No supporting evidence

Hi velvet

There are plenty of people with fibromyalgia who have been awarded PIP, but there are also a lot who get denied it, so you will have a fight on your hands.

I recommend keeping a diary for at least a fortnight. Below the PIP guides, you can see examples of one for fibromyalgia. In the diary, you will be able to highlight your difficulties and show a pattern. It's hard for the Health Professional to understand if you have no obvious evidence.

I hate to say it - but likely they will look at any pain medication you take. If you don't take any, you need to mention this head-on and give the reasons why. If you do take some, but it's not effective - say so. If you've tried things and they no longer work - say so.

Don't assume they will understand any of the symptoms you have which stop you from doing things - they won't. You have to tell them as clearly as possible. If you don't have any help but you need extra help - say so. If the pain, exhaustion, or 'fibro fog' prevents you from doing things mentioned on the PIP criteria - say so.

If you have ever been seen at a pain clinic, say so, and if you have ever had physiotherapy or hydrotherapy for your fibromyalgia, say so. Talk about any other referrals you might have had.

If you drive, they will jump on it—they always do. There is a good post about claiming PIP and driving that you might find useful.

I know you say friends and family can't say much, but if you have anyone who has witnessed your struggles and is willing to put pen to paper - then it's worth including.

If you have any old evidence, send it in. They are mostly only interested in the last three years, but I've helped claimants get awarded PIP without any recent evidence.

I hope this helps.

Come back and ask if you have any further questions and we will try to help

BIS

Hi Velvet

No, they will not start with your UC claim when considering your PIP. Although there is a little overlap between the two benefits, even when the criteria appear similar, they look at them differently. There are people who claim UC and get refused PIP, and there are those who claim PIP and have been refused UC. The assessor who is looking at your PIP may be aware that your claim UC - but they will not be looking at the paperwork.

BIS

Hi terdun9

You are classed as a mixed age couple

Your post is incorrect, UC is not reduced for claimants receiving PIP.

PIP is ignored as income for benefit purposes and for tax. Your husbands state pension and any private pensions will be taken into consideration when claiming UC.

Gary