First time appointee for an adult

MariaJ83

MariaJ83

Sorry, I clicked post accidentally before writing content. Here is the post:

Hello all,

My husband has ME/CFS, chronic widespread pain, severe mental health issues (PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts) and it is
impossible for him to handle forms or phonecalls. I am his carer and do verbal advocating for him with institutions like GP or UC for a year, finances and admin such as emails/letters, filling out forms - for almost 2 years now. We survived PIP assessments purely because I was next to him and responded on his behalf and assessor allowed it.
This assessments however has plunged his health to
even worse level now and I am scared next assessments would kill him (he is suicidal after any
bhone calls/meetings). After assessment we got
just basic daily component so I did mandatory reconsideration. Its still in the process. Then I heard
about appointee and thought this will be a good
solution to prevent my husband from getting worse
and called PIP line to start the process. They said this will mean his PIP will stop entirely until the process of appointee is finished. We wouldn't be able to survive if this money stopped because I use it for his very expensive supplements, creams, and other helps that ease his pain or help him mentally. I read that when appointee is changing they stop PIP but it doesn't say anywhere on govt website that money will be stopped for first time appointee. Is this normal? Also how long we have to wait for visiting
officer to come? Weeks? Months? How long the
whole process of making me his appointee could
take from start to finish? We wouldn't be able to survive months without PIP money because his needs are extensive and I cant cut on anything in out budget. Can someone give me some guidance on timing so I can prepare?

Many thanks,

Maria