Backdating PIP

mnbv

Hello,

I have seen many references saying that PIP can not typically/normally be backdated before the date of application. I noted they don’t say “never” and wondered if anyone here knows what valid grounds of appeal may be?

My partner likely has undiagnosed Aspergers (apologies I know that’s an out of date term) and had a horrific childhood including abuse and growing up in a cult. Then 21 months ago my partner came to the end of a particularly traumatic few years - sexual assault, employment tribunal, depression, suicidal ideation, and crazy traumatising pathological responses from her family. Throughout all of this she was working full time just about holding it together while seeing a psychotherapist every week for 3 years.

Anyway immediately after the employment tribunal I think she may have had a mental breakdown. And then she immediately caught long covid (which she has now had for 21 months) and she couldn’t psychologically accept it at all. She became fixated on the belief that she would get better quickly.

My partner refused to apply for PIP because it requires acknowledging that the condition is expected to last more than 12 months. It was psychologically impossible for her after everything she had been through. She had depression and anxiety to the point of memory loss and conversational stops (mini seizures) - she now doesn’t remember that is was her decision not to apply and vaguely (incorrectly) recalls that she was ineligible for some reason, and perceives she was abandoned by the government. She is extremely financially independent due to past traumas and insisted I do not help her financially - her life savings are now wiped out. Things escalated to the point of developing full epilepsy and becoming temporarily paralysed down one side and bed bound. I was running around like a headless chicken trying to look after her and to not get fired while seizures were happening.

We are now in month 21 and I have successfully persuaded her to submit a PIP application (I presented it as an idea from a neighbour) (she doesn’t appear aware that it was the same benefit she declined originally and I am concerned if I clarify she may withdraw the application).

Anyway my concern is she has had a ridiculously hard life and to top it all her life savings have now been wiped out, I would just love her to see the government actually does care and claim some of this missing PIP back. I think the first 3 months is not eligible so backdating the remaining 18 months would be life changing psychologically for her.

It’s all recorded in her medical history including from GP’s and consultant level Neurologists. Is it worth trying to appeal for special consideration for this missing 18 months of payments? How would I go about doing that? I was wondering if I could try going through my local MP?

Many thanks for any ideas.

Mnbv

poppy123456

Unfortunately PIP can't be backdated and this is because no one is automatically entitled to it. PIP isn't awarded based on any diagnosis. If successfully awarded it will be paid from the date you rang to start the claim.

Going to your local MP isn't going to help i'm afraid.

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @mnbv

Welcome to the community. I wanted to reach out after reading how much your partner has been through. I saw you mentioned their therapist, GP and consultant, but wanted to check they still have support around them? And see if you do too?

With their PIP claim, as Poppy said, the backpay will be from when you ring to start the claim. If you are looking for more financial support to help, there may be a grant she can apply for with Turn2Us.