PIP mental health

Hello Bev and welcome to the forum,

I think the worse possible scenario of PIP (or DLA) is having to complete a form about your child. I am fortunate in that I have had to do it, but I have seen the impact it has on parents and dread each time it happens. I have now developed a technique where I start the process by asking the parent to record with me all the positives about their child. I keep this record and then hand it back to them when we have finished working on the form to help them refocus on who their child really is. I would suggest that you do the same for yourself.

As to pointers. I would start by saying use our PIP guide. It is really good and really thorough.

First link on this page - PIP resources

Include all the supporting evidence you can, including not only evidence from medical practitioners, but also other people who know your son. This can include you and any other relatives!

Find someone you trust who also knows your son and ask them to complete the form with you. Tell them that you wish for them to be honest with you about the difficulties they believe your son has. As his parent it is your job to see what he can do, and that is your focus. I don’t think it is really possible to switch this perspective without support.

Include the decision of the previous tribunal, and state, if it is so, that his condition has not changed since that decision. If it has changed, still include it, but give details of the changes.

Finally if you have not done so, if your son agrees, get yourself appointed as his Appointee. I wrote a reasonably detailed post about this here {/url] which you might find helpful. Basically, it gives you the legal right to make representations on his behalf.

Please do come back to us if you have any more questions,
Catherine