PIP help and advice.

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louise1993

Hi everyone, this is my first post to this group and I'm hoping I can get some advice if possible.

I'm 29 years old, I've had severe anxiety and depression for the last 4-5 years which was when I decided to quit my job due to my mental health. 

I've been financially unstable depending on my husband to support me financially and it's really beginning to take a toll, all of my family and friends think I'm being selfish and should just get on with it which makes me feel 10x worst as I'm embarrased that I've got to this point in my life, where I can no longer work but they don't understand how bad I really am. 

I physically cannot leave my house, I've not been to the doctors, dentist or opticians for over 4 years now as I can't leave my house without having a panic attack. In terms of groceries I will order my food shop online and will make sure my husband is home from work so he can open the door, I cannot take public transport, I cannot even make phone calls.

I'm looking into applying for pip, but I have some worries, I can't call to even start the process as I can't make phone calls, and also the whole face to face assesment will really cause me to have an episode which I wouldn't want to put myself through, even with my husband I would hate to put him through the stress of seeing me in such a vulnerable state even though he is the most supportive loving man I just feel uneasy the thought of crying and having a break down with a stranger and him witnessing me in that position.

And lastly is there any chance I could possibly have a over the phone assesment or a paper based assesment if I request one?

Also because I've not left my house in over 4 years now and not attended any dentist or optician appointments will that help me in terms of receiving pip as evidence that my anxiety is so extreme I cant attend a simple appointment. 

If anyone can shed some light and advice it will be greatly appreciated and thank you for reading. 

Take care.

poppy123456

If you're mentally incapable of looking after your own claim then your husband can become your appointee and he will then be responsible for filling out forms, doing the assessment on your behalf and reporting any changes if you are awarded. Full details here. https://www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits he will need to ring PIP to start a claim and tell them that he would like to become your appointee, they will then start the process off.

Most assessments are still by telephone, some are face to face or video call. Paper based assessments are rare but possible. If they have enough of evidence then they will do the paper based assessment.

Not being able to go out will apply to engaging with others face to face for daily living part and following and planning a journey for mobility. Whether any others apply will totally depend on eactly how your conditions affect you.

It's also worth remembering that PIP isn't about your ability to work. People claim PIP and work.