Pip Scores for dressing.

Breacon

Hi All,

Can anyone advice me please, if you use a front fastening bra, & a sock aid to put socks on, do you score more points.

The assessor asked me the above questions, to which I replied no,
I don't use either, I can't fasten a bra, due to lack of grip, & wear loose clothing, as easier to get on/ off, especially with toileting,

I require assistance to change socks, & put shoes on, or I just sleep in my socks, as I can't bend to get them off, due to stiffness & pain, I often sleep in clothes.
 
I felt I had explained this to the assessor, but I diddnt score any points at all for this activity.

I feel I might struggle with a sock aid, & front fastening bra, so to me, it is easier, not to fight on with a bra, & sock aid.

Just because I manage without those items, doesn't mean, I shouldn't score any points.....& that I don't struggle, it takes me forever to dress at the best of times, & bad days I need to take pain relief, before starting....

Also, driving can be very painful, & this is very limited to 1 or 2 miles, any further than this, I can't manage without pain relief, but this makes me drowsy, so I rely on others if it's a longer journey, but I hate relying on others.

So I avoid driving except to the doctors.


I'm trying to get a better understanding of things,....

Opinions & advice would be appreciated.

poppy123456

A front fastening bra would not score points. An aid for socks would be 2 points. Needing assistance for the lower body is 2 points, upper body is 4 points but you can only score once per activity. You could only score points for needing assistance if you can't reasonably use an aid.

Driving isn't considered in any of the activities. Have a read of this, it may help you. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

Breacon

Thank you, this is why I find it all so confusing, I've explained to them, how I am, but it seems there not listening, I cannot prepare fresh food due to my hands & poor grip, & I can't stand for long periods. She asked if I can use a microwave, my daughter brings a few meals during the week, so I heat them in the microwave, I scored no points as I can use a microwave.
My daughter wrote a letter last Aug when I Applied, stating, I wasn't safe trying to prepare veg etc & I certainly couldn't grip or lift a heavy pan.
This seems it has been disregarded also.
I've had my condition since 2016, bur manag3d to keep working, until Aug, last year....when things took a nose dive....
Thank you for years comments.

poppy123456

You need to spell it out to them, just telling them you can't complete an activity isn't enough. Why can't you prepare food? what exactly happened the last time you attempted to do this? Does an aid such as a perching stool help you? If not, why not?

Carrying pans around the kitchen isn't considered in the prepare a meal activity.

Breacon

Thank you Poppy, I did explain, that I use a stool, but I understand what your saying, in terms of completing the task.

I did reply to your message, re UC etc, but I can't find it, to see what your reply was/is.

Many thanks again, & yes I am technically challenged also. ERRRR.

poppy123456

Breacon said:

I did reply to your message, re UC etc, but I can't find it, to see what your reply was/is.

It's here. https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/668304#Comment_668304

Becky93

poppy123456 said:

A front fastening bra would not score points. An aid for socks would be 2 points. Needing assistance for the lower body is 2 points, upper body is 4 points but you can only score once per activity. You could only score points for needing assistance if you can't reasonably use an aid.

Driving isn't considered in any of the activities. Have a read of this, it may help you. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

While driving isn't considered directly it does seem the DWP ask this question to everyone to try and prove cognitive and physical ability to undertake tasks. My ability to drive was mentioned in my report effectively saying it showed my condition wasn't as bad as I was making out, is if I had the troubles I mentioned I wouldn't be able to drive. It was nonsense, but it seems the DWP commonly use this strategy as I've seen several others mention along the same lines, so the OP should probably be aware of this.

In OP's case it seems obvious the DWP will use this with regards to their claims of having problems gripping things for example. I don't actually know how this argument actually holds up at a tribunal as it kind of deflects from the issue at hand.

Breacon

Just with regard, to the above comment, which is very useful, The mobility part of PIP, seems a little odd, as am I right in assuming, that pip, mobility is to pay for transport/taxis etc, as the standard rate, would not get you very far, in terms of paying for taxis.
I need to use two hands, to apply my handbrake & to release, due to my poor grip, I have to take minimum pain relief, as it makes me drowsy, prior to any little local journey, the pain I suffer afterwards, due to the driving, quite frankly isn't worth it.
I preferr to rely on family & friends, it's less painful, although still very uncomfortable, so little journeys for me, work best.
Pip don't seem to take any of this into consideration.
Just wanted to mention this, am I been unreasonable. ??

poppy123456

Breacon said:

Just with regard, to the above comment, which is very useful, The mobility part of PIP, seems a little odd, as am I right in assuming, that pip, mobility is to pay for transport/taxis etc, as the standard rate, would not get you very far, in terms of paying for taxis.

That's irrelevant anyway. Yes, PIP is for the extra costs of a disability but this isn't considered in the PIP descriptors.

Breacon

Hi Tomm
I couldn't agree with you more, with your above comment, it seems DWP assessors, need the appropriate training, it does state 21.3 in choosing descriptor HP should use their specific knowledge  of the health condition or impairment as a measure of the level of disability, that would be expected from the claimants condition.
I think that caption could be implemented more by the assessors, after all, they are on a very good salary.
Perhaps more disabled people should become Assessors, whom all would have a much better insight. 
Just my opinion.