How do you know if you can claim?

Hi,

Toast shouldn't count.

Instant noodles might count if you heat them in a microwave. If you're just pouring boiling water on them from a kettle then they shouldn't count.

If you look at the PIP descriptors that can help determine what the guidelines are. But be aware much of it is guidelines rather than black and white law. Some places will tell you that a simple meal should consist of something like preparing fresh veg and pan frying fish but that isn't realistic in the modern world anyway.

Essentially the question is - can you use a cooker regularly? If no, can you use a microwave regularly? Do you need prompting or assistance to prepare your daily meals?

One of the quirks of PIP is that it's about the help you need, not necessarily the help you get!

So yes, you can be awarded the 'prompting' descriptor even if you live alone. However…providing evidence that you need prompting without another person to corroborate is the issue. I also live alone so I'm well aware of how difficult it is to get any evidence for PIP in this situation.

I'll break the other post down into two parts. The first part is that if it would take you twice as long as an average person to complete the task, then it is considered that you cannot complete the task in a 'timely manner'.

However…you will struggle to get evidence here. The assessor will almost certainly say you're choosing not to cook as a lifestyle choice unless you can provide evidence. Realistically, if you live alone, it will be very difficult to score the full 8 points for being 'unable to cook any meal' here.

From what you've written so far, I would be expecting 2 points for this descriptor. Therefore I would put more effort into other descriptors where you're likely to score more highly. Bear in mind this part is just my opinion though.

That's an interesting one. I haven't seen much about that descriptor for people who aren't either deaf or completely non-verbal.

I would say your symptoms better fit the 'mixing with people' question, and you are likely to score the full 8 points for that one.

If you haven't spoken to anyone or even yourself in the last year, but could previously speak and make yourself understood, at least for basic information, then perhaps one of the 'support' descriptors would be applicable for either 4 or 8 points. When we say basic information we mean something like "get out, there's a fire!".

Interestingly, we have quite similar symptoms, though I was still able to speak when I first got PIP. It's now been around 5 years since I had a conversation with anyone though. I'm not actually sure which box I'd tick if reviewed again!

It's also worth noting that most PIP assessments are done verbally, either over the phone, via video, or occasionally face to face. If you will be unable to speak at all for the assessment then you really need to explain that on the forms. If you will be able to speak for the assessment then that will make it difficult to score points for being unable to speak.

Yes, 8 points for a Standard award and 12 points for an Enhanced award. So even if you've overscored yourself a bit, you should still be entitled to at least some PIP based on those results.

PIP claims generally have to be started by telephone (don't get me started on that!). However there is also the option of doing it by post. In some areas they have now started allowing online applications, if you scroll to the bottom of this webpage you can check whether your area is included.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP): How to claim - GOV.UK