Having trouble understanding how points work for me, can you explain and give examples?

benefitquestions

So I have a panic disorder thats very extreme, a depressive disorder that isnt like normal depression, problems with suicide, trauma problems from unfortunate events recently which include being drugged, Asperger's autism, OCD problems, abuse issues that are really quite extreme and lots more mental health problems

Then the questions are about making a meal

Obviously Im alive so Im eating!

But at the same time I cannot prepare and cook a simple hot meal at all, even with help or aids!

So when the Panic hits im obviously unable to do anything other than be in agony

So I dont understand how I fit the points system, can you explain it to me?

"Preparing food: Your ability to cook a simple meal.

PIP Preparing Food Descriptors and Points
0 Points: You can prepare and cook a simple hot meal unaided (without help, aids, supervision, or prompting).
2 Points: You need to use an aid or appliance (like a stool or adapted peeler) to prepare or cook a simple meal.
2 Points: You cannot use a conventional cooker (hob/oven) but can cook a simple meal using a microwave.
2 Points: You need prompting (being reminded or encouraged) by another person to prepare or cook a meal.
4 Points: You need someone to supervise or assist (physically help) you while you prepare and cook a meal.
8 Points: You cannot prepare and cook a simple hot meal at all, even with help or aids."

elsien

Have a look at this guide. After each descriptor it gives suggestions as to how they might relate to mental health. Use it as a prompt because there may be other things that it makes you think of.


https://mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/welfare-benefits/pip-mental-health-guide/help-with-your-pip-claim/how-to-fill-in-the-pip-form/

benefitquestions

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82121989#Comment_82121989

im having problems with motivation there's loads of guides you tube videos etc im asking here because I cant do it myself, its not laziness its a very long standing motivational issue

so I need someone to explain it to me in a simple way not too many lines of text to read

thankyou very much btw

Muttleythefrog

It's important you have in mind the reliability criteria. To be able to be considered able to do a task you need to meet the reliability criteria otherwise you can't do it.

you must be able to carry out an activity safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time period

So if you get dressed but it takes an hour…. that's not in reasonable time so you can't get dressed. This criteria is important to you and mental health claimants…. because often all tasks can be done in theory but in practice not reliably or without support.

Important to give examples of what happens when you try to do tasks… take them through the mechanics of it and what problems you face and the help you need. Give examples of failures to perform the task such as burnt meals and unsafe events.

Unfortunately getting 3rd parties to understand these difficulties can be a challenge as mental health problems often are not rational…not linear and logical in presentation of how they affect daily life… so step by step explanations can be useful such as if engaging others….. take them through what happens when you talk to someone and try to have a conversation and if suffering relevant disablement describe it well and how it plays out.

Unfortunately a PIP clam is quite demanding particular in initial disability form filling…so I get you'll have motivational issues and struggle. Important to save all work electronically as you'll repeat quite a few things and in future face reassessment possibly where you'll say much the same things. If motivation is an issue then it likely affects similarly many of the daily living activities at a low level of disability and you'll describe similar problems.

Final point… AI… this can be helpful in seeking out info you need and giving guidance… it might be helpful to you in cutting out efforts that tire you or that you lack motivation for and not just regarding claiming PIP… more generally.

benefitquestions

Thanks Very Much Guys! :-)

Cyclamen

Is there anyone in your area who could help you fill the form in.. if motivation is tricky that might help?
Places to look your counties MIND charity, CAB, any independent living centers, foodbanks can often direct you to someone or may have an experienced volunteer.

I use a non profit called fightback4justice to help complete forms. It does have a charge i think it was about £10 for the month and that gave me access to worked examples for various disabilities, help sheets and guides, a form i could type on , checking service where they read and feedback, and helpline/email for questions. It really helped me understand as i was doing a form for family member with a diagnosis i didnt share plus Autism. They will also do your forms for you via telephone appointment but that has a higher charge and i could afford it.

peteuk

I would add, to @Muttleythefrog great advice, look at descriptor of the action. For instance preparing food, the action is preparing. Simple meal for one using the hob.

When I was assessing PIP, I had many say but I can’t bend down to open the oven, or grip a pan and lift it from the oven. Which I would have to ignore as its not part of the activity.