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PIP application advice
2 years 5 months ago #272569 by owlofthemoon
PIP application advice was created by owlofthemoon
Dear Team,
I have finally picked up courage to ring DWP and apply for PIP. But now I have the form and all the supporting evidence to gather.
I have re-read the guide and questions posted in the forum and think it is time I reach out to you.
I suffer from multiple severely debilitating physical and mental conditions and don't know where to begin..Apologies in advance if I repeat or forget to mention things due to my memory problems, brain fog and difficulty to concentrate etc.
I have extended the deadline by a couple of weeks but am struggling to find enough time, energy, help, engagement to manage it.
This is where I have struggling the most. The process of gathering evidence, make notes has been rather taxing and stressful. Along with all the work, it has also made me face things that I perhaps sub-consciously refused to acknowledge. I am wiped out and at my wit's end. I don't think I can carry on with this and would appreciate some inputs/advice please.
Also, considering all the things listed above, do you reckon if there is any point in me pursuing this?
Sorry about the rather long post.
Thank you.
I have finally picked up courage to ring DWP and apply for PIP. But now I have the form and all the supporting evidence to gather.
I have re-read the guide and questions posted in the forum and think it is time I reach out to you.
I suffer from multiple severely debilitating physical and mental conditions and don't know where to begin..Apologies in advance if I repeat or forget to mention things due to my memory problems, brain fog and difficulty to concentrate etc.
I have extended the deadline by a couple of weeks but am struggling to find enough time, energy, help, engagement to manage it.
This is where I have struggling the most. The process of gathering evidence, make notes has been rather taxing and stressful. Along with all the work, it has also made me face things that I perhaps sub-consciously refused to acknowledge. I am wiped out and at my wit's end. I don't think I can carry on with this and would appreciate some inputs/advice please.
1. I am at a loss to find the right/effective adjectives and words to describe the difficulties I face. My diary(15 days) reads more like a rant 
. I fear that the DWP will not see through the my difficulties from what looks more like a rambling nut-head's liturgy than a diary.
2. I haven't got much in the way of evidence(especially to state my difficulties rather than the conditions), my GP(never seens the same person more than twice) hasn't seen me since 2019 and won't allow more than 10 minutes on a telephone assessment. I managed to request a in-person one - that also seems to be for 10 mins but been told they would not be able to help. It was like pulling teeth trying to get some of my conditions listed which was done grudgingly and still incomplete. I just have a SAR for my records in general.
3. I have requested an OT assessement but been advised of the wait time 7-8 months. I had a visit from the Joint Emergency Team but the assessor was a trainee who refused to share any information.
4. A friend has been caring for me since worsening of my condtitions since the last 2-3 years and have had to move in. This is the only letter I can possibly count on. But again, we are both novices and despite extensive search, we aren't entirely sure about all the elements to be included.
Any thoughts/advice on these? . I fear that the DWP will not see through the my difficulties from what looks more like a rambling nut-head's liturgy than a diary.2. I haven't got much in the way of evidence(especially to state my difficulties rather than the conditions), my GP(never seens the same person more than twice) hasn't seen me since 2019 and won't allow more than 10 minutes on a telephone assessment. I managed to request a in-person one - that also seems to be for 10 mins but been told they would not be able to help. It was like pulling teeth trying to get some of my conditions listed which was done grudgingly and still incomplete. I just have a SAR for my records in general.
3. I have requested an OT assessement but been advised of the wait time 7-8 months. I had a visit from the Joint Emergency Team but the assessor was a trainee who refused to share any information.
4. A friend has been caring for me since worsening of my condtitions since the last 2-3 years and have had to move in. This is the only letter I can possibly count on. But again, we are both novices and despite extensive search, we aren't entirely sure about all the elements to be included.
Also, considering all the things listed above, do you reckon if there is any point in me pursuing this?
Sorry about the rather long post.
Thank you.
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2 years 5 months ago #273056 by owlofthemoon
Replied by owlofthemoon on topic PIP application advice
Thank you BIS and SUE for your responses and advice. I appreciate your inputs and support. 
I had to move away from this briefly but realise the importance of the support and need to give it a shot. With submission looming, I need to get my act together. I have found the guide helpful and trying to tackle one bit at a time.
@BIS, you mention I could request a paper assessment as it would cause me overwhelming psychological distress. I have a couple of concerns - 1. As I don't have a lot of medical evidence for my mental health conditions, could this work against me? 2.Would I qualify on this basis? My GP brief summary states only three of the six conditions.
@BIS and SUE, I tried to rectify the GP record situation myself in a couple of ways. I secured the bog standard info they give all patients and to my dismay found most of the conditions weren't captured. I persevered and secured an appointment for a review check and also update my records. Despite the difficulties with health, travel etc, and my friend having to take time off work, the GP after 5 mins into the chat where she questioned that I have an eating disorder(despite previous Therapist diagnosis 2018 and letters from my gastro-dietician to refer to appropriate service) declares it is not a good use of time and taht time is up, having done no examination or discussed anything else! This was very distressing...long story short it was a ton of disappointment and only aggravated my conditions...back to bed/sofa with more flares...sorry about the long story.. I have registered with a new GP now and hope it won't be any worse. But if I submit the 'Brief Summary' which is inaccurate anyway, I fear I may do more harm ?
The trouble in all this is I don't have a copy of the therapist's summary and similar problems with other consultant notes ! So, I don't know if adding that letter will help or harm. Similar story with some of my other conditions...
Similar pains...Joint Emergency Team assessment whilst I wait for an OT assessment( waiting time is 18 months....)The assessor came in, just saw what was obvious to him and recommended things that are visible to him without any context etc..(Bar mobility problems, all my conditions are invisble illnesses). I had hoped an OT assessment would cover all difficulties and I would be able to discuss what my options are. He was insistent that I should use a zimmer frame, I tried to explain that severe pain, fatigue, poor balance and weakness means when I go out I need to use both - the walking stick and clasp my friend's hand and lean for strength but he failed to understand! This gent hardly discussed options or anything at all and when I asked for a copy of the assessment report, he refused to be able to send any. I am beginning to think that perhaps the fault lies with me...
Must stop for now...getting rather overwhelmed, apologies for being all over the place.
Thank you for all your support and good wishes.
I had to move away from this briefly but realise the importance of the support and need to give it a shot. With submission looming, I need to get my act together. I have found the guide helpful and trying to tackle one bit at a time.
@BIS, you mention I could request a paper assessment as it would cause me overwhelming psychological distress. I have a couple of concerns - 1. As I don't have a lot of medical evidence for my mental health conditions, could this work against me? 2.Would I qualify on this basis? My GP brief summary states only three of the six conditions.
@BIS and SUE, I tried to rectify the GP record situation myself in a couple of ways. I secured the bog standard info they give all patients and to my dismay found most of the conditions weren't captured. I persevered and secured an appointment for a review check and also update my records. Despite the difficulties with health, travel etc, and my friend having to take time off work, the GP after 5 mins into the chat where she questioned that I have an eating disorder(despite previous Therapist diagnosis 2018 and letters from my gastro-dietician to refer to appropriate service) declares it is not a good use of time and taht time is up, having done no examination or discussed anything else! This was very distressing...long story short it was a ton of disappointment and only aggravated my conditions...back to bed/sofa with more flares...sorry about the long story.. I have registered with a new GP now and hope it won't be any worse. But if I submit the 'Brief Summary' which is inaccurate anyway, I fear I may do more harm ?
The trouble in all this is I don't have a copy of the therapist's summary and similar problems with other consultant notes ! So, I don't know if adding that letter will help or harm. Similar story with some of my other conditions...
Similar pains...Joint Emergency Team assessment whilst I wait for an OT assessment( waiting time is 18 months....)The assessor came in, just saw what was obvious to him and recommended things that are visible to him without any context etc..(Bar mobility problems, all my conditions are invisble illnesses). I had hoped an OT assessment would cover all difficulties and I would be able to discuss what my options are. He was insistent that I should use a zimmer frame, I tried to explain that severe pain, fatigue, poor balance and weakness means when I go out I need to use both - the walking stick and clasp my friend's hand and lean for strength but he failed to understand! This gent hardly discussed options or anything at all and when I asked for a copy of the assessment report, he refused to be able to send any. I am beginning to think that perhaps the fault lies with me...
Must stop for now...getting rather overwhelmed, apologies for being all over the place.
Thank you for all your support and good wishes.
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