PIP Support letter from Friend or Family member

naila_007 · January 2021

Hi Everyone,
I decided to apply for PIP - the form is so daunting making me anxious. Well I have almost completed it took me 15 days so far. Is anyone aware of a template for a friend or family member I can look at or use.? Its the first time I am applying for any benefit so is it a good idea to attach a diary for 3 to 5 days?
Any help much appreciated.
Thanks
Naila

poppy123456 · January 2021

HI and welcome,

I don't know of any template that can be used for this. What your friend should do is state exactly how your conditions affect you against the PIP descriptors, this would only be useful if they know exactly how your conditions affect you.

Yes, a diary can be helpful. Also what i'd advise is that you add a couple f recent real world examples of what happened the last time you attempted that activity for each descriptor that applies to you. Adding who was with you, where you were and a detailed explanation of exactly what happened.

You can also ring DWP to request an extension to return the form.

Hope this helps.

Jean Eveleigh · January 2021

These two links may be useful for you @niala_007 YES I would defiantly advocate keeping a diary to end in with your application.

https://citizensadviceteignbridge.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Med_Evidence_WCP_Guidance_final_14dec.pdf

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/your-supporting-evidence/

anxiousbird · January 2021

Have heard suggestions about sending in a diary/ keeping a diary before, but I’ve never understood how exactly should the diary be formatted.

I’ve never written diary entries in my life and have no clue how they’re done really. I suffer from mental illness as well and one advice that was given to me also was to send in a week’s diary. But how do you do that? Do you write what’s happening WHEN it’s happening? (Doesn’t make sense, as I’m shaking and struggling to breathe at that time so no way I’ll think about or be able to write anything down!); do you write it at the end of the day describing how your day was? ; do you describe exactly what happened or just write some of your thoughts about an episode from the day?

I’ve already submitted my application btw, but just wondering.

naila_007 · January 2021

Thankyou all for you responses. I have 2 questions left to complete - Mixing with other People and Going Out.
I just need to be a bit careful how I answers these as i do work but i am always reluctant to mix with people and barely socialize because i am always worried about people asking how am getting on. I feel embarrassed at times - I know i shouldnt it not my fault. Any pointers will be much appreciated.

naila_007 · January 2021

anxiousbird said:

Have heard suggestions about sending in a diary/ keeping a diary before, but I’ve never understood how exactly should the diary be formatted.
I’ve never written diary entries in my life and have no clue how they’re done really. I suffer from mental illness as well and one advice that was given to me also was to send in a week’s diary. But how do you do that? Do you write what’s happening WHEN it’s happening? (Doesn’t make sense, as I’m shaking and struggling to breathe at that time so no way I’ll think about or be able to write anything down!); do you write it at the end of the day describing how your day was? ; do you describe exactly what happened or just write some of your thoughts about an episode from the day?

I’ve already submitted my application btw, but just wondering.

I found a template online and on the Citizen advice website. I started my diary on December 27th and will continue with it until 8th Jan.

OverlyAnxious · January 2021

anxiousbird said:

Have heard suggestions about sending in a diary/ keeping a diary before, but I’ve never understood how exactly should the diary be formatted.
I’ve never written diary entries in my life and have no clue how they’re done really. I suffer from mental illness as well and one advice that was given to me also was to send in a week’s diary. But how do you do that? Do you write what’s happening WHEN it’s happening? (Doesn’t make sense, as I’m shaking and struggling to breathe at that time so no way I’ll think about or be able to write anything down!); do you write it at the end of the day describing how your day was? ; do you describe exactly what happened or just write some of your thoughts about an episode from the day?

I’ve already submitted my application btw, but just wondering.

I had the same problem, and I'd guess a lot of others with mental issues do as well. There was no way I could write anything in the midst of a panic attack, and especially as I was generally out or in the car at the time as well! I tried taking voice notes on my phone instead, it didn't really work for me but might be something to consider for yourself. In the end I just tried to remember what had happened and write it down later on in the day. Though what did surprise me is just how quickly I 'forget' (or specifically block out) some symptoms that I only remembered the next time it happened!

poppy123456 · January 2021

naila_007 said:

Thankyou all for you responses. I have 2 questions left to complete - Mixing with other People and Going Out.
I just need to be a bit careful how I answers these as i do work but i am always reluctant to mix with people and barely socialize because i am always worried about people asking how am getting on. I feel embarrassed at times - I know i shouldnt it not my fault. Any pointers will be much appreciated.

I'm not sure what you mean by "you need to be a bit careful how you answer those questions" Just tell it how it is. Recent real world examples will also help a lot here.

Although people do work and claim PIP, if the work you do contradicts the reasons why you're claiming PIP then it can go against you.

anxiousbird · January 2021

naila_007 said:

anxiousbird said:

Have heard suggestions about sending in a diary/ keeping a diary before, but I’ve never understood how exactly should the diary be formatted.
I’ve never written diary entries in my life and have no clue how they’re done really. I suffer from mental illness as well and one advice that was given to me also was to send in a week’s diary. But how do you do that? Do you write what’s happening WHEN it’s happening? (Doesn’t make sense, as I’m shaking and struggling to breathe at that time so no way I’ll think about or be able to write anything down!); do you write it at the end of the day describing how your day was? ; do you describe exactly what happened or just write some of your thoughts about an episode from the day?

I’ve already submitted my application btw, but just wondering.

I found a template online and on the Citizen advice website. I started my diary on December 27th and will continue with it until 8th Jan.

would you be able to share a link to that pls?

anxiousbird · January 2021

OverlyAnxious said:

anxiousbird said:

Have heard suggestions about sending in a diary/ keeping a diary before, but I’ve never understood how exactly should the diary be formatted.
I’ve never written diary entries in my life and have no clue how they’re done really. I suffer from mental illness as well and one advice that was given to me also was to send in a week’s diary. But how do you do that? Do you write what’s happening WHEN it’s happening? (Doesn’t make sense, as I’m shaking and struggling to breathe at that time so no way I’ll think about or be able to write anything down!); do you write it at the end of the day describing how your day was? ; do you describe exactly what happened or just write some of your thoughts about an episode from the day?

I’ve already submitted my application btw, but just wondering.

I had the same problem, and I'd guess a lot of others with mental issues do as well. There was no way I could write anything in the midst of a panic attack, and especially as I was generally out or in the car at the time as well! I tried taking voice notes on my phone instead, it didn't really work for me but might be something to consider for yourself. In the end I just tried to remember what had happened and write it down later on in the day. Though what did surprise me is just how quickly I 'forget' (or specifically block out) some symptoms that I only remembered the next time it happened!

Yess agreed! That’s the thing with anxiety and panic attacks, even though you feel like you’re dying when you’re having them, once they’re over you can’t go back and ‘feel’ it again and can’t recreate the emotions/feelings in your head again!

If you don’t mind me asking, what stage are you at with your application?

OverlyAnxious · January 2021

anxiousbird said:

OverlyAnxious said:

anxiousbird said:

Have heard suggestions about sending in a diary/ keeping a diary before, but I’ve never understood how exactly should the diary be formatted.
I’ve never written diary entries in my life and have no clue how they’re done really. I suffer from mental illness as well and one advice that was given to me also was to send in a week’s diary. But how do you do that? Do you write what’s happening WHEN it’s happening? (Doesn’t make sense, as I’m shaking and struggling to breathe at that time so no way I’ll think about or be able to write anything down!); do you write it at the end of the day describing how your day was? ; do you describe exactly what happened or just write some of your thoughts about an episode from the day?

I’ve already submitted my application btw, but just wondering.

I had the same problem, and I'd guess a lot of others with mental issues do as well. There was no way I could write anything in the midst of a panic attack, and especially as I was generally out or in the car at the time as well! I tried taking voice notes on my phone instead, it didn't really work for me but might be something to consider for yourself. In the end I just tried to remember what had happened and write it down later on in the day. Though what did surprise me is just how quickly I 'forget' (or specifically block out) some symptoms that I only remembered the next time it happened!

Yess agreed! That’s the thing with anxiety and panic attacks, even though you feel like you’re dying when you’re having them, once they’re over you can’t go back and ‘feel’ it again and can’t recreate the emotions/feelings in your head again!
If you don’t mind me asking, what stage are you at with your application?

No I don't mind at all. I failed the first assessment with 0 points back in spring 2019. Then after approx 12 months I won a paper tribunal earlier this year and am now receiving enhanced daily living.

anxiousbird · January 2021

OverlyAnxious said:

anxiousbird said:

OverlyAnxious said:

anxiousbird said:

Have heard suggestions about sending in a diary/ keeping a diary before, but I’ve never understood how exactly should the diary be formatted.
I’ve never written diary entries in my life and have no clue how they’re done really. I suffer from mental illness as well and one advice that was given to me also was to send in a week’s diary. But how do you do that? Do you write what’s happening WHEN it’s happening? (Doesn’t make sense, as I’m shaking and struggling to breathe at that time so no way I’ll think about or be able to write anything down!); do you write it at the end of the day describing how your day was? ; do you describe exactly what happened or just write some of your thoughts about an episode from the day?

I’ve already submitted my application btw, but just wondering.

I had the same problem, and I'd guess a lot of others with mental issues do as well. There was no way I could write anything in the midst of a panic attack, and especially as I was generally out or in the car at the time as well! I tried taking voice notes on my phone instead, it didn't really work for me but might be something to consider for yourself. In the end I just tried to remember what had happened and write it down later on in the day. Though what did surprise me is just how quickly I 'forget' (or specifically block out) some symptoms that I only remembered the next time it happened!

Yess agreed! That’s the thing with anxiety and panic attacks, even though you feel like you’re dying when you’re having them, once they’re over you can’t go back and ‘feel’ it again and can’t recreate the emotions/feelings in your head again!
If you don’t mind me asking, what stage are you at with your application?

No I don't mind at all. I failed the first assessment with 0 points back in spring 2019. Then after approx 12 months I won a paper tribunal earlier this year and am now receiving enhanced daily living.

That’s great! Congratulations ?

chiarieds · January 2021

Here's a link from Citizens Advice - their diary template: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Documents/Advice (public)/pip-diary.pdf

When I decided to keep a 'diary' for 7-8 days to send in with my PIP claim, I just made a few brief notes for each day highlighting the difficulties I'd had & why. Then I copied this onto my computer, put my name & National Insurance number at the top of each page, & printed it off.

Whilst the Citizens Advice diary template is OK, you just have to put in your own words (or get help from someone if needed) how your disability affects you. There's no right or wrong way about doing it, just make sure it relates to the activities looked at with PIP.

You don't have to do a diary, but if you can manage to jot down some notes anyway, it will help you when you come to do the PIP form. As mentioned, it's so easy to forget what happened.... the things you've had problems, or struggled with.

There's also some good advice here for those with mental health issues: https://www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/en/welfare-benefits/pip-mental-health-guide/help-with-your-pip-claim/how-to-fill-in-the-pip-form/

anxiousbird · January 2021

chiarieds said:

Here's a link from Citizens Advice - their diary template: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Documents/Advice (public)/pip-diary.pdf
When I decided to keep a 'diary' for 7-8 days to send in with my PIP claim, I just made a few brief notes for each day highlighting the difficulties I'd had & why. Then I copied this onto my computer, put my name & National Insurance number at the top of each page, & printed it off.
Whilst the Citizens Advice diary template is OK, you just have to put in your own words (or get help from someone if needed) how your disability affects you. There's no right or wrong way about doing it, just make sure it relates to the activities looked at with PIP.
You don't have to do a diary, but if you can manage to jot down some notes anyway, it will help you when you come to do the PIP form. As mentioned, it's so easy to forget what happened.... the things you've had problems, or struggled with.
There's also some good advice here for those with mental health issues: https://www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/en/welfare-benefits/pip-mental-health-guide/help-with-your-pip-claim/how-to-fill-in-the-pip-form/

Thanks

the link to the template seems to be invalid ?

poppy123456 · January 2021

anxiousbird said:

chiarieds said:

Here's a link from Citizens Advice - their diary template: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Documents/Advice (public)/pip-diary.pdf
When I decided to keep a 'diary' for 7-8 days to send in with my PIP claim, I just made a few brief notes for each day highlighting the difficulties I'd had & why. Then I copied this onto my computer, put my name & National Insurance number at the top of each page, & printed it off.
Whilst the Citizens Advice diary template is OK, you just have to put in your own words (or get help from someone if needed) how your disability affects you. There's no right or wrong way about doing it, just make sure it relates to the activities looked at with PIP.
You don't have to do a diary, but if you can manage to jot down some notes anyway, it will help you when you come to do the PIP form. As mentioned, it's so easy to forget what happened.... the things you've had problems, or struggled with.
There's also some good advice here for those with mental health issues: https://www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/en/welfare-benefits/pip-mental-health-guide/help-with-your-pip-claim/how-to-fill-in-the-pip-form/

Thanks the link to the template seems to be invalid ?

The link works fine for me.

anxiousbird · January 2021

poppy123456 said:

anxiousbird said:

chiarieds said:

Here's a link from Citizens Advice - their diary template: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Documents/Advice (public)/pip-diary.pdf
When I decided to keep a 'diary' for 7-8 days to send in with my PIP claim, I just made a few brief notes for each day highlighting the difficulties I'd had & why. Then I copied this onto my computer, put my name & National Insurance number at the top of each page, & printed it off.
Whilst the Citizens Advice diary template is OK, you just have to put in your own words (or get help from someone if needed) how your disability affects you. There's no right or wrong way about doing it, just make sure it relates to the activities looked at with PIP.
You don't have to do a diary, but if you can manage to jot down some notes anyway, it will help you when you come to do the PIP form. As mentioned, it's so easy to forget what happened.... the things you've had problems, or struggled with.
There's also some good advice here for those with mental health issues: https://www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/en/welfare-benefits/pip-mental-health-guide/help-with-your-pip-claim/how-to-fill-in-the-pip-form/

Thanks the link to the template seems to be invalid ?

The link works fine for me.

Now it does for me as well. Lol That’s weird! When I did it earlier, it said ‘sorry that page does not exist or have been moved’

naila_007 · January 2021

poppy123456 said:

naila_007 said:

Thankyou all for you responses. I have 2 questions left to complete - Mixing with other People and Going Out.
I just need to be a bit careful how I answers these as i do work but i am always reluctant to mix with people and barely socialize because i am always worried about people asking how am getting on. I feel embarrassed at times - I know i shouldnt it not my fault. Any pointers will be much appreciated.

I'm not sure what you mean by "you need to be a bit careful how you answer those questions" Just tell it how it is. Recent real world examples will also help a lot here.
Although people do work and claim PIP, if the work you do contradicts the reasons why you're claiming PIP then it can go against you.

apologies i think i may have worded that incorrectly - yes i will write it as it is. I just get embarrassed of explaining. I will mention a few live examples. Thankyou

naila_007 · January 2021

poppy123456 said:

HI and welcome,

I don't know of any template that can be used for this. What your friend should do is state exactly how your conditions affect you against the PIP descriptors, this would only be useful if they know exactly how your conditions affect you.

Yes, a diary can be helpful. Also what i'd advise is that you add a couple f recent real world examples of what happened the last time you attempted that activity for each descriptor that applies to you. Adding who was with you, where you were and a detailed explanation of exactly what happened.

You can also ring DWP to request an extension to return the form.

Hope this helps.

Hi Poppy i wasnt sure whether to start a new discussion - i have been reading quite a lot of the discussions with regards to medical evidence - is it a good idea to send all consultant letters/reports as evidence. They dont always mention how the condition affects me but more of care plan and if my condition has worsened. Is there anyone here checks the forms or is it only CAB.
thanks Naila

poppy123456 · January 2021

Asking on here is fine. Firstly, do remember that with evidence, less is often more. Sending in huge amounts of evidence isn't helpful and even more so if it doesn't state exactly how your conditions affect you. Just read through all your evidence before deciding what to send.

Unfortunately, there isn't anyone here that can check that evidence for you because we don't know exactly how your conditions affect you. Remember also about the recent real world examples.

naila_007 · January 2021

Hi,

I finally did manage to send my PIP form off and have received a text message on 14th Jan to say "we may need you to attend a consultation with the health professional before making a decision" - just out of curiosity how long does this process take? I kept copies of all my form as i think i might have wrote a mini dissertation.Lets see what happens now.

This forum is very useful

janer1967 · January 2021

Hi @naila_007

The assessment can take a while to be arranged depending on backlog in your area

Not really easy to say it's just a waiting game

PIP Support letter from Friend or Family member

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