Considering applying for PIP - ADHD

brown1smithfield

Hello my name is David and I am actually the partner of someone with ADHD so I'm hoping this is OK. I am looking to learn more from other people's experiences. We are considering applying for pip for him as he really struggles especially with employment and has left many jobs because his roles within the jobs may have been changed which he doesn't cope well with. Hyperfocusing on things and not getting anything done.

Adrian_Scope

Good morning @brown1smithfield and welcome to the community. 🙂

Have you and your partner looked into the PIP descriptors to see which might apply to him?

It's important to note that PIP is not based on a diagnosis or a person's ability to work, lots of people work and claim PIP.

How long ago was your partner diagnosed?

brown1smithfield

Hi. He was diagnosed in May this year 2024 and commenced on the long acting drug Elvanse increasing the dosage over several months. Unfortunately this hasn't had a great effect. He says its done nothing for the brain fog at all and has had some pretty unpleasant side effects including increased anxiety and paranoia so he is decreasing the dose to then stop taking those then trying something else. As he's waited over 2 yrs for an NHS referral we decided to go down the private route however once the medication is sorted his GP has agreed to take over prescribing.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @brown1smithfield. As Adrian said, PIP is all about how your day-to-day life is affected. Here's some guidance about the categories you would need to talk about - PIP. As your partner was diagnosed more than 3 months ago, they would be eligible to apply. The link I provided takes you through the steps to apply which in the first instance would be a phone call to begin the claim. I'd recommend you go through each category and write down how your partner is affected. PIP claims are quite difficult and will often be rejected at the first stage. It will then got Mandatory Reconsideration and possibly tribunal. I've been to tribunal myself and it's not as worrying as it sounds.

Keep us updated and we can help you through the process 😊

brown1smithfield

Thank you so much. yes we will definitely keep you informed.

David