Weekend away whilst claiming PIP?

IAmNotANumber

Hi everyone

I'm in need of a bit of advice, or possibly just reassurance. My PIP review gave me 10 points for mobility, because I need another person or aid to follow an unfamiliar journey. This is restricting my life somewhat, but I do find going anywhere I don't know extremely difficult and stressful.

In a few weeks, my football team is playing away at a stadium I've always wanted to go to. I bought a ticket, before they sold out, but didn't realise how far away the ground is. Google Maps said 3 and a half hours when I looked, but now it's saying 4 and a half hours - maybe depends on traffic.

Because the supporters' coach would basically set off at dawn, it would be too much for me to cope with travelling all that way and back, plus the game, in one day - too noisy and overwhelming. I thought about staying somewhere over instead, and talked to my mum about it at length. They help me manage my money as well. I didn't like the look of any of the hotels there. I then thought about staying over at a Premier Inn half way between where I live and the stadium. Doing half the journey one day, sleeping overnight, then doing the other half and the match, driving back to the hotel and then finishing the journey after I'd had more sleep. My dad only seemed to understand half the conversation when I spoke to him. I even showed them both the hotel and mum helped me work out a route. It's in a town where I've driven to once before, with my mum as a passenger and following dad's car.

I booked it and paid upfront. Next thing you know, my dad is properly yelling at me saying that if I'm okay to drive to this hotel then I shouldn't be claiming PIP. I thought he was completely out of order, but he kept on at me and my mum didn't back me up. This was a few days ago and it's really stressing me out. I'm very anxious and not really talking to anyone.

I've cut my losses with the football ticket, because the drive there involves using the M25 to go around part of London and I'd never manage it. I'd still like to stay over at the hotel and can't get a refund. It's about 2 and a half hours away and I'd have to stop off at pre-planned services to break up the journey.

Could the weekend mean I'm breeching my PIP award? I'm unsure where to go for advice. It was supposed to be something nice at the end of a very busy time at work, but it's not turned out to be something nice at all.

Thank you.

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

PIP is based on the majority of days. Spending one weekend away is completely irrelevant in terms of PIP.

IAmNotANumber

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1065255#Comment_1065255

Thank you, friend.

Trevor_PIP

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1065260#Comment_1065260

I agree with what has been said! Stop worrying!

WhatThe

Hello and welcome to Scope 😊

If the hotel is a manageable drive then go for it! You've done it once before and will recognise the route. Have your "something nice at the end of a very busy time at work" and enjoy the breakaway. It'll be something to look forward to despite missing that fixture.

I hope your dad acknowledges his behaviour soon and makes this easier for you. I hope this doesn't knock your confidence.

marybelsalis

I find sometime friends and family find it very hard to fully understand disabilities and PIP. I hope there will be more information and understanding…