PIP application query

Altior

Hey all, I am well versed in researching so can most likely gather any technical information out there, however I was hoping to tap into some real world experiences.

I have multiple health conditions, including one that is significantly lifestyle impacting, however the NHS rejected mine and my GP's application for elective surgery. Other conditions have been subsequently diagnosed, which result in me having to take medication for the remainder of my life.

So that's the background, my question is that I also have a neuro condition. I am 99.999% certain I am on the autism spectrum, most likely Aperger syndrome. I have always embraced this, I love the affectations it has, and all the things that come with 'being' Asperger's. I feel like as I get older, the symptoms seem to manifest themselves in a stronger fashion. I am almost reclusive now, whereas up to my 30s I was not at all (I've always lacked emotional intelligence though!). Anyhow, I still see this as a benefit, and not in any way an affliction, so I have never sought an official diagnosis confirmation from a professional.

So the question is, would it impact a PIP application to have a formal autism/Asperger's diagnosis? Or would explaining the impacts and affects it has on my day to day life be an equivalence, specifically in regard to the prospect of a positive PIP application outcome?

born_again

PIP is not  based on diagnosis.
It is based on your ability to do daily tasks.


https://pipinfo.net/

Altior

Thanks born_again. Yep, that's right. I'm essentially asking though whether you can say a professional has confirmed I have this condition that can make these daily tasks difficult, has a more positive impact than me just saying that's what is impacting me.

I guess it comes down to my Asperger's funnily enough as my currency is facts, rather than conjecture. I personally would therefore take a professional diagnosis as being likely to be far more robust than me just saying that's what is happening to me. As I could just as easily make it up. So in actual practice, would it make any difference. As if it would, I could get that done privately. If it doesn't, save my time and money!

peteuk

You will find it very difficult to suggest that your symptoms are caused by a disease or condition that you have no evidence of being diagnosis.

Although PIP is not based on diagnosis eg just because you have a diagnosis you dont automatically get PIP however you need a diagnosis in the first place to then say your symptoms are caused by this…

Neuro conditions do not automatically score certain activities and are not considered for some.

Alice_Holt

Altior said:

Thanks born_again. Yep, that's right. I'm essentially asking though whether you can say a professional has confirmed I have this condition that can make these daily tasks difficult, has a more positive impact than me just saying that's what is impacting me.

I guess it comes down to my Asperger's funnily enough as my currency is facts, rather than conjecture. I personally would therefore take a professional diagnosis as being likely to be far more robust than me just saying that's what is happening to me. As I could just as easily make it up. So in actual practice, would it make any difference. As if it would, I could get that done privately. If it doesn't, save my time and money!

         Remember that PIP has a points based assessment, based on whether you struggle to do the PIP activities reliably on the majority of days.
        A form which fully details why the minimum 8 points should be awarded clearly explaining the difficulty with cooking, washing, dressing, social engagement, etc, etc that the condition imposes on the claimant's daily life is a good starting point for an application.
     Conversely, a form that cannot show how 8 points apply - even if it contains medical evidence confirming a condition is not going to lead to an award.

     How do you get to the necessary 8 points ?
That is the important issue for you, above getting a diagnosis. 

If you can clearly detail how and why an award should be given, and also have confirming medical evidence - the medical evidence will undoubtedly help your claim, 

born_again

Someone asked a similar thing here.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6502728/pip-appeal-evidence#latest

peteuk

I would also add @born_again that the OP looks at the description of the task.  For instance i had many claimant say for preparing food I cant bend down to the oven,  But the task is prepare a simple meal for one on the hob.  So use of oven, cooking a family meal doesnt count. 

In the case of a claimant tries to say they dont have the capcity to learn to cook, then without a diagnosis that statement is not backed up. 

Altior

Brilliant, thanks all.

So in a nutshell, my tasks are to first identify if the limitations I experience now would be enough to fit the prescriptive criteria to qualify for the 8 points. Then if they do, having medical evidence of the neuro condition would be very useful if that plays a part in achieving the 8 points (as all my other conditions can already be supported by a GP/consultant).

Alice_Holt

Altior said:

So in a nutshell, my tasks are to first identify if the limitations I experience now would be enough to fit the prescriptive criteria to qualify for the 8 points. Then if they do, having medical evidence of the neuro condition would be very useful if that plays a part in achieving the 8 points (as all my other conditions can already be supported by a GP/consultant).

        Exactly.


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


 https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/how-decisions-are-made/

Spoonie_Turtle

In addition to the links already given, here is the full guidance from DWP:

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

peteuk

I have somewhere a list of what activities are physical, cognitive and neuro.  Equally how the different types of conditions limit or open certain descriptors. 

I say this because what the claimant thinks is a logical application of their limitations to a descriptor might not equally apply due to the restrictions trained.