Embarrassing PIP question

DiscoPony

Hello - 

I am going to start looking into making a PIP application soon - sometime this week, and I wondered something: is it worth mentioning the fact that I am *extremely* overweight and the impacts this has on my life? 

This isn't the reason I'm trying to claim (I have a lot of neurodiversity and mental health issues) but I suppose it is a contributing factor, on top of everything else. 

Sorry if this is a dumb thing to ask I am just flying blind a bit with the whole process and keen to get it all right first time. 

Thanks

OverlyAnxious

I'd say it is worth mentioning where relevant to the descriptors.  Particularly for the 'moving around' part.

nasturtium

Hello DiscoPony

There is no such thing as a dumb question. If you want to know something then it is always good to ask what ever the question is.

DiscoPony said:
I am going to start looking into making a PIP application soon - sometime this week, and I wondered something: is it worth mentioning the fact that I am *extremely* overweight and the impacts this has on my life?

The short answer to your question is yes.

Now for the long answer If it has a impact on your ability to complete the 12 PIP activities that apply to you Reliably (safely, repeatedly, in a timely manor or to an acceptable standard) then you must mention it on every activity in the boxes provided in detail. The key to PIP is to provide detailed personal anacdotal written evidence on the PIP2 Questionnaire form. If there is not enough space then you can type out and print out your written verbal evidence and include it wth your form but remember to put the question the pages are connected to at the top of each additional sheet included. Also include your name and national insurance number on every additional sheet and on any copies of medival evidence you might have.

The more detailed you are about your problems and the impact of the conditions you have when completing the 12 PIP activities Reliably (important word) then the better the assessor can understand your problems and the better they can assess you for a possible award. It is always better to have your evidence written down in black and white with or on the PIP2 Questionnaire form.

Do not be afraid or embarased about writing down on your PIP form in detail things that have gone wrong and accidents that have happened. Sometimes people are to ashamed or embarased about adding these things to there form and it is sometimes those things that can mean possibly showing your need for help with the PIP activities.

These links will help you to write out your PIP2 Questionnaire form and help you to better undersatnd what the PIP assessors are looking for when you make your claim.

Citizens Advice How to Fill in Your PIP2 Questionnaire Form https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/fill-in-form-pip/

More about the very IMPORTANT Reliably criteria https://www.mypipassessment.co.uk/updates/what-are-the-reliability-criteria-that-are-used-during-the-pip-consultation/

The Governments PIP Assessment Guide and Criteria (what they are looking for when doing an assessment for PIP) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

Hope that helps

Nasturtium

DiscoPony

Thank you both so much and thank you @nasturtium for all the links. 

That first one to the citizens advice breaks down the questions brilliantly - this means I can start thinking about my answers well ahead of actually getting the form. 

I will look into the other links you sent tonight when I can sit down and think. 

Any other tips are welcome as I am conscious that it is very unlikely they'll approve my form first time.

Leigh14

I was advised to provide 2 real life and detailed examples.
Where, When, What happened next, giving lots of details.

DiscoPony

Thanks @Leigh14

That is really helpful, I didn't know that. I will bear that in mind when I fill in the form. 

Thanks again! 

Leigh14

You’re welcome @DiscoPony. If you type what in what you may need to know at the top of page (question mark) you’ll find lots of information, or just ask on here.