Pip help advice second appeal.

ryleyyg

So I'd like some advice, I sent of my forms etc etc, with good Enough evidence, as my dad did all the work:) as I am not capable of doing it on my own.

I had a social worker, that did an assessment with me, and it's almost the same as a pip assessment, I'm a bit anxious, I might not get it but I have learning difficulties, this is some examples the social worker wrote down, she mentioned I was able to communicate my own answers,I'm scared that I won't get it now, they put, I am unable to achieve a habitatable home environment, without assistance which is true.

Maintain a personal hygiene: is unable to achieve without assistance. Which is true.

Making use of facilities such as local community, including public transport, she mentioned I am unable to do this.

She also put down for cooking wise, I am able to cook simple meals in the air fryer but wouldn't even use the oven due to not knowing how to use it. She mentioned I can sometimes miss meals due to anxiety. I am also on the learning disability register.

The only thing I'm annoyed about is she mentioned how if I was taught how to cook in the oven I would do it. Which is true, but I still wouldn't do it because I just know I'd give myself food poisoning. She did mention when I miss meals I will require reminders to eat.

Even if I get the standard pip, I'd be happy with that, but knowing people's past experiences with assessments doesn't go well for most. But I've sent the social worker form with my pip form to them and my medication and such.

Sorry for the rant, I'm scared and anxious that I'm going to have to appeal the third time now.

chiarieds

Hi @ryleyyg - some of the aspects you mention with the social worker's form don't seem to directly relate to the activities/descriptors that are looked at with PIP. For example, you highlight that she mentioned about cooking using an oven, when what is looked at is if you could cook using a hob/microwave to reheat a prepared meal, as an oven isn't considered; it's anything above waist height.

So, when you get your assessment mention any difficulties you face using the hob/microwave/air fryer. You also need to be able to do any activity that's looked at with PIP 'reliably.' That's safely, to an acceptable standard, be able to repeat the activity as often as you'd like, & if it doesn't take you longer than a person without a disability. Also mention if there would be any consequences to attempting/doing an activity.

It's also a bit vague to say that you 'sometimes' miss meals, & need reminders to eat if this happens. PIP is about how you are most days, so it would be better to say how many days in the week this usually occurs.

Achieving a habitable home, or making use of any local community facilities isn't relevant to the PIP activities either.

It's good your Dad has helped you, as he'll know the difficulties you face better. Get him to look at the following link & read it all if possible, but to definitely read the 'Reliability' section:

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

Hopefully with your Dad you can prepare even better for your assessment, & he can be there to support you when you do have one.

ryleyyg

Thank you!! Yea I 100% cannot cool on the hub etc. As I would just simple struggle or cause something to burn etc. With a microwave I'm pretty sure everyone knows how to use the buttons, but for me again, it'd actually making sure the food is cooked and using it at the right time, I don't normally do correctly, which is why my mum cooks for me. I really would benefit from pip, so I hope my dad wrote good enough examples on the form for me.

Thank you for your help btw:)

chiarieds

You're most welcome.

You have identified that you would indeed struggle to cook, even the use of a microwave, so mention these examples when you have your assessment. Here's hoping all goes well for you this time.

ryleyyg

Thank you!! I'll keep you updated to when they give me an assessment hopefully by phone, as I hate going into busy places, or I'd have an anxiety attack

chiarieds

Most assessments are by phone/video call, so please don't worry. You can also request it to be one of these as a 'reasonable adjustment' due to the difficulties you face.