Getting pip evidence

WillowHope

Hi again. 

I am currently still filling a pip form in for my son who is now 16 years old. 

I went to our gp today and asked for a letter stating what my son struggles with. He looked at the different questions and shook his head, saying how does he know to answer all these questions, eg, cooking, spending money etc
I’m stressing as I feel if I don’t get the relevant evidence then my son has no chance with pip. 

Has anyone else struggled with getting evidence for a pip claim. 

I’m finding all of this very stressful! 

Ross_Alumni

Hi @WillowHope

Thanks for posting, and sorry to hear this is stressing you out, though I totally understand. Getting medical evidence can be quite a chore sometimes, not to mention that on some occasions you do have to pay for those letters. 

As he suggested, the GP wont' be able to give enough detail about exactly how your son struggles with each of the activities. I suppose the best they could maybe do is give a general overview of how your son's condition impacts him, and whether it is something that will impact him long-term.

Have you written your own anecdotal evidence for each of the descriptors to explain and demonstrate how they each apply to him? I realise it can be a tricky process to navigate, so if you do want to talk it through you'd be more than welcome to give our helpline a call or seek some professional benefits advice through Advice Local.

poppy123456

Your GP is correct, they will have no idea exactly how your sons condition will affect them because they don't spend any time with them to know this.

Medical evidence is only really useful if it state exactly how your conditions affect you and most doesn't. For each descriptor that applies to him you should give at least 2 real world incidents of exactly what happened the last time he attempted that activity. Include details such as where he was, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were. You should aim for at least half an A4 side of paper per descriptor that applies.

WillowHope

Thanks for the speedy reply. I had help
with filling the form in yesterday and I am currently getting family to write statements. 

Not got evidence from his specialist yet which I’m hoping to receive soon. 

Thanks 

Alex_Alumni

Keep us up to date with how things go @WillowHope and please ask if there's anything you feel we can help with I hope it all goes smoothly for you!

WillowHope

Thank you @poppy123456
yes, that’s what my doctor said so I’m doing as you state and hopefully My son receives pip. 

I’m going to give two examples of each. Fingers crossed. 

So nice of you both to comment and I appreciate your help. 

Thanks