MOVING AROUND

matstanza wrote: Hi, I am filling in the pip form for my wife who has Multiple Sclerosis. and I am a little confused by the Question 13 going out, is this for mental health only. My wife is virtually unable to walk and we use a wheelchair that I push as she doesn't have the strength to propel herself when we go out , she never goes out on her own, so I plan all journeys. Does this question apply to us and if so how would I answer
thanks Paul.

Question 13, Going Out, looks at the claimants ability to plan and follow a route, physical issues with walking will not be considered, these are covered in question 14 Moving Around. The question is aimed at claimants with mental health, cognitive or sensory issues which would effect there ability to perform this activity.

If the only reason your wife does not go out because of her walking then I would not expect her to score point for this Activity.

You say that you plan all journeys, is this because it is easier that way, in which case she is unlikely to score or because she is unable to plan a route herself in which case you should explain why this is the case.

This is explained in more detail in the PIP Claim guide.

Gordon

matstanza wrote: Thankyou for your reply, The reason I say I plan all journeys is because my wife doesn't drive and she relies on myself or family and friends to take her out. My wife also suffers from anxiety and depression so planning a journey on her own would be difficult. The reason I wasn't sure was because she is physically disabled she is unable to go out on her own, so does the question 13 going out apply to her.
paul

As I explained in my previous post, physical problems with walking are covered under question 14, you can answer on this basis in question 13 but I would not expect her to score points.

As to planning a route, the issue (as it is with all of the activities) is not whether they don't do the activity but rather whether they can't perform it due to their conditions.

Gordon