Help with pip. I have anxiety and panic attacks, as well as long covid. Can I apply for PIP?

charl1980

I struggle with mental health bad ,have long covid but work part time , I feel safe going to work as it's a safe place in my head but struggle with supermarket, outings and even visiting certain family members, hospital and doctors appointment really bad ,don't drive or use public transportation due to panick attacks and anxiety, I have problems washing my hair due to shoulder displacement months ago and I struggle with continence control use pads when at work home and am on medication for bladder control, I get lcw but manage to work afew shifts a week,when planning a journey I get to work but getting to shops, hospital etc etc causes great ansiety and I struggle on my own, would pip argue I can get to work???? It's when I'm in a state and have to get to a hospital app or medical appointment my head goes into a tizz do I sound like I could apply for pip , people telling me to but I'm anxious about doing so even?

MarkM88

The decision is yours to make. PIP is not about any condition or diagnosis. If you feel your impacted on a day to day basis in relation to the PIP descriptors then you may be entitled. You also need to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for applying. 

wilko

@charl1980, hello and welcome, may I recommend you visit the online site Benefits and Works and take the online PIP test and see how you fair. By taking the test snd being honest with your answers will help you decide if you should make a claim for PIP. Remember the answers given in your application form will have to be justified at your assessment. PIP is not awarded on a disability or diagnosis or the amount of prescription medications your prescribed. PIP is awarded on your inabilities to cope or manage the PIP descriptors safely and repeatedly and in a timely manner.

poppy123456

I've never personally rated the PIP self test for the simple reason being,  very few people understand the PIP descriptors so it's very easy to either under score and even over score yourself.

chiarieds

Hi @charl1980 - if you're considering applying for PIP you may find the following website about applying with mental health problems helpful. Please see: https://www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/en/welfare-benefits/pip-mental-health-guide/pip-resources/personal-independence-payment-pip-contact-numbers/

With PIP, it doesn't matter if you work or not (unless this would contradict why you're claiming), so altho you can get to work, you have obvious difficulty going out in other situations such as for shopping & medical appointments. All you can do is say as you have here about the difficulty you face, & why.

Many people with similar problems to yourself get PIP, but the decision to apply should be yours, & not what others think.