Help with DLA to PIP

Tonypiano777 · March 2019

Hello everyone. This is my first post here, and it may take time for me to get used to the “forum layout” 🙂 hope I’ve posted in the right place!

I am due to come off DLA (All lower rate) now, and on to PIP - and I’m pretty het up about it. 🙈

I’m Not sure if I can post my experiences here (or in another section) 🤷‍♂️ , but I’m an ex-Carer, 58 years old, and now living alone, who needs help with this Personal independence payment (I’m currently on ESA [contribution-based/support group] ) too

Thank you.

TonyPiano777🙃

Sam_Scope · March 2019

Hi @Tonypiano777
Welcome to the community, you have posted in the right place and you can post your experiences here in this post.

Changing from DLA to PIP can be really stressful, lots of people really struggle with this. I have asked our @BenefitsTrainingCo
to come and answer your questions so hopefully they will be along soon.

There are lots of members here who have been through the same thing though, so do ask questions and get chatting. There are no silly questions here!! We all understand just how confusing and distressing the benefits system can be!

Tonypiano777 · March 2019

Thank you Sam 👍

RE: PIP. I received my letter to say “my DLA is ending” (last Thursday), and I am yet to make a phone call to request a PIP form, as need to take this in stages, as I haven’t got a lot of information to go on, meaning carers/care professionals, psychiatrists/therapist (this alone is creating anxiety) All i have is my GP.

My GP is ringing me today 5-7 pm (telephone appointment) as I’m unable to get out of the house through ongoing-agoraphobia/claustrophobia/Chronic anxiety (which was on my doctors last letter 2012 - but this was for Claimmg ESA). So i need to get a supporting letter (I think) from my doctor before i ring the DWP, at least thats what I’m going to do (as probably wont receive the letter till next week).

Its assuring to know you aren’t alone with mental issues, (and yes, it does sometimes seem your the only one in th world...)

its an extremely long story (as a former carer for my brother (11 years) and my mother (5 Years ) severely mentally handicapped (brother) and Alzheimer’s (mother but wont burden you with that, however it’s taken its toll. I filled in A PIP form for for my brother 18 months ago, but he was in a nursing home anyway, At this time, but even this was very difficult - with all the care professionals/therapist etc to fall upon. I collapsed and was taken to A&E.

Thanks for your reply.

TonyPiano777

BenefitsTrainingCo · March 2019

Hi @Tonypiano777 If you are being moved from DLA to PIP you should claim PIP within the timescale PIP says in their letter, that way, while your PIP is being decided and processed you can continue to receive your DLA payments. When you call PIP they will take some initial basic information and issue you with a PIP2 questionnaire. This gives you a month to return (the date for return will be on the form) If you feel you need more time to complete the form you can call PIP and ask for a 2 week extension. You can get help from a local advice centre with the form: contact your local council, look for a Citizens Advice or search here for an independent advice centre near to you: http://www.adviceuk.org.uk/looking-for-advice/find-advice/
You should not delay claiming PIP simply due to waiting for medical evidence or information, this can be sent in either with the PIP2 form or later still. If you see an adviser about the form, they should also be able to guide you on getting more evidence. I hope that helps
As an aside, if you are on contribution based ESA and are in the Support Group, if you are single and have no other income (other than DLA) and have no savings over £16,000 you should also be on income related ESA - you should contact ESA and ask to be sent an ESA3 form. Do not let them tell you that you should claim UC - this is not correct. If you need more advice, the local advice centre can help or of course I am sure you can post again on here if you wish.
Sarah

Tonypiano777 · March 2019

Hello Sarah (BenefitsTrainingCo )

Thanks for your reply.

My “deadline” to call for the PIP form is March 22nd, but ill Call ASAP. Thanks for the heads up on info required when calling (though I’ve been through this process before whilst claiming my disabled brothers PIP, but was over <1.5 years> ago.
I’ve got a Doctors’s letter coming in about a week, with just a bit more info needed from me before he types one out, as my condition as changed since the last letter. (For example, i now have claustrophobia AS WELL as agoraphobia) but I’m rest assured it’ll go back with the form on time

Ive had a letter re Income related ESA - but have over £16,000 (or combined at least) so i rang them about this, and they sent me a letter of confirmation but told me i can always apply should i need to (in the future )

Thank you for the Citizens Advice Bureau link.

Edit: had to type this out twice, as hit the refresh button, not knowing it deletes all your text 🙈

Tony.

Tonypiano777 · March 2019

Please help me. I’m totally stuck.

Ive received a second letter today (two weeks after the first letter to move from dla to pip) but my brains just locked up.(i have very bad memory problems, and need to read a paragraph MANY times to understand, let alone the large documents. I dont know what to do. I am supposed to ring up, and give details etc which I’m ok with but stuck on the question i will get asked for “supporting evidence” as i have my doctor (only) who’s updating me with a letter next week. will I get asked these quastions of supporting carer workers/social workers etc? As i have none I’m afraid, but only my audiologists (i am an hearing aid wearer and very hard of hearing, even on the phone, and takes me several listens to take in information, as cant remember sentences etc unless repeated).

Its making me more anxious than ever, and not slept more than 2-3 hours per night this past fortnight (my sleeps bad as it is) I’m too mentally tired at the moment (2.20 pm) to converse on the phone confused 🤷‍♂️ And with my brothers pip form which is ongoing (and came this week is making things worse, though its more straight forwards as he’s in a nursing home now )

Edit: could i get a social worker to help me? But times running out (got till 22nd march to claim, and DLA tempory being stopped till 19th April.(if i dont claim this time that is) Should i just ring anyway as dont want it to affect my claim.

Tony (sorry on mobile device so forgive spelling etc) sorry for bothering as other people on thes forums also have needs Ive read.

Is there anyone i can speak to from tcommunity scope today?

Tony.

Tonypiano777 · March 2019

Double post sorry

yanni · March 2019

Hi Tony

I have hearing difficulties as well and I found out that you can apply for a claim form (PIP2) by post

Claim by post

You can get a form to send information by post (although this can delay the decision on your claim). Write a letter to ask for the form.

Personal Independence Payment New Claims
Post Handling Site B
Wolverhampton
WV99 1AH

(From https://www.gov.uk/pip/how-to-claim)

I just wrote:

‘Please take this letter as confirmation that I want to apply for PIP. Please send me the necessary forms to do so’

I provided my name, address and NI no and sent it to the above address.

I would recommend sending it by recorded delivery so you have proof it was sent.

You might also want to look at the NGT text relay service https://www.ngts.org.uk/ if you need to phone the DWP (or anyone else) at some point. A relay assistant will type what the other person is saying and then you can either speak or type your response. I use this when I contact the DWP as I struggle to follow what people are saying on the phone.

thespiceman · March 2019

Hello @Tonypiano777 Pleased to meet you. Sorry what you are going through.

I know you are experiencing lots of issues and problems.

This is difficult for you and to deal with it on your own is never easy.

I have mental health issues as well. Sometimes finding the support you need to cope right now. Could be useful to look at.

I used this charity if this helps you. You were talking about a social worker.

https://www.richmondfellowship.org.uk.

They offer support and help with your mental health plus access to floating support or an out reach worker.

Also help with benefits, welfare and anything else.

Something to consider.

Hope that helps.

I am one of the team of community champions who guide, advise and help members.

Please if I can help with anything further. Wish for a chat . Ready to listen and be supportive.

I have been through the assessments many times and it is never easy to deal with.

Please keep in touch.

Take care.

@thespiceman

Tonypiano777 · March 2019

Thank the thespiceman and yanni. Lots of good info there to take on board. Will check the links later on thanks you. The NGT is new to me Yanni, so will explore that more.

I will look at the charity link you provided thespiceman and appreciate the help you’ve given me.

TonyPiano777

Tonypiano777 · March 2019

Hello again.

I rang up for the PIP form last week (not come yet though) and it wasn’t a good start, as the person on the phone was getting rather annoyed having to repeat questions (like tick-boxes i guess). And was shouting at me at one stage though we ended up ok at the end of the conversation, though after 35-40 minutes of this call, i hope these people are a bit more cordial than this in the future. I told the person Before-hand as an hearing aid wear i may have difficulties. The person was VERY “rushy”

What I’d like to know now though, and have more information on is the “pre PIP form ” that’s coming, with tips on how to fill it in, and templates i saw on this website somewhere (but cant find them now)

For example, I can make beans on toast, and do boiled eggs, but i need a reminder on my phone to let me know when they’re done. And other things like operating washers. My sister has to help with that as i just dont have a clue, sorry. And my hearing and dizziness. I get it a lot of the time, but not necessarily ALL the time, so what would I put etc. ?

I have a welfare rights team who live nearby, (dealt with them before) would i be best ringing them to help fill my form in? Or (like before when i had them) help me with possible tribunals.appeals etc? (This was for my ESA 6 years ago)

Thank you everyone.

Piano777

poppy123456 · March 2019

When filling out the form you need to put as much information as possible about how your conditions affect you. Adding 2-3 examples of what happened the last time you attempted that activity for each descriptor that applies.

Operating a washing machine isn't part of any of the descriptors and won't score you any points.

Preparing food. This activity considers a claimant’s ability to prepare and cook a simple meal for one from fresh ingredients. It assesses ability to open packaging, peel and chop, serve food on to a plate and use a microwave oven or cooker hob to cook or heat food. So for this, do you need to use an aid to help you, maybe you can't stand for long periods of time so you need to use a perching stool?

No one can tell you what you should put because only you know how your conditions affect you. This guide may help but if you're still not sure then yes, face to face advice would be a start.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/fill-in-form/

Tonypiano777 · March 2019

Thanks @poppy123456

Its a “mixed bag “ in the kitchen etc, as can open cans etc, but cant peel potatoes (for example) and if using a microwave oven is pat of the descriptor (same applies for timing etc) then why not a washer? Thanks for the link/Guide much appreciated. Ill look at that now.

Piano777

poppy123456 · March 2019

You need to explain why you can't peel potatoes, what happens why you do peel them. Not being able to cook isn't part of the descriptor and won't score you any points.

A washer isn't part of any of the descriptors. Having some understanding of what the descriptors are all about and what they mean will certainly help. This link is a very long read but i'd recommend you to at least read the descriptors that apply to you.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

Tonypiano777 · March 2019

Thanks poppy.

had a look at the first link, and whilst Large, is Very helpful. My main problems arise from Q9 onwards (getting out, mixing with public, going out in cars etc) I’ve not walked in a town centre for example for over 20 years due to chronic anxiety and agoraphobia.

Also bathing problems too, in which i get “claustrophobia” (since 2007) which means i can’t shower/ bath all at once, as have to do it in stages. (Wash hair downstairs for example)

Thanks.

poppy123456 · March 2019

For the mobility descriptors then moving around is for those with a physical condition and planning and following a journey is for those with cognitive/sensory and mental health. For mental health then it's very difficult to score points for following and planning a journey unless overwhelming psychological distress (OPD) is present.

Washing and bathing, 2 points is possible if you need prompting.

Aran · March 2019

Hello and welcome to the community @Tonypiano777 im one of the new champions for Scope to help people find information , this link might help you https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.gov.uk/pip&ved=2ahUKEwjxk6j56qDhAhXwXhUIHX-dA2IQFjAHegQICBAD&usg=AOvVaw2gSEm8XUsfgvPsjmFZoUFD
All the best Aran

Tonypiano777 · March 2019

Thanks Aran, thanks for the link much appreciated. 👍

Thanks for the welcome.

Tony. 🙏

Waylay · March 2019

Hi @Tonypiano777 ,

If you can't get help, please consider joining https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/ . I've found it extremely helpful. It costs 20GBP to join for a year, but it has amazing guides which guide you on how to fill in the form, step by step. There's also a really helpful forum.

Tonypiano777 · March 2019

Thanks waylay for the link. Much appreciated.

Tony

thespiceman · March 2019

Hello @Tonypiano777 In response to your post please I may suggest some helpful advice.

I know it is difficult for you with your mental health.

One of the reasons I added the links to the charity .

When I first replied to you was because not only could they help you with your mental health.

Also help you with benefit forms. They have experience of filling in forms like PIP. Know what to put the correct and right information.

Also help with assessments attending with you.

It might be worth contacting them.

Another suggestion is to contact CAB who also have had expertise and knowledge in form filling in.

I have been doing this a long time. More than twenty years ongoing. On benefits and never fill in a form. I know I need to get the form right.

Then I need to contact the right people who know and can offer guidance.

One other suggestion is I do is notes before filling in a form. Give my answers on a paper. What is needed to fill in. My health history and descriptors.

This then helps any one who I have to fill in the form. Together we come up with answers. Word this correctly. Short and to the point.

Last visit was to CAB two ladies aided me. While one wrote it in. I could do that but have decided never.

Do ask at the assessments. Answer is have problems with forms.

Other times floating support or outreach worker filled it in with my assistance.

Please what I forgot to add. The floating support then adds we will put in a report with the form.

Describing my problems, issues and how are am doing the descriptors. Why I need floating support.

Does help.

Hope this gives you some suggestions. Some guidance and advice. Wish you the best in a successful outcome.

Pleasure to meet you.

Take care.

@thespiceman

cristobal · March 2019

Tonypiano777 said:

Thanks @poppy123456

Its a “mixed bag “ in the kitchen etc, as can open cans etc, but cant peel potatoes (for example) and if using a microwave oven is pat of the descriptor (same applies for timing etc) then why not a washer? Thanks for the link/Guide much appreciated. Ill look at that now.

@Tonypiano777 - I think that there was another post on here, which I can't find now unfortunately, that said that the descriptors were chosen as they were thought to be the best test of functionality without repeating the test unnecessarily

Others might be able to explain better but I think that this means that since using a washer is essentially 'bending down' it may well be covered by bending down to tie your shoelaces - if you can do one you can do the other. Brushing your teeth isn't included but using a can opener/chopping/peeling is.

If I can find a link to the other message I'll post it for you....

Tonypiano777 · March 2019

Thanks @Thespiceman for the post and advice.

The form came this morning (not opened it yet though) and i did think about what you was saying about filling in the form, and that is, filling notes in etc, before actually writing on the FORM itself. I will have a look through it, then problaby contact someone you mentioned, or my welfare rights team (who helped me before on an ESA form and got me in to the support group - rendering a face-to-face unnecessary).

I’ll work on other options too, as i slowly work my way through the form, and the descriptors.

@cristobal

Like i mentioned above, mobility (not getting out etc) is my main problem, not so much “peeling potatoes” (i could do it if i was shown perhaps), so there are parts of the form that are difficult to answer, but the links above do help https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.gov.uk/pip&ved=2ahUKEwjxk6j56qDhAhXwXhUIHX-dA2IQFjAHegQICBAD&usg=AOvVaw2gSEm8XUsfgvPsjmFZoUFD

and: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

thanks to @poppy123456 and @Aran respectavly

Thanks all for the help. I’ll open the form now to see when they need it back (not received my doctors letter yet though. - nearly 2 weeks after asking him for one.).

Tony 🙏

poppy123456 · March 2019

Yes, now it's mentioned they can associate things like bending down to do the washing with some of the descriptors. It's all part of the " small talk" during the assessment.

@Tonypiano777 You won't score any points for preparing a meal for not being able to cook because you haven't been shown.

For evidence, do you have anything else other than the letter from your GP? This isn't the best evidence to send because a GP will very rarely know how your conditions affect you against the PIP descriptors.

Tonypiano777 · March 2019

poppy123456 said:

For evidence, do you have anything else other than the letter from your GP? This isn't the best evidence to send because a GP will very rarely know how your conditions affect you against the PIP descriptors.

Well I’ve not actually got the Doctors letter yet, but, no I’ve more evidence than my Doctor. But he has been my doctor for the best part of 20-25 plus years, and has helped a lot when i was caring for my mum with Alzheimer’s at Home (2001-2006), and also for my brother (2007-2017 - who’s now in a nursing home). So he pretty much knows all our famaily and has been to our house many times (mainly for my mum/brother not me.

Its a difficult form to fill in (just opened it an got till 19th April to return it) but I’ll do my best and get support to fill it in. I live alone, but other other members of my family aren’t really “in to these” forms, and i couldn’t expect them to fill it in for me, as they wouldn’t understand like, say, a professional (welfare rights/social worker etc). Ive had social workers/therapist etc, but only for my brother and father, but they did help me when i was getting my brother in to the nursing home as i had a sort of “nervous breakdown” (i collapsed and was taken to hospital) but, on paper, I’ve just got my doctor it has to be said.

I’m just wondering if the first part of the form that seems to involve descriptives like “peeling potatoes, preparing food “bending down” etc are LINKED to things that involve “mobility, getting around, going in to cars etc That are later in the form ??? Is: “HOW MY HEALTH CONDITION OR DISABILTY” assessed as a whole? Or could you still score as many points for not being able to get out/communicating with others etc, IF you dont score any points on “preparing food” for example? (Ive seen a few youtube clips were people have had these assessments, and yes, they do trick you Ive heard !)

And one very young lady who sat almost silent throughout the assement, failed the test, because she looked too relaxed, when she said on her form for she’s panicky in public etc. We’re i actual fa t she was TERRIFIED to speak for fear of “putting her foot in it”.

Thanks everyone.

Tony 🙏

poppy123456 · March 2019

You can ring DWP to ask for an extra 14 days to return the form, if you don't have enough of time.

You'll be assessed on the individual descriptors. Even though your GP has known you for a very long time, a letter from him/her still isn't the best evidence you can send. In fact when i recently filled out a review form for PIP one of the things on the "we don't want to see list" was indeed a letter from your GP.

One of the worst things you can do is to look for negative stories on the internet because this will make things even worse. There's lots of people who successfully claim PIP first time without any problems at all but we don't hear their stories. If someone's had a decision they're happy with they have no questions to ask so we don't hear their story.

Activity 9 ..engaging with other face to face. If you need support/assistance or prompting from another person to be able to engage with others then it maybe possible to score either 2 or 4 points here. This is for the daily living part and you need at least 8 points for an award of standard rate. There's 9 other daily living activities to look at.

The following and planning a journey activity is for the mobility part, is not for those with a physical condition. For mental health it's very difficult to score points here unless you suffer with overwhelming psychological distress (OPD.

The moving around activity is for those that have a physical condition, if you don't have any problems standing and moving then you won't score any points for this activity.

thespiceman · March 2019

Hello @Tonypiano777 Thank you for reply. Understand the situation you are in. Having been there so many times.

To give you some reassurance this is you .. I have been one of those members as my friend @poppy123456. Has described to you in her post.

I think what is important to concentrate on you . Your own needs not worry about others.

Anxiety I know too well. What happens if you have the ear worm syndrome in your mind the constant thoughts.

This in turn becomes unbearable a reminder. This then effects stomach and the rest of the body. A constant source of anxiety.

Cannot eat or sleep.

Reach for things that help you can make you worse. Alcohol and caffeine . Both effects anxiety .

May I please say even after all these years every time a form comes through. The letter box brown envelope syndrome still get the jitters and anxiety.

Even so always contact my GP as well. For reassurance, talk it over . How your feeling. Most Doctors should and are aware of the benefit situation.

As for the assessment and after speaking to GP that helps as well. One other thing forgot to mention . Went down recently had given me a card the Doctor. From services provided by CAB for those with mental health issues and other disabilities.

Apparently my area has a special helpline with CAB for those experiencing difficulties. Some thing to look at plus any sign posting might help.

As long you are there patient they need to know how you are. Mentally and physically.

Please can I add what ever direction you decide to take looking at support or guidance. We as a community are here to be supportive, answer any questions.

I wish to stress that yes I have had positive outcomes and it is those I continue to focus on.

All I can add please have a look around our website on PIP for anything additional information.

May I also say look at the CAB website very informative on form filing in and PIP.

Please take care.

Always here anytime . For any support. Ready to listen.

Remember small steps. You be OK.

Take care.

@thespiceman

Tonypiano777 · March 2019

Thank you @thespiceman for the helpful and reassuring post. Much appreciated. Yes, my sleep as been pretty bad this past 3 weeks (3-4 hours), forcing me to Catch up in the eves (dont like doing it but I try to get as much quality sleep as possible, or these forms, for example, become (literally) impossible to read - let alone fill in. I’m always best “post medication” for about 3 hours then i get anxious again and have to rest from activities.

I can be in the garden at 2 pm, pegging washing out, but at 5 PM for example, i can’t even get out the chair. Its odd really, as people who come to see me (family and friends) always come when Ive taken my medication (feeling fine, that is, for all of them) but after they’ve gone, i have to sit down again and it seems I’m always “ready for my next medication dose” to make me feel ok. I sometimes use a stairlift when going upstairs as nervous fatigue (thats a lot worse than one thinks - as it renders me pretty much useless for doing ANYTHING until medication)

If someone comes when I’ve not taken my medication, I’m extremely panicky, and sometimes dont open the door. Thanks for all the options youve give me @thespiceman

Thanks for the details there @poppy123456

I’ve not actually heard of OPD, (overwhelming psychological distress ) but my DR (on my last letter years ago) diagnosed me of a similar illness. As for planning a journey.... well, i don’t/cant get out at all.

@Tonypiano777

thespiceman · March 2019

Hello @Tonypiano777 Thanks very much for reply. Much appreciated.

I am on meds myself have to admit nothing wrong in having bad days.

Please if it helps you not alone with medication. Understanding you own mind and how you work. Not every body does. Only you know that.

I think what is important also must remember I am not a medical expert but have been on meds and lots of them a long time.

To reassure and give you some comfort. It is how you deal with everything.

One thing I have learnt about any mental illness is never one day is the same. It is how you deal with that.

Using coping methods and strategies to get ahead and to use them to deal with every day tasks. Little things I used these from various sources.

Usually mental health charities. There support staff.

Built up a knowledge a learning experience. Recognised how I am today.

So today tired but had a simple stand by snack to boost energy. It is how to adapt your day to cope with anything.

Something simple PNB Sandwich, bowl of Cornflakes or Fruit. Apples, Pears. On standby. All helps.

Also one suggestion I use is have a diary. You know when you not good or some days when your good. Then put in it the tasks you can do. Make a date for it. Then the mind is focused and if not do it another day.

Including sleep plan for it. I wind down around nine all electricals off. Put restful music on. No TV . Just some guidance. Had severe sleep issues around addiction.

Much documented on here. Need to plan my routine. Takes a lot of practice does help though.

Tiredness, anxiety, stress all part of every day. Combined with medication drags you down.

I know have been there and still am. Of course no one is perfect. I am not and have down stress filled anxious days. Like every one else with similar.

Try not too get stressed or anxious if I can not do this does it matter today. Do it another day. When I am good. Look at the diary.

Make set days to do jobs small achievements you can do. Be proud of yourself . Be kind. Give yourself rewards.

I live on my own so me personally has to be an evening meal.

Make it simple, easy to do.

Happy to share .

Always here anytime.

Take care.

@thespiceman

CockneyRebel · March 2019

Hi @Tonypiano777

The following might help with form filling

1 - Identify those activities you have any kind of issue with.

2 - Identify whether the issue is that you can’t do the activity at all; can’t do it reliably, can’t do it repeatedly; can’t do it safely or in a reasonable time. If any one of these apply to an activity then you can’t do it at all and it’s okay to say so. However, as well as ticking the box saying you either can’t do it all need help or aids, remember to say which one(s) of the above apply.

3 - Have a copy of the PIP points scoring system in front of you. The questions in the form don’t match the points scoring so it’s as well to be aware of this.

4 - For every activity you think you score points you need to think of 2 or 3 recent examples of incidents when you tried to do that activity. Describe in detail the what, when, where, who witnessed, what happened next etc. Don’t skimp on detail. It’s often better to type it up in Word first rather than write in the form. If it won’t fit then add extra sheets, remembering to put your name, NINO and the question to which the answer relates on each sheet. Alternatively, reduce the font and cut and paste the Word answer into the form. Note that doing point 4 correctly is far more important than supporting medical evidence in most cases.

5 - Use the extra information section to describe your conditions in detail; the specifics of the symptoms and especially how they interact.

Also, if applicable, use it to spell out that you want an ongoing award and explain why e.g. your condition is degenerative, you’ve done all the adapting you’re going to do etc. If you don’t specifically ask for an ongoing award you will almost always get a short one.

6 - Assuming your diagnoses are not in question and ditto the prognosis then ask yourself what gap in your evidence does medical evidence fill in terms of points scoring? If you can’t answer that then consider not sending it in. 10 reports all saying the same thing are no better than 1. Volume of evidence, especially medical evidence, doesn’t win you PIP and medical evidence is also not as helpful as your own anecdotes unless you are someone who lacks insight into their own condition e.g. someone with a learning disability or certain mental health conditions. Clarity and focus of evidence wins you PIP.

7 - Whilst PIP ask for the form back in 4 weeks they will grant a 2 week extension without question if you ask. However, there is no actual deadline for returning the form in the legislation so that deadline can be extended if reasonable. What could be more reasonable than having a medical condition which slows you down? Ask for an extension as a reasonable adjustment under EA 10 if applicable.

8 - By all means get an advice service to do this but if they don’t do most of the above then you’re better off doing it yourself. Welfare rights advisers do not have some magic form of words they use and their knowledge of the law, guidance or case law only occasionally comes into play at the firm filling stage. No-one especially likes form filling but unless your impairment creates specific difficulties with form filling there’s no reason you can’t do it yourself. It’s all about the anecdotal evidence.