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Should I use PIP descriptor terminology on form

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7 years 4 weeks ago #185567 by rj
Hi folks,
In anticipation of getting a letter from the DWP telling me that my DLA is ending (It is approaching the time that all remaining DLA claims will end, so I expect this will happen sometime soon), I have been using your PIP guide to prepare for filling in the questionnaire. Using the guide to make sure I give all the relevant information, and learning about descriptors, points, and much more, has been very helpful, but I would appreciate your advice on the terminology I should use when filling in the questionnaire.
I have several health problems, so for each relevant question, in Extra information, I intend to start by giving a brief overview of the issues I face due to my conditions and their effect upon my daily living/mobility, followed by a brief history, and then go into more detail in paragraphs headed ISSUES I FACE DUE TO (Whatever health problem/ disability I'm addressing)—as many paragraphs as is relevant to the question. This will be followed by an explanation of the aids I use, their limitations, and the help I need from another person.
Incidentally; following your advice, I've been saving useful Hospital Consultant letters, reports, etc. to submit with my application. I even asked my local Community Care Team to do an up to date Social Care Assessment. I had to wait 3 months for the visit, but last week a Care Manager visited, carried out the assessment, and the very next day sent me a copy of the Assessment and Support Plan, for me to submit with my PIP application when the time comes.
My question is this: In providing the extra information when giving my initial brief overviews of the issues I face due my conditions and their effect upon me, should I use terminology similar to that used by the DWP in the PIP descriptors, in order to make it absolutely clear which descriptor I think applies to me?
Two examples:
Overview of the issues I face—Preparing food
I suffer from………………… Consequently; I cannot reliably and safely prepare and cook food for myself at any time, without experiencing significant pain, and putting myself and others at substantial risk of harm.
Overview of the issues I face—Moving around
I suffer from………………… Consequently; I cannot walk up to 20 metres either aided or unaided without experiencing significant pain, and due to the loss of sensation in my limbs (peripheral neuropathy) and balance problems; I cannot, either aided or unaided, safely or reliably walk any distance at all.
Or, alternatively, should I use less specific everyday language to avoid sounding like a clever-clogs, and antagonising the PIP Assessor? (which kind of goes against the grain now I’m aware of the DWP’s tendency to interpret what we say in everyday language in their own favour).
Thank you for your time; I would value your advice.
Bengal.

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7 years 4 weeks ago #185603 by Gordon
Bengal

PIP has been live for just under four years and we are only about 1/3 of the way through the conversion of DLA claimants, so it seems very likely that the project will easily exceed it's original completion date, so it may be some time before you invited to claim PIP.

Yes, I would reflect the terminology used in the PIP Descriptors when you complete the PIP2, one note; you have misquoted the reliability criteria so you should go back to the Claim guide to check this.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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