PIP app and concerns

justme6263
justme6263 Online Community Member Posts: 32 Connected
in PIP, DLA, ADP and AA
Hi,

So I submitted my pip form two days ago, I completed it honestly and tried to explain how my day to day life is affected by my disabilities. However, I didn't get any advice or help with it and after looking into things since I submitted it and I'm not sure I filled it out in the best way to properly articulate how my life is impacted. I didn't use any if the 'buzzwords'that I've heard people speak about, I also dont think I did particularly well at explaining my issue with journeys and journey planning either.

My issues are all mental health related and addiction, I've heard Mrs difficult to get a decision in your favour when its MH and addiction stuff so I'm concerned I've not given myself the best chance by not getting any advice before hand.

Comments

  • justme6263
    justme6263 Online Community Member Posts: 32 Connected
    Do people think I am royally f****d it by not seeking advice and guidance?
  • nasturtium
    nasturtium Online Community Member Posts: 390 Empowering
    Hello justme6263
    justme6263 said:
    Do people think I am royally f****d it by not seeking advice and guidance?
    No.
    justme6263 said:
    Hi,
    So I submitted my pip form two days ago, I completed it honestly and tried to explain how my day to day life is affected by my disabilities.
    You said that you completed it honestly and explained how your problems affect you day to day. That is all you can do. If you feel as though you have missed important details out then you can mention these at the assessment or you can forward a written statement highlighting the parts you did not include to the address on the form you submitted. (You should have kept a copy of the form for yourself if you did not keep a copy for yourself you will need to telephone the PIP Helpline and get the address from them.)
    If you send extra information make sure you add your name and national insurance number on ever peice of paper you include.
    If the descision is not what you expect then you have a further chance to include more written evidence if you need to apply in writting for Mandatory Reconsideration.
    Hope that helps
    Nasturtium
  • bg844
    bg844 Online Community Member Posts: 3,927 Championing
    No, absolutely not. You will most likely have an assessment which is a good time to get your points across then, there are no ‘key’ words for completing a successful PIP form out either. 

    In terms of awards for Mental Health, these are not rare and many get successfully awarded with no issues. 

    Keep an eye out in the post for an assessment appointment, these are being done quite quickly in the majority of cases at present.
  • justme6263
    justme6263 Online Community Member Posts: 32 Connected
    Thank you both for getting back to me, I'll keep an eye out I just hope it isn't a long process as it really stresses me out
  • justme6263
    justme6263 Online Community Member Posts: 32 Connected
    nasturtium said:
    Hello justme6263
    justme6263 said:
    Do people think I am royally f****d it by not seeking advice and guidance?
    No.
    justme6263 said:
    Hi,
    So I submitted my pip form two days ago, I completed it honestly and tried to explain how my day to day life is affected by my disabilities.
    You said that you completed it honestly and explained how your problems affect you day to day. That is all you can do. If you feel as though you have missed important details out then you can mention these at the assessment or you can forward a written statement highlighting the parts you did not include to the address on the form you submitted. (You should have kept a copy of the form for yourself if you did not keep a copy for yourself you will need to telephone the PIP Helpline and get the address from them.)
    If you send extra information make sure you add your name and national insurance number on ever peice of paper you include.
    If the descision is not what you expect then you have a further chance to include more written evidence if you need to apply in writting for Mandatory Reconsideration.
    Hope that helps
    Nasturtium

    I am extremely stressed and my anxiety levels are through the roof. I got a letter today that my assessment will be by video on 4th September,  I cant do video calls because it stresses me out so much and I also dont have a phone with a camera which works, second I am waiting for evidence from my doctors still. 

    I dont know what to do.- the idea of a video assessment fills me with dread. I'm an alcoholic too which is one of my conditions and I'm trying to stay sober but when i feel like this I drink to self medicate. I just dont know what to do 
  • justme6263
    justme6263 Online Community Member Posts: 32 Connected
    nasturtium said:
    Hello justme6263
    justme6263 said:
    Do people think I am royally f****d it by not seeking advice and guidance?
    No.
    justme6263 said:
    Hi,
    So I submitted my pip form two days ago, I completed it honestly and tried to explain how my day to day life is affected by my disabilities.
    You said that you completed it honestly and explained how your problems affect you day to day. That is all you can do. If you feel as though you have missed important details out then you can mention these at the assessment or you can forward a written statement highlighting the parts you did not include to the address on the form you submitted. (You should have kept a copy of the form for yourself if you did not keep a copy for yourself you will need to telephone the PIP Helpline and get the address from them.)
    If you send extra information make sure you add your name and national insurance number on ever peice of paper you include.
    If the descision is not what you expect then you have a further chance to include more written evidence if you need to apply in writting for Mandatory Reconsideration.
    Hope that helps
    Nasturtium

    I am extremely stressed and my anxiety levels are through the roof. I got a letter today that my assessment will be by video on 4th September,  I cant do video calls because it stresses me out so much and I also dont have a phone with a camera which works, second I am waiting for evidence from my doctors still. 

    I dont know what to do.- the idea of a video assessment fills me with dread. I'm an alcoholic too which is one of my conditions and I'm trying to stay sober but when i feel like this I drink to self medicate. I just dont know what to do 
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    @justme6263 Do you have a sponsor or someone to reach out to when you feel the need to drink? I'd encourage you to reach out to Alcoholics Anonymous UK if you don't.

    You can have someone with you for support during the assessment and you can call up to ask for a phone assessment instead. Just explain you don't have a camera to do the video assessment. 
  • nasturtium
    nasturtium Online Community Member Posts: 390 Empowering
    justme6263 said:
    I cant do video calls because it stresses me out so much and I also dont have a phone with a camera which works, second I am waiting for evidence from my doctors still.
    You can telephone the assessment provider (Not the DWP) and request them to change the type of assessment as "a reasonable adjustment" from a video assessment to a telephone assessment. The sooner you do this the easier it will be. Explain to them why you cannot do a video assessment and it would be easier for you to have a telephone assessment. There should be no problems with changing the type of assessment.
    Keep us updated.
    Nasturtium
  • justme6263
    justme6263 Online Community Member Posts: 32 Connected
    Hannah_Scope said:
    @justme6263 Do you have a sponsor or someone to reach out to when you feel the need to drink? I'd encourage you to reach out to Alcoholics Anonymous UK if you don't.

    You can have someone with you for support during the assessment and you can call up to ask for a phone assessment instead. Just explain you don't have a camera to do the video assessment. 
    Thanks for reaching out and for the advice.

    I do try to do meetings online but I struggle to keep io with them. I don't leave my flat pretty much ever because of anxiety and paranoia when I'm sober, then both those couples with aggression when I'm drinking, so struggle to engage with services. 

    The mental health team wont assess me until I'm sober, dont wont prescribe anything until I've had a mental health assessment, I cant get sober without some prescribed help to alleviate the issues. I feel stuck
  • StillIRise
    StillIRise Online Community Member Posts: 181 Empowering
    justme6263 said:
    Do people think I am royally f****d it by not seeking advice and guidance?
    No, it’s normal to find these things difficult. Every single time I’ve sent off one of these forms I’ve felt i didn’t fill it in well enough. These things are never perfect. You can also send addition info and evidence in after you’ve sent the form, just it your ni number, name etc on it 
  • justme6263
    justme6263 Online Community Member Posts: 32 Connected
    Hannah_Scope said:
    @justme6263 Do you have a sponsor or someone to reach out to when you feel the need to drink? I'd encourage you to reach out to Alcoholics Anonymous UK if you don't.

    You can have someone with you for support during the assessment and you can call up to ask for a phone assessment instead. Just explain you don't have a camera to do the video assessment. 
    Thanks for reaching out and for the advice.

    I do try to do meetings online but I struggle to keep io with them. I don't leave my flat pretty much ever because of anxiety and paranoia when I'm sober, then both those couples with aggression when I'm drinking, so struggle to engage with services. 

    The mental health team wont assess me until I'm sober, dont wont prescribe anything until I've had a mental health assessment, I cant get sober without some prescribed help to alleviate the issues. I feel stuck
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    @justme6263 I would encourage you to reach out to Alcoholics Anonymous. Maybe they have someone in the area who could be a sponsor / support for you in person as well as online? Even if they just come sit with you on a bench or a bit of green near your flat? That may lead to an opportunity to get you more support with the mental health team too?

    Have you asked you GP about a rehabilitation placement? I know that must sound scary. Especially when you cannot leave your flat. But from what I have read online, it is a good option to discuss. 
  • chiarieds
    chiarieds Online Community Member Posts: 17,155 Championing
    Hi @justme6263 - I'd just like to add to all the excellent advice you've already received. A very dear friend of mine, who used to be a member here, had suffered with both mental health & addiction problems, & used to recommend the following as they had been particularly helpful:
    https://www.richmondfellowship.org.uk/   unfortunately they are not in all areas, but you can check by using the postcode checker https://www.richmondfellowship.org.uk/support-we-offer/find-support/
    Frank who help with addiction problems: https://www.talktofrank.com/contact-frank    you can even text them, & they have a 24 hour phone service every day,etc.

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