PIP Question 11 Planning and Following a Journey

Taff

Hi all,

I got my PIP Renewed for another five years, enhanced Daily Living and standard Mobility.

The question about Planning and following a Journey has thrown me though.

I got 10 points for this saying -

You cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress.

I’ve looked over my form and I never said this. I am able to but always need someone with me and even then I most often than not get distressed and panicked. Familiar journeys only also.

Not sure what to make of this. Any advice?

Is this meant literally?

Many thanks.

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

The wording of this descriptor is confusing.

It means that you cannot take any journey on the majority of days. So in other words, you CAN still take a journey on less than half of days.

Taff

I see, thank you. The wording makes it sound like I never leave the house so no GP appointments, dentist appointments ie not leaving my front door.

I’m trying to push myself to go out by car but I can’t get out of the car and obviously always have someone with me.

I feel like I fit the 12 point descriptor better but feel like I’m opening a can of worms by appealing.

(For context I have severe Body Dysmorphic Disorder so can’t be around people accept parents without uncontrollable distress).

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1074431#Comment_1074431

In order to fit the 12 points descriptor, you must be able to go out on more than half of days.

From what you've said so far, I do believe the 10 points descriptor is correct. (That is also the one I get myself).

Taff

Thank you.

The descriptors sound like the wrong way around. You get more points for being able to go out more.

Seems like you should get higher points for being able to go out less.

I will leave as is, I’d rather get less points than I should instead of more.

My review was paper based and I’ve reread my answer and it’s accurate so I will leave it.

Thank you so much for your help 🙏🏻

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1074437#Comment_1074437

You're welcome.

They do initially look the wrong way round, but there is a bit of reason behind it.

Basically someone who goes out on more than half of days with another person will have higher transport costs, and potentially higher carer costs, compared to someone who cannot go out so frequently.

Personally I don't agree with the way they score it, but that's the way it is at the moment.

Taff

Ah I see, that explanation makes more sense.

Apreciate you taking the time to reply. I tend to overthink everything as party of my mental illness.