Applying for PIP for my hip pain and how it affects me daily

barokut
barokut Online Community Member Posts: 10 Listener

Hi,

I am applying for PIP again (as I lost the appeal for Mandatory Reconsideration Notice, was awarded 0 points again) for my hip pain. I decided to apply for a self employed delivery job (out of desperation as I need money) few months ago, been working since then but it's a huge struggle. I can only walk a few minutes till I have to rest in between and if a customer has stairs, I have to ask him/her to come down or I leave their items on the ground floor. It's just food deliveries, usually weighing no more than 2 or 3KG.

And to collect the item, I can ask the restaurant to drop off their parcel to me. I use my car for delivery. And it takes a few minutes to drive to a customer, most of them are usually located within 1 mile.

I'm wondering if DWP would deny me PIP because I'm doing a job that's totally not suitable with my hip condition. Since it's self employed, I often take many days of rest in between because of the sheer lower back pain I get along with hip and frequently get pins & needles.

I'm thinking if I have to mention about my job or not. And if they ask me what job I do, am I able to legally say "I don't wish to answer" or do I have to tell them?

Kindly please let me know. Thanks.

Comments

  • barokut
    barokut Online Community Member Posts: 10 Listener

    P.S. I also go to gym because my physiotherapist showed me what exercises I must do for my hips. I think that's another point that DWP would want to raise; "how are you going to the gym if you have hip pain and what workout do you do"…

  • Bluebell21
    Bluebell21 Online Community Member Posts: 2,284 Pioneering

    Hi @barokut Yes the DWP does ask about your job when claiming PIP.

    They assess how your condition affects your daily living and mobility.

    The DWP will consider your work situation as part of the assessment but they focus on the impact of your condition rather than your employment status.

  • SwiftFox
    SwiftFox Posts: 940 Championing

    I think that would be your stumbling block. But if It helps out, then you should get them to get in touch with your doctor for clarification of why you go to the gym.

  • michael57
    michael57 Online Community Member Posts: 2,680 Championing

    nothing to do with your health but just make sure you are insured to deliver food with your own car

  • barokut
    barokut Online Community Member Posts: 10 Listener

    to be honest, my physiotherapist said I should go to the gym to do leg exercises to try to improve the conditions about my hips. But I've been for ages and no improvement.

  • barokut
    barokut Online Community Member Posts: 10 Listener

    not sure what my food insurance got to do with my pip claim. they won't ask that, even in a tribunal court. they just would know that I would be delivering and that's it.

  • michael57
    michael57 Online Community Member Posts: 2,680 Championing

    never said it would i said make sure you have the right hire and reward insurance on your own car for doing food deliveries