PIP Success

Thank you for the information and support on this site. After a long assessment process (having to prove my identity twice and the DWP losing my original phone application) I received a decision of enhanced for both care and mobility on an ongoing basis for both. Although this is justified I feel extraordinarily fortunate and so relieved as I had prepared myself for a long drawn out appeal process. Despite the messy start to the assessment my contacts with the DWP were then helpful and I received a home visit for my face to face assessment. I did not request this but did ask for a venue that was not have a long distance from parking or drop off by car and without steps. (Concentrating on my needs). The person who carried out my interview seemed sympathetic and I did not feel was trying to catch me out. I went over the interview afterwards with a cynical attitude but am glad that it was as appeared. I realise I was fortunate in this.
I spent a good deal of time on my application and had help from a friend who is a retired Educational Psychologist. I took the position of the worst days/weeks of my experience and was honest about the help I need (even if I don't always ask for or have it). Even so it was a difficult experience. I found that days and weeks of concentrating on all the worst aspects of my condition and life were very depressing and sapping of the limited energy I have. BUT worthwhile for this positive outcome. I gathered as much advice as possible including that published by the MS society. The local support available from the MS Society had closed just before I began the process. It was helpful using the information in your guide as a basis for how I answered the questions. My partner, who is also my carer, provided a very honest letter giving his perspective on my condition and the help I need. Once again, thank you and I have been passing on information about this site to professionals and those working with likely PIP applicants.