without all this mental turmoil and anguish. 

leeloolee

Spoonie_Turtle said:

leeloolee said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

poppy12345 said:

PIP is based on how your conditions affect you the majority of the time over a 12 month period. So at least 50% of the time. If you can complete an acitivity for 3-4 days per week, each week then you will not score any points for that activity.

This link may help, don't know if it's been added as haven't looked back through the thread to check. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

Yes, but only if they can do it to an acceptable standard without unacceptable aftereffects.

To elaborate for the OP, "can" means "can without impacting your ability to do the other activities, and can do it as often as you need to".  Reliably is the most important concept here, especially with fluctuating conditions.  Do not make the mistake of interpreting 'can do it' literally - if doing an activity depletes your spoons and means you can't do other daily activities, that is not what's meant by 'can do it'. 

Nondisabled people don't have to budget their energy or brainpower to be able to do these activities, that is the huge difference between us managing to do it with a struggle, and them simply doing it as the most basic part of their day.

Further info: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#reliability-1

Rather more in-depth if you wish: https://pipinfo.net/issues/reliably

Yes, exactly...that's the thing. Technically I 'can' cook most of the time, but it takes a very significant toll on me. It's one of the reasons I hardly ever go outside the flat. Preparing a meal often means my entire afternoon/evening is gone - it takes me forever to do the prep, do the cooking, and then gather the energy to do all the washing up afterwards. I've slowly realised that it really isn't normal to have to spend so much time and energy on these basic survival tasks that you have none left for anything else. 

If I need to do anything else other than cook, then I can't cook, if that makes sense. I couldn't, for example, make dinner, wash up, and then go to a yoga class or meet a friend for a drink. I just don't have the executive function or the energy for that. I am basically limited to one activity a day, and that includes essential things to keep me alive. I'm not sure how to convey this stuff to an assessor. 

Makes perfect sense.

You convey it by explaining, every part of it and every effect it has on you.  So like you've said above - "it takes me forever to do the prep, do the cooking, and then gather the energy to do all the washing up afterwards" (although the washing up isn't counted, but you can include it to paint a full and consistent picture) you'd explain why it takes you forever and then the effect afterwards, especially on any activities you'd reasonably be expected to do if you were to live a typical, nondisabled life.

The basic formula is 'tell them what difficulties you have with the activity' + 'explain why you have those difficulties', for typical days and on worse days.

To get a good idea of exactly what descriptors you would meet and thus how much you should score, you would need to read through the PIP guidance on gov.uk that's been linked a few times.  Knowing how it's assessed and therefore how to tailor your answers may help to be able to tackle the form (you may wish to prepare thoughts and maybe draft something before actually applying, or you might be someone who needs the pressure of a deadline to actually be able to start; there's no one right or wrong way to approach it).

The irony is that with my ADHD, it's really challenging to even start the form. I've missed out on so many things in my life through not being able to fill in forms. I think I'll need to get advice from a charity or something, ideally get someone to support me and check what I've written. 

If I did get awarded PIP, would it be backdated to the date I submitted the claim?

Spoonie_Turtle

leeloolee said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

leeloolee said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

poppy12345 said:

PIP is based on how your conditions affect you the majority of the time over a 12 month period. So at least 50% of the time. If you can complete an acitivity for 3-4 days per week, each week then you will not score any points for that activity.

This link may help, don't know if it's been added as haven't looked back through the thread to check. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

Yes, but only if they can do it to an acceptable standard without unacceptable aftereffects.

To elaborate for the OP, "can" means "can without impacting your ability to do the other activities, and can do it as often as you need to".  Reliably is the most important concept here, especially with fluctuating conditions.  Do not make the mistake of interpreting 'can do it' literally - if doing an activity depletes your spoons and means you can't do other daily activities, that is not what's meant by 'can do it'. 

Nondisabled people don't have to budget their energy or brainpower to be able to do these activities, that is the huge difference between us managing to do it with a struggle, and them simply doing it as the most basic part of their day.

Further info: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#reliability-1

Rather more in-depth if you wish: https://pipinfo.net/issues/reliably

Yes, exactly...that's the thing. Technically I 'can' cook most of the time, but it takes a very significant toll on me. It's one of the reasons I hardly ever go outside the flat. Preparing a meal often means my entire afternoon/evening is gone - it takes me forever to do the prep, do the cooking, and then gather the energy to do all the washing up afterwards. I've slowly realised that it really isn't normal to have to spend so much time and energy on these basic survival tasks that you have none left for anything else. 

If I need to do anything else other than cook, then I can't cook, if that makes sense. I couldn't, for example, make dinner, wash up, and then go to a yoga class or meet a friend for a drink. I just don't have the executive function or the energy for that. I am basically limited to one activity a day, and that includes essential things to keep me alive. I'm not sure how to convey this stuff to an assessor. 

Makes perfect sense.

You convey it by explaining, every part of it and every effect it has on you.  So like you've said above - "it takes me forever to do the prep, do the cooking, and then gather the energy to do all the washing up afterwards" (although the washing up isn't counted, but you can include it to paint a full and consistent picture) you'd explain why it takes you forever and then the effect afterwards, especially on any activities you'd reasonably be expected to do if you were to live a typical, nondisabled life.

The basic formula is 'tell them what difficulties you have with the activity' + 'explain why you have those difficulties', for typical days and on worse days.

To get a good idea of exactly what descriptors you would meet and thus how much you should score, you would need to read through the PIP guidance on gov.uk that's been linked a few times.  Knowing how it's assessed and therefore how to tailor your answers may help to be able to tackle the form (you may wish to prepare thoughts and maybe draft something before actually applying, or you might be someone who needs the pressure of a deadline to actually be able to start; there's no one right or wrong way to approach it).

The irony is that with my ADHD, it's really challenging to even start the form. I've missed out on so many things in my life through not being able to fill in forms. I think I'll need to get advice from a charity or something, ideally get someone to support me and check what I've written. 

If I did get awarded PIP, would it be backdated to the date I submitted the claim?

Qualified help most definitely sounds like a good idea.

An award is backdated to the date you phone up to start the claim.

leeloolee

Spoonie_Turtle said:

leeloolee said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

leeloolee said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

poppy12345 said:

PIP is based on how your conditions affect you the majority of the time over a 12 month period. So at least 50% of the time. If you can complete an acitivity for 3-4 days per week, each week then you will not score any points for that activity.

This link may help, don't know if it's been added as haven't looked back through the thread to check. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

Yes, but only if they can do it to an acceptable standard without unacceptable aftereffects.

To elaborate for the OP, "can" means "can without impacting your ability to do the other activities, and can do it as often as you need to".  Reliably is the most important concept here, especially with fluctuating conditions.  Do not make the mistake of interpreting 'can do it' literally - if doing an activity depletes your spoons and means you can't do other daily activities, that is not what's meant by 'can do it'. 

Nondisabled people don't have to budget their energy or brainpower to be able to do these activities, that is the huge difference between us managing to do it with a struggle, and them simply doing it as the most basic part of their day.

Further info: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#reliability-1

Rather more in-depth if you wish: https://pipinfo.net/issues/reliably

Yes, exactly...that's the thing. Technically I 'can' cook most of the time, but it takes a very significant toll on me. It's one of the reasons I hardly ever go outside the flat. Preparing a meal often means my entire afternoon/evening is gone - it takes me forever to do the prep, do the cooking, and then gather the energy to do all the washing up afterwards. I've slowly realised that it really isn't normal to have to spend so much time and energy on these basic survival tasks that you have none left for anything else. 

If I need to do anything else other than cook, then I can't cook, if that makes sense. I couldn't, for example, make dinner, wash up, and then go to a yoga class or meet a friend for a drink. I just don't have the executive function or the energy for that. I am basically limited to one activity a day, and that includes essential things to keep me alive. I'm not sure how to convey this stuff to an assessor. 

Makes perfect sense.

You convey it by explaining, every part of it and every effect it has on you.  So like you've said above - "it takes me forever to do the prep, do the cooking, and then gather the energy to do all the washing up afterwards" (although the washing up isn't counted, but you can include it to paint a full and consistent picture) you'd explain why it takes you forever and then the effect afterwards, especially on any activities you'd reasonably be expected to do if you were to live a typical, nondisabled life.

The basic formula is 'tell them what difficulties you have with the activity' + 'explain why you have those difficulties', for typical days and on worse days.

To get a good idea of exactly what descriptors you would meet and thus how much you should score, you would need to read through the PIP guidance on gov.uk that's been linked a few times.  Knowing how it's assessed and therefore how to tailor your answers may help to be able to tackle the form (you may wish to prepare thoughts and maybe draft something before actually applying, or you might be someone who needs the pressure of a deadline to actually be able to start; there's no one right or wrong way to approach it).

The irony is that with my ADHD, it's really challenging to even start the form. I've missed out on so many things in my life through not being able to fill in forms. I think I'll need to get advice from a charity or something, ideally get someone to support me and check what I've written. 

If I did get awarded PIP, would it be backdated to the date I submitted the claim?

Qualified help most definitely sounds like a good idea.

An award is backdated to the date you phone up to start the claim.

I've just realised you need to call to start a claim...I really have trouble with phone calls...what a dreadful system! Unbelievable you can't do it online.