Hi, I'm gemma84! Anyone else with these conditions awarded PIP?

gemma84

Hello all,

looking for advice and people who understand..

poppy123456

What would you like some advice on? If you can give some information then someone maybe able to help.

gemma84

Hello,
so I’m new to applying for disability benefits. 

I have complex MH and physical health needs including: BPD, anxiety, depression, aggrophobia and asthma, heart arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy. I’m also a big girl with a BMI of 42. I’m 38 years old.

I applied to LCWRA in May and received notification in June that I had been awarded the higher element. I am still awaiting payment.

I also applied for PIP and had my assessment today. It lasted for almost two hours and was the most stressful phone-call I’ve ever had. I am now sat doubting myself that I will be successful getting PIP at all because I was so exhausted at the end of the phone-call I was struggling to answer the questions.

I am just wondering if there are other people with similar disadvantages/health needs that have been awarded? 8 weeks plus is a long time to wait when you suffer from anxiety.

poppy123456

For the LCWRA element of UC then there's a full 3 month assessment period waiting time and the extra money is paid from the 4th month of your claim.

When it's paid from will depend on what date exactly you reported your health condition/sent your first fit note and what date you usually receive your money each month.

For the PIP claim, lots of people with mental health claim PIP successfully. Though as it's not awarded based on any diagnosis, then it's impossible to compare two people because we are all affected differently by these conditions.

Once the report is returned to DWP a decision can take 2-12 weeks.

gemma84

Thank you.

I think I’m just feeling very dejected from the whole process. It’s very draining and long-winded, especially when we have enough already to contend with.

Cher_Alumni

@gemma84 Hello and welcome to our online community, I'm glad you found us today so we can offer some virtual support.

The PIP assessment is one not many look forward to, and I can totally empathise with you feeling drained. I think I felt like I'd been through a wash cycle after mine. The good news is that people with the conditions you have are successful if they meet the PIP descriptors and receive sufficient points to get an award. But for now take it one day at a time, you've not had the easiest afternoon so concentrate on your wellbeing, as the outcome is out of your control for a little while. If it's the case that you need to take more action when you get the decision, then we are here to help.

I also just wanted to check you were getting enough support with the physical and mental health conditions you describe? It can't be easy and I hope you are as well supported as can be.

Keep us updated with how you get on and remember our community is about 24/7 for you.

Just to advise: I've moved your thread to our PIP, DLA and AA category and renamed it to make the question easier to spot for those who wish to reply!