Introduction. Does anyone know if it’s even worth me applying for PIP?

Shazza1

Hello everyone my name is Sharon. I’ve been having neuropathy stocking/glove in my lower legs for nearly 4 years now after I had covid. It’s been worse the last 2 months with terrible pain and tingling in my feet and legs. It wasn’t that bad last time I saw the neurologist who thinks I may have small fibre peripheral neuropathy. But I’m still getting bloods etc done. It worries me that I don’t have a conclusive diagnosis yet because I’m filling in for pip because of how much it’s affected my daily life and ability to work. Does anyone know if it’s even worth me applying. The neurology department are so slow I’ve only had 3 appointments so far. So am I wasting my time. I don’t know how I’m supposed to make ends meet if I don’t get that or LCWRA 

chiarieds

Hi Sharon - first of all have a look at the activities that are looked at with PIP, as it's about your functional ability to 'reliably' attempt/do any of these, & not based on any diagnoses. Please see:

https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/asset-library/personal-independence-payment-descriptors-and-scores-april-2023.pdf

You can read in more depth here, which also explains the concept of 'Reliability':

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

You need 8 or more points for the standard rate of either component, & 12 or more points for the enhanced rate. Please come back with any further questions.

poppy123456

PIP and LCWRA are not awarded based on any diagnosis. As I don’t know how your health conditions affect you then it wouldn’t be possible for me to tell you if it’s possible to be awarded either of them. 

As you already have the PIP form then I think it would be worth filling it in and returning it. Please make sure you give relevant information about how your conditions affect you. 

You should also include a couple of real world examples of exactly what happened the last time you attempted each descriptor that applies to you. Adding detailed information such as where you were, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were. 

You should expect an assessment for both PIP and the work capability assessment because most people have them. These are mostly by telephone but some are face to face. 

Shazza1

Thank you for the info and advice and  I will continue with my application for PIP