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Mental Health has greatly worsened during Pandemic

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3 years 8 months ago #262281 by Helen-Louise
Hi, I was hoping you might have some advice for people who have found their mental health has greatly worsened due to the coronavirus pandemic. I have the PIP Review form 1043 to complete and I need to inform the DWP that my MH is much worse now.

I have gone from studying at university to doing almost nothing at home, since my degree is lab-based and the lab was closed completely for about six months. Even once the lab reopened, I was not been able to return since everyone must work individually with social distancing, whereas I need to work closely with my lab assistant and/or supervisor because of my physical disabilities. Therefore I have become very depressed and isolated at home. I am not currently able to return to study because my MH is so bad.

I barely go out now and whenever I do, I require someone with me because of severe anxiety related to the pandemic, so I think I probably should score 12 points for Mobility now. However, I don't know if I should write about this in Section 11 Planning and following a route to another place or Section 12 Moving around.

Feel free to refer me to another document or thread if there is one - I just couldn't find anything with a quick search.

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3 years 8 months ago #262284 by Catherine
Hello Helen Louise,

Yes, do include details of how your mental health is currently affecting you. The possible problem you will have is for a condition, and its effects, to be considered for PIP you have to have had it for at least 3 months and reasonably expect it to last for another 9 months. Whilst clearly you fulfil the first condition at some point you may need to argue that it is going to last another 9 months, i.e. once things have got back to normal. Given that you are unlikely to have an assessment for another 3 months, if you can show the progression or otherwise of your condition over that time it might be helpful.

Section 12 on the form is about being physically able to stand and walk. Any other issues which prevent you going out come under section 11.

I would recommend that you read our PIP guide, it will help you go through the form. The first link on this page. PIP resources . If you scroll down a bit further on that page you will find a link to a recording of a webinar about ‘Claiming the PIP mobility component on mental health grounds’.

I hope that helps, please do come back to us if you have any more questions,
Catherine

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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3 years 8 months ago #262308 by Helen-Louise
Replied by Helen-Louise on topic Mental Health has greatly worsened during Pandemic
Thanks, I was hoping there might be a transcript of the webinar somewhere? Two hours is a long time to sit and watch a video.

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3 years 8 months ago #262315 by Catherine
I am not aware that there is a transcript available. Perhaps just leave it playing in the background whilst you are doing something else so that you can tune into the bits which would be helpful to you?

Sorry to not be able to be more helpful.
Catherine

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