pip

Hello SL

First, are you aware that your real name seems to be showing? If you want to change this, click on 'Preferences' where it appears to the right of 'Welcome [name] at the top of the page. You will then be able to change how your name appears on these pages.

Variability, or to use PIP language reliability is a key element in the PIP assessment process.

Do read our PIP guide, it explains how this works, and what you should say.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/dla.php?fld=bw...4fb1640dd7a4ce6a0fc0

Well done for helping your friend!

Catherine

Hi Sarah,

Welcome to Benefits and Work, please have a look at the members guides, which provide a lot of information, including about filling in the mobility section of the form.

Yes, the critieria for DLA & PIP mobility is not the same, but there is some overlap. A disability diary is a good way of working out how to fill out the form. Your friend could do this, or of course you could help. Over the next few days, maybe a week, you or your friend should write down all the times she has difficulty with something, or perhaps feels better. Consider all aspects of the day from getting up, getting dressed, having breakfast etc through to bed time. What challenges were there, what went well, what didn't, what help was needed, were there any accidents or mishaps? Also, what level of pain occurred, or eg dizziness, fatigue etc? Note whether any walking was done, and how far, was there a problem with balance, the manner of walking, could it be done again, and when, did pain increase? If your friend had to stop walking why did this happen, and where. Hoefully by the end of the week, it will be clear that certain activities can either be done easily or require help.Likewise it should be clear how well/far your friend walks. Then go back to the member guides, and compare your friend's disabilities to the guidelines. Think of the overall pattern for the week, for each activity on the form, and remember that all activities have to be done safely, to an acceptable standard, within a reasonable time, and repeatedly as required across the day. If your friend's PIP activities are not safe, or poorly done, or perhaps pain or fatigue prevents activity or repeated activity, for at least 50% of the days then this suggests she should be awarded points.
Putting examples within all sections of the form will give DWP a much clearer idea of the disabilities your friend has.
A number of CAB offices and local advice centres are still open despite lockdown. If you have any problems filling out your friend's form, see if you can locate one in your area.

Good luck with filling out the form!

LL26

Hi Deadpoet,

It is impossible for us to say who will fill in the form best - you and your friend, or your friend and someone from the CAB. It really depends on how much you are struggling to do it on your own and how much time the CAB are able to give you.

What is certain however is that you need to find a combination which does get the form completed. It is not easy to do in the best of circumstances but distracted by pain makes it a Herculean task. I would recommend trying to make an honest assessment of what you and your friend, together with our guides, are able to do and then make the decision.

(Oh - and remember that it might take a little while to get a CAB appointment, so don’t leave it until the last minute.)

Wishing you success,

Catherine