Should I try for PIP and am i eligible ?

Swann1979

Hi folks, really stuck on where to go next. I had to sign myself off of ESA (WRAG) several months ago after my boyfriend who i live with received an inheritance. It wasn't a life changing sum and has been used on bills and starting up an at home printing business for him.
I've struggled with depression and anxiety for many years but getting help with counseling and other organisations, plus meds. I'm struggling financially, having to rely on family to help with food bills.

My partner only gives a few pounds here n there to buy food for him. But I have lost alot of my independence financially, I hardly go out due to money worries and am finding it more stressful day to day with arguments about money with the partner. I want to help with the bills, but I'm scared to work at the moment, knowing i've not had the experience or confidence to do it for a long time. I'm looking at PIP, as a UC claim will be joint with the partner and he doesn't want to lose his new business. 

Should i try for a PIP claim? I just don't know what to do from here. 

poppy123456

Hi,

I'm assuming you had savings in excess of £16,000 which is why your ESA stopped, is that correct?

If so then the same rules apply for UC, which means that if you have savings of more than £16,000 then you won't be entitled to any UC. If you have savings of less than £16,000 then your UC would be reduced. Also, whether or not you'll be entitled to UC will depend on your household income.

For PIP, it's not about a diagnosis, or whether you're unable to work because people claim PIP and work. It's about how your conditions affect your ability to carry out daily activity based on the PIP descriptors. Evidence will be needed to support your claim and a face to face assessment is most likely because most people have them. A claim could take several months, maybe more in some cases. Unfortunately, no one on an internet forum can tell you whether you'll successfully be awarded.

These links may help you understand the descriptors and what they mean.

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

These are the descriptors but i'd advise you to read the above link because that's where all the information is in a lot more detail.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

Swann1979

Thanks poppy123456, Will have a good read of the links and info.

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @Swann1979 and a warm welcome to the community! I hope @poppy123456 has been able to give you enough information. If you need anything else then please do let us know.