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Am I too ill to qualify for PIP?

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6 years 10 months ago #190931 by suemccaff
Am I too ill to qualify for PIP? was created by suemccaff
I have been struggling for several months with the PIP process. I initially was going to start the switch from indefinite DLA myself but now they've asked me to apply anyway.

I am very unwell to the extent that even filling in a form takes energy and focus and strength I do not have. I have degenerative liver disease amongst other things and live alone.
I'm having trouble fitting my situation to the descriptors as it makes no difference if I have aids to cook or wash etc, when I am too ill I am in bed and not doing anything. So, if PIP is designed to help someone with a disability live independently how can I fit that?
I don't have any aids as I never cook but having aids wouldn't help. I can walk but don't as I'm too ill if you see what I mean.
When they ask what I do to compensate for difficulties with activities I can't answer because I simply won't do that activity on, what is now, the majority of days.
I've read the guides and I still can't seem to make my illness fit. I don't yet have a terminal diagnosis but it's known that my level of disease will shorten my life. Please advise.

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6 years 10 months ago #190945 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Am I too ill to qualify for PIP?
Suzi

It seems to me that you do understand how to complete the form, if you are too ill and in bed to cook, wash, dress, etc., then you should explain this on the form.

Try and break your answers down into small elements so it is less challenging for you to answer them, maybe start with a sentence then expand it to a paragraph and then multiple paras.

There is formula for answering each question in the guide try and follow this as it will help you to answer them.

Have you spoken to your GP about your problems and the PIP claim form.

Try and get help, do an internet search for "welfare advice" with your postcode, town or county, you can also try any charities that deal with your conditions, they may be able to help you.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: suemccaff

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6 years 10 months ago #190950 by suemccaff
Replied by suemccaff on topic Am I too ill to qualify for PIP?
Reading my question back I seem to have answered my own dilemma. So I should just make it clear that even with all the aids and adaptations I still would be unable to do the activity? Sorry to have been so dense Gordon, sometimes the simplest things are hardest to see.

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6 years 10 months ago #190954 by annie-rose
Replied by annie-rose on topic Am I too ill to qualify for PIP?
You absolutely should be able to get PIP for your condition- it's not really a benefit to help with personal independence it's just the new name for DLA.

I am just another claimant so no expert but I have read the guides.

If I were writing your form I would say something like:

Because of -insert condition here (e.g. liver disease)- I suffer from-insert symptoms here (e.g. nausea, extreme fatigue, abdominal pain etc. and I am confined to my bed/bedbound all/for most/much of each day/some days) as a result of this I am completely (or frequently or for most of the time) unable to prepare food or cook meals
Then explain what you do to obtain food e.g. does someone prepare food for you or do you have another way of obtaining nutrition[/].

Basically just say exactly what you've said in your post- that you are often bedbound due to the severity of your illness and symptoms (and write about the symptoms) and as a result of this cannot complete each activity.

The guides in the 'Members only guides' section are amazingly helpful!

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