Bipolar and Stable - PIP

Julie wrote: I have a diagnosis of Bipolar Type 1. I have been in receipt of DLA indefinate award. I have recently been asked to fill in and apply for PIP. My DLA application was filled in with help from community phychiatric nurse. I am currently in an episode of stability and no longer a service user other than with my GP. I am prescribed the usual mood stabilizers. Has anyone got any help or advice with filling in the new PIP or should I not apply?

PIP is awarded for very different reasons than DLA, I would start by having a read of our PIP Claim guide so that you understand the criteria that you will need to show that you meet, you can then make a decision on whether it is worth your applying or not. See

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/pip

Although you have nothing to lose by doing so and it will extend the time that you continue to receive DLA, you do need to consider the physical and more importantly, mental effort that applying will involve, having to detail your problems on the claim form can be very distressing to many claimants.

Gordon