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Pip

garyaye123

Hi wondering if anyone can help me I have been trying for pip since June last year without any success I have arthritis of knees hand shoulder which do hinder my day tasks .Also chronic copd de generated knees where I can’t stand for to long and walk to far . Also pancreatic deficiency which now has led me to type 1 diabetes all I’m asking was a bit of financial help I am on uc and lwrca which is basically medicaly have signed me off work thank you in advance for answers thanks gary

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Comments

Kimi87

I can't see what can be added to the advice previously given:

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/127590/lcwra-pip

Have you spoken to anyone at welfare rights about submitting an appeal following your unsuccessful Mandatory Reconsideration? https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

gazekellie

Have you used the services of Citizens Advice? They have dedicated staff that are trained in assisting with welfare application forms. They will also assist with Mandatory Reconsiderations, and the Appeals process. They can assist by various means, such as telephone calls, visiting your local office for an appointment, also, they can arrange a home visit for those that can’t get to the office for various reasons. I know that it’s a bit daunting, and you may be uncomfortable sharing your personal information, but they are bound to client confidentiality and do not judge. So please think about approaching them for their help.

JennieWren

I don’t know about anyone else, but whenever I’ve tried to get an appointment or have woken up early to get there first thing for drop ins, but I never get seen by CAB.

I’ve twice had to appeal my pip. Once I had to challenge that she’d put down in my appearance that I’d worn lipstick (the only make up I do wear), never mind that it’s my ‘war paint’ and gives me confidence. So I’d encourage you to read through and challenge anything that they may have commented on which is either incorrect or have nothing to do with it. Also include any information that you may not have been asked on the day, and (with the nerves) not said yourself. I’d spent ages in the room and she commented on how I’d walked from the car park, but not how she’d found me in the toilets (bladder issues) after. Check all information from the interview is included not just what suits them.

HappyDays62

You need to stress, exactly, how your disabilities affect your daily living. Think about everything you do that causes pain, exhaustion, and mental and/or physical stress, for example, and make it very clear what a normal day looks like for you. No two cases are the same, as we experience things differently, so the assessor needs to know what makes you eligible for the support. Also think clearly about what support you need to do normal things such as prepping, cooking and eating a meal, or having a shower, or going shopping, etc. Don't be afraid to ask them to repeat any questions you don't understand, as it is their job to be clear about the information they require. I know it's difficult, but just think of it as a conversation rather than an interrogation and be honest - they really aren't trying to trick you.

figraspberry41

Hi Garyaye 123

I'm sorry that this process is long but having just experienced it for myself, I have an idea (in my case from time I applied in September 2023 until completion with Court Tribunal in April 2025). I can empathise with you with your knees and arthritic conditions as these are prominent in my own health issues.

As previous people have mentioned it is useful to seek advise from CAB, however, I also am aware that they do not 'run' as they used to and you will probably need to book an appointment with them via a central telephone hub or try emailing them. (their contact details should be available either via your local council website or (if like me not an IT buff) via your local Parish Council offices. There is usually a wait to see someone at CAB and they're now more limited as to how much they can do for you. However, it is still worth the wait as I had a CAB representative who was able to talk through the forms and even wrote a support letter on my behalf. Failing that do you have a trusted friend or other person who might act as your representative? It is worth pursuing to a Court Tribunal because although it is a lengthy process if you are awarded your PIP, it will be worth the wait.

Unfortunately, again as previously stated, you do have to describe how your conditions affect you and sometimes that means rather personal or intimate issues. (I have empathy with people who suffer embarrassing bladder (or bowel) issues). It can be very daunting and difficult to accurately describe exactly how your issues affect you individually because not two people are a like even with similar conditions; plus you often aren't aware how you find 'coping' mechanisms / strategies to enable you to do things for yourself. I hope this might be of some use to you. Good luck with it and don't give up appealing.

Kimi87

Citizens Advice aren't always the only welfare rights organisation in an area, it's worth using the link to investigate what is available locally.

Jenwren

What help do you specifically need with PIP - is it the form/assesment stage? Have you had assessments and were rejected?

In thoery since you're in the lwrca (same as me) you should be automatically entitled to PIP and the higher tier - but a lot of time, winning PIP is about the details etc

I first applied for PIP in 2023 and found some videos on YouTube that were very helpful that go through the form page by page. The words and language you use when filling in PIP is really important. PIP is often not very clear (deliberately so) about what it's asking (or what it isn't saying to people).

With the form and your assesment - give long, detailed answers. It's crucial to show how you are on your very worst day. Mention if you need to rest before, during or after an activity (this can include sitting down while dressing for example). Also talk about pain - if certain activities cause you pain. Don't say you can 'power through' 'if necersary or you can manage - PIP is awarded for things you can't do. Also they don't say this but what they mean by "can't do" a task means any task you need help or an aid to do it. Help from another person can include physical, but also offering (emotional) support, encouragement, reminding, calming you down etc. Aids is anything that helps you do a task. Also talk about if any activities cause you stress, anxiety, destress etc again before, during or after it - or if you avoid it because of this.

Also with the form - make sure you take photos of all your answers and have them on hand to prompt you during your assesment.

Sorry if I'm mentioning stuff you already know. If there's a certain part of PIP you're struggling with please let me know and I'll see if I can offer any other advice