New claim for PIP query….

rubyred71

Hello all, I’ve just discovered this wonderful group and hoping someone maybe able to advise me.
I’ve been suffering from several health conditions for past few years, mainly depression/anxiety. I have also developed a lot of body pain  in back, legs and arms which can make everyday tasks very, very uncomfortable. I’ve been back and forth to my GP, had blood tests but no diagnosis for the pain. I’m due to see my GP again in a few weeks because I’ve just had enough and want tests done but in the meantime I’m seriously thinking about claiming PIP. I work part time but my job is quite physical and I’m struggling so much that I’m close to just handing in my notice. My husband works full time, so I will still have money coming in for bills etc but will lose my income. We don’t claim any benefits (husband earns to much) I’m considering applying for PIP but not sure if it’s worth it as I have no formal diagnosis and and not seeing my GP for several more weeks but think maybe I  should start a claim anyway.

Thank you for reading. Any advice greatly appreciated. 

lizziejane

Hi! I’m new to! Welcome! 

Pip isn’t about any diagnosis. It is about how your conditions affect your everyday life. It’s worth looking at the descriptors and answering them to see if you feel they fit your situation and if they do to apply. 

Good luck and I hope we can all help you through this

rubyred71

lizziejane said:

Hi! I’m new to! Welcome! 

Pip isn’t about any diagnosis. It is about how your conditions affect your everyday life. It’s worth looking at the descriptors and answering them to see if you feel they fit your situation and if they do to apply. 

Good luck and I hope we can all help you through this

Hi Lizzie and thank you!
 Were do I find the descriptors? I’ve never claimed before so it’s all very new. Thank you. 

poppy123456

Descriptors here. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

Better to read this though because it goes into a lot more detail of the criteria involved and will give you a better understanding of the descriptors. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

Regarding working, before handing in your notice if you're entitled to SSP then you should claim this from your employer first for 28 weeks. You'll need a fit note from your GP. https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility

You can then look at claiming New style ESA 3 months before the SSP ends. It's not means tested but if you've got the correct amount of NI contributions in tax years 2020/21 and 2021/22 then you'll be able to claim. You'll receive £84.80/week (if 25 and over) for 1 year unless placed into the Support Group and then payments increase from week 14 and will continue to be paid for as long as you remain in the Support Group. You'll need your SSP1 form and a fit note to claim it but you can't receive payments until SSP ends.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

You shouldn't hand your notice into work without first getting some expert advice.

rubyred71

Thank you Poppy. I will read up on your advice. I work for the NHS so will still get paid my full wage  if off sick 

poppy123456

Then you should defnitely not just quit your job.