Should I claim PIP?

textbook

I heard PIP is the new disability benefit.  I've had an injured foot for three months now - maybe gout or injured ligaments, I'm struggling to do my physical job.  How easy is it to go on this and what do you need to do?   I'm currently on tax credits and got part time office job which isn't stable alongside my self employed physical job.  Is it possible to do some limited work and claim it?

Muttleythefrog

textbook said:

I heard PIP is the new disability benefit.  I've had an injured foot for three months now - maybe gout or injured ligaments, I'm struggling to do my physical job.  How easy is it to go on this and what do you need to do?   I'm currently on tax credits and got part time office job which isn't stable alongside my self employed physical job.  Is it possible to do some limited work and claim it?

PIP has been around a fair while now but it replaced Disability Living Allowance.

You can get PIP whether you work or not - it is not means tested.

It has 2 components -  Daily Living and Mobility. Each has activities with points awarded for varying levels of disablement. Points total of 8-11 for a component gains a standard award and 12 or more an enhanced award.

Strongly suggest you give yourself an honest appraisal as to whether you should qualify. Firstly you must have had the problems for at least 3 months and expect them to continue for another 9 months or more.
Here are the activities looked at and disablements which can lead to point scoring and therefore awards. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

Study the PIP guidance on the CAB website.

Applying and getting a suitable award can be quite a tough process (long winded forms to describe your problems and also assessments) so I would not attempt it unless you definitely think you should qualify for an award. On the face of it I think you might struggle to get an award but you are far better placed to know exactly what problems in your daily life relevant to PIP that you experience. Supporting medical evidence and opinion can be helpful.

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Separately if you are unable to work due to illness, injury or disability then you would look to whether you could meet criteria for limited capability for work and/or work related activity.

Spoonie_Turtle

Further to Muttley's reply, here's a bit more about how it's assessed - check both PDFs linked on the page too https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/how-decisions-are-made/

poppy12345

Please also be aware that for PIP you need to have had the difficulties for at least 3 months and expect them to last at least a further 9 months. I think you may struggle with this based on those conditions.

tacpot12

poppy12345 said:

Please also be aware that for PIP you need to have had the difficulties for at least 3 months and expect them to last at least a further 9 months. I think you may struggle with this based on those conditions.

You really need a doctor to have told you that you are going to have the difficulties for at least 9 months. If the medical opinion is that it might take six to nine months for you to be back to normal, then your PIP application is likely to be rejected. 

Sometimes it can help to keep a diary of the difficulties you are having, especially if you have good days and bad days. It's a valuable benefit, but it's only paid once you go above a certain threashold for the level of support you need.  

tifo

textbook said:

I heard PIP is the new disability benefit.  I've had an injured foot for three months now - maybe gout or injured ligaments

My experience (threads on here) is that it is extremely difficult to get PIP because of gout no matter how disabling it is, and mine is/was for more than 50% or 6 months. That's the threshold you've to pass. They'll always say you can walk more than 200 metres for the majority (50% or 6 months) of the time hence to points. It's very difficult convincing them that you can't walk more than 50 metres even when you can't.

My gout has been getting worse and is more disabling now as it's affecting different areas for longer so I will try again but I don't have any hopes that i'll get it.

kkkklinky

I have 2 relatives that suffer from either gout or muscle damage, neither of them got awarded any points for a PIP award. It may be possible but it would be difficult. I would get advice from Citizens Advice. Or do the PIP test online but be aware some people tend to overestimate their difficulties because they don't fully understand the descriptors.

poppy12345

kkkklinky said:

Or do the PIP test online but be aware some people tend to overestimate their difficulties because they don't fully understand the descriptors.

I wouldn't recommend that for the very reason you stated above. Unless you fully understand the descriptors and the other criteria, the self test is about as helpful as a chocolate tea pot. One reason why i never post that link for anyone.

kkkklinky

As long as people fully understand how the descriptors work, the online test can be useful. It can also be useful in confirming that you are ineligible and therefore prevent wasting time filling in an application. Some people no matter how much they overstimate difficulties will never be eligible anyway, it definitely stopped my brother bothering with claiming.

HillStreetBlues

kkkklinky said:

As long as people fully understand how the descriptors work, the online test can be useful. It can also be useful in confirming that you are ineligible and therefore prevent wasting time filling in an application. Some people no matter how much they overstimate difficulties will never be eligible anyway, it definitely stopped my brother bothering with claiming.

I agree with poppy.
I'd rather see a person who isn't entitled to PIP claim and get rejected than someone who is not bother.
For instance "simple meal"  doesn't mean much without context.

textbook

Got the link to apply?  

Can't hurt to apply I guess.   I am working a sedentary job PAYE so Haven't claimed yet statutory sick

Also, I guess keep getting the sick benefits off doc I guess.  Haven't claimed yet th