PIP and animals

Buzyizzy

Bizarre title I know. Sorry.
Apologies if this is obvious to many of you, but I do feel it needs saying. It is perfectly possible to own and keep horses on a shoestring and I reckon I’ve perfected it over the years. I own one retired pony and a horse who I am trying to find a rider for now as I’ve had to retire from riding due to deteriorating ill health. I only visit them once a day, a friend kindly does the mornings for me and I buy her gifts in return. The set up has been adjusted so that I can manage some care which is incredibly kind. Horses don’t have to be a huge expense and mine certainly aren’t, mostly field ornaments now, but they are my reason for getting out of bed in the morning. 

So there’s nowhere on the form that mentions any past times, hobbies, whatever you want to call it. Sorry if this is disjointed, brain fog tonight. Would you mention it or what? I struggle with so much in my daily life that it’s lovely to have the help and adjustments (wrong word, can’t think of it) to be able to have some pleasure most days. 

Muttleythefrog

Buzyizzy said:

Bizarre title I know. Sorry.
Apologies if this is obvious to many of you, but I do feel it needs saying. It is perfectly possible to own and keep horses on a shoestring and I reckon I’ve perfected it over the years. I own one retired pony and a horse who I am trying to find a rider for now as I’ve had to retire from riding due to deteriorating ill health. I only visit them once a day, a friend kindly does the mornings for me and I buy her gifts in return. The set up has been adjusted so that I can manage some care which is incredibly kind. Horses don’t have to be a huge expense and mine certainly aren’t, mostly field ornaments now, but they are my reason for getting out of bed in the morning. 

So there’s nowhere on the form that mentions any past times, hobbies, whatever you want to call it. Sorry if this is disjointed, brain fog tonight. Would you mention it or what? I struggle with so much in my daily life that it’s lovely to have the help and adjustments (wrong word, can’t think of it) to be able to have some pleasure most days. 

My first thoughts are.... I would only mention hobbies or interests if it is relevant in giving examples of, or describing, how your disabilities affect you for the activity (of the 12 looked at) that you are describing your difficulties with. Be mindful to avoid any apparent contradictions - e.g. I cannot go out most of the time wouldn't tally with 'I go to the local stables to feed my horses twice a day'.... on the other hand... 'I have a horse but now I need someone else to feed him as I'm too distressed to leave my home on most days' would be consistent. Ultimately every claim is unique so it really comes down to relevance when describing your disabilities - for my PIP application and reviews I've not mentioned my interests and hobbies at all although if I was asked (such as in an assessment) I'd give an honest answer and explain how disability really limits my ability to engage them (like enjoying nature outdoors prevented by inability to go outdoors due to psychological distress and fear of getting lost).

CAB give excellent guidance on the form filling and surrounding issues and stages.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/fill-in-form-pip/

Crucial at all times.... don't lose focus on the activities relevant to you of the 12 (10 Daily Living, 2 Mobility) and the associated disability descriptors which are allocated a points score. Describing your difficulties with relevance to these descriptors/activities is paramount and for the avoidance of doubt here they are.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

As an aside... animals can be a support for people as you point to.... so unsurprisingly sometimes used in therapy... my cat on the other hand has me tearing my hair out...lol

Rubyroobs

An assessor will likely ask you about your average day, what you do , how you spend your time, whether you work etc. All the recent PIP assessment I have supported my clients with have been asked this.

Buzyizzy

I still work, although it’s becoming harder each month, hence the PIP application. I just didn’t want any preconceptions to cloud any decision. Horses can cost an absolute fortune, but mine are very much pets, friends and confidantes. 

Thanks 

Spoonie_Turtle

Buzyizzy said:

I still work, although it’s becoming harder each month, hence the PIP application. I just didn’t want any preconceptions to cloud any decision. Horses can cost an absolute fortune, but mine are very much pets, friends and confidantes. 

Thanks 

PIP is not at all means-tested so that does not need to be a consideration   It doesn't matter how much income you have nor what you spend it on (as long as that doesn't contradict what you tell them in your claim).  What matters is how your condition(s) affect ypu and which descriptors you meet.

Alice_Holt

If you are completing a PIP2 form (for the first time?), I would suggest seeing if your local advice charity can help.

Failing that, look carefully at the links Muttley has provided.

In completing the form, it's really important that you fit your conditions / long-term ill-health / disabilities to the PIP activities and descriptors. Explain why and how how can't do the PIP activity reliably on the major of days because of these health conditions.  Space on the form is limited, so add extra sheets as necessary. Include relevant supporting medical evidence.

8 points are needed for an award (for both Daily Living & Mobility)

 

Vates

Spoonie and Alice posts are spot on. Muttley's tips are correct too. I only got asked about animals in my assesments because the only thing that gets me out the house is looking after my Sister's dog twice a week, which is when I catch the bus. I got asked if I walked her but the answer was every few months, and only when I looked after her overnight.