A question for those in employment/working and who claim PIP
I am genuinely interested if there are any PIP claimants who work either part time or full time who claim PIP as their only benefit (so no uc, esa, housing benefit, tax credit etc…..)?
is there anyone with a disability (or several) in this forum who work full time, claim PIP as their only benefit (to help make up the financial difference or even being able to afford to stay in work) and are able to claim high care & high mobility pip elements? (Or even a high + low award or 2x low if you get my meaning?)
could I ask if it’s not too personal if you work full or part time, home or office based, freelance or employed and what disability you have (or just whether it’s physical based, learning based, etc…… if that’s too personal)
also what areas do you work in
i am genuinely really curious as PIP is technically a in work benefit and surely there must be people working full time that have made continuous successful PIP claims (and even awarded higher care and higher mobility elements) as I just don’t read of a lot of examples to this
Comments
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apple85 said:
i am genuinely really curious as PIP is technically a in work benefit
That's not correct. PIP isn't an in work benefit, in the same way it's not an out of work benefit. It's a disability benefit.I know of a few people personally that work full time and part time and claim PIP. There's also members here that work at least part time. Not that it makes a difference because it's not about anyones ability to work.1 -
It's all in the name, it's there to give disabled people a bit of independence and help in a world that's not exactly disabled friendly in many places.
I claim PIP and I'm in part time work. If I wasn't working, I'd still be claiming PIP. Or at least trying to, depending on the next assessment.0 -
Hello apple 85
I have been a recipient of PIP since 2018 and have remained employed throughout this period. Initially, I received only the standard rate for the daily living component. However, during my review in August 2023, my PIP award was significantly upgraded to the enhanced rate for both the daily living and mobility components. PIP is the only benefit I currently receive.
I work at the office from Monday to Friday, with my contract specifying a 30-hour workweek within that period. I hold a valid Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) certificate and serve as an in-house legal advisor, overseeing a portfolio of 130 companies to ensure their compliance with relevant regulations and laws.
Since joining Scope, I've been deeply moved and shocked by the extent to which many of their members experience isolation and encounter difficulties accessing essential support. It's disheartening to see them repeatedly having to prove their circumstances for various benefits. This eye-opening experience has given me a profound understanding of the intricate challenges within this system. If I had the opportunity to start over, I would wholeheartedly pursue a career dedicated to championing social justice, with a particular focus on advocating for individuals who face these formidable obstacles.
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I have pip I work around part time at moment but used work more than 25hours I get the hight pip also0
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Poppy, I know that you often correct me as it’s better to present things 100% correct and no possible room for misunderstanding but at times it feels frustratingly like nit picking (and it draws away from my actual topic)poppy123456 said:apple85 said:
i am genuinely really curious as PIP is technically a in work benefit
That's not correct. PIP isn't an in work benefit, in the same way it's not an out of work benefit. It's a disability benefit.I know of a few people personally that work full time and part time and claim PIP. There's also members here that work at least part time. Not that it makes a difference because it's not about anyones ability to work.
so for correctness sake:
ESA/UC are means based - your income will affect the amount you are entitled to and you get an income via work/a job - many people in work earn too much to qualify for ESA/UC. Also to get these benefits you may need to sign a claimant commitment with the job centre
PIP is currently not means tested - your income (should) not affect the amount you are awarded (technically even if you earn £100k a year you may in theory qualify for PIP if you meet the criteria). As far as I know jobcentre appointments are never mandatory for PIP
(I have more comparisons but the difference between benefits draws alway from the topic of this thread)
Ive claimed esa by itself and esa along with pip but never pip alone (& I don’t think I’ve read many first hand accounts of claiming PIP alone (regardless of whether they also qualify for esa/uc or not)
The thing is there’s potentially a lot of changes coming to esa/uc and because of things like the claimant commitment (and other things I won’t mentioned) and if the stars ever aligned how many of us would claim esa/uc 100% by choice (most of us claim for survival reasons only, because they have no choice)
But I know many disabled people do not want to touch the benefit system with a barg pole and I admire those people so much and their stories & advice has never been so relevant (I know many on here are not in the right health to look at all the possible options - I’m not sure I am either but it’s in my nature to research every possibility and it’s reality)
I also know that some disabled that have never claimed benefits before are now having to apply for PIP as their income is no longer covering their expenses because of the cost of living crisis and I’m really interested about reading about their situation as well as those who have worked for a while and only claim PIP (and nothing else)
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Do you claim anything else (esa, uc, tax credits, etc) or is your incoming money solely from your work and PIP? (Sorry for the personal question)Albus_Scope said:It's all in the name, it's there to give disabled people a bit of independence and help in a world that's not exactly disabled friendly in many places.
I claim PIP and I'm in part time work. If I wasn't working, I'd still be claiming PIP. Or at least trying to, depending on the next assessment.
edit: similar question to Ella and mw123
thank you all for your responses so far - I probably haven’t read enough threads but I haven’t read that many stories of those on here that work and solely apply for PIP to meet the extra expenses of being disabled
i hope more will continue to contribute to this thread0 -
@MW123
i agree with your last paragraph sentiments
i think scope may have one of the most activity disability online forums in the uk and though many on here come for advice & support I think many of us hope that at least one of our posts help pay it forward 🥰2 -
apple85 said:
Poppy, I know that you often correct me as it’s better to present things 100% correct and no possible room for misunderstanding but at times it feels frustratingly like nit picking (and it draws away from my actual topic)poppy123456 said:apple85 said:
i am genuinely really curious as PIP is technically a in work benefit
That's not correct. PIP isn't an in work benefit, in the same way it's not an out of work benefit. It's a disability benefit.I know of a few people personally that work full time and part time and claim PIP. There's also members here that work at least part time. Not that it makes a difference because it's not about anyones ability to work.I’m sorry you think that! I’m not nit picking at all. Its important that any information given is correct and not misleading. This is also part of the forum rules.A lot of people rely on forums like this for help and advice because they can’t get advice from anywhere else.3 -
I agree with you and said as such the importance of posting info that’s 100% rightpoppy123456 said:apple85 said:
Poppy, I know that you often correct me as it’s better to present things 100% correct and no possible room for misunderstanding but at times it feels frustratingly like nit picking (and it draws away from my actual topic)poppy123456 said:apple85 said:
i am genuinely really curious as PIP is technically a in work benefit
That's not correct. PIP isn't an in work benefit, in the same way it's not an out of work benefit. It's a disability benefit.I know of a few people personally that work full time and part time and claim PIP. There's also members here that work at least part time. Not that it makes a difference because it's not about anyones ability to work.I’m sorry you think that! I’m not nit picking at all. Its important that any information given is correct and not misleading. This is also part of the forum rules.A lot of people rely on forums like this for help and advice because they can’t get advice from anywhere else.
it sometimes feels your ‘fact correcting’ is a little blunt - I’ll put my hand up and say that I don’t always get explanations 100% right and the percentage I get wrong does need to be correct but sometimes I feel like your implying that some of my explanations are 100% wrong (I know you’re not but I’m easily thrown for a loop) rather than a detail, or being to black & white in my commenting and blunt myself.My family help prompt me if I need to word things better, that I’ve not necessarily said something 100% wrong at its core but I’ve said it in the wrong why (also I try to summarise my comments as sometimes my full explanation can be loooooonnnnnngggg 😝)
- I hope my attempt of elaborating and rewording my initial comment was better thought out 😉
(This communication and social interaction lark is not easy ☺️)1 -
I'm sorry if i come accross as blunt sometimes but i can assure you, it's not intentional and never meant to be that way. It's just words on a screen that have no tone because there's no tone to text speak.I don't think i've ever implied that some of your explanations are 100% wrong.
I think sometimes people forget that i actually have disabilities myself. I spend my time here freely advising others. Sometimes i have no time to "sugar coat" replies as I’m more of a straight to the point sort of person but it's not meant in any bad way at all. If i didn't care, i certainly wouldn't be here. I care more than some people realise.There are some threads where i spend so much of my time trying to help people, especially the threads that have to include a calculation. This in itself isn't easy for me because i have the worst short term memory, which makes all those figures even more difficult. I have to keep looking at the amounts and then when i look away to type it i've forgotten the amount so i have to have another look again, then i look away and the same thing happens, i've forgotten what i've just looked at.
It's very frustrating. I then grab a note pad because it's much quicker to write something than it is to type it because i can look and write, rather than type and look away..
At the end of all that and i've finally got the figures my brain is about to explode. Then there's more questions and more figures.. sigh. I really do try so hard but unfortunately, i can't always please everyone.I know i have a lot of benefits knowledge but that's in my brain and probably there to stay, it's just those figures that get my short term memory in a pickle every time. I'm so glad that people can't actually see me sometimes
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Oh poppy (goes searching for a hug emoji) 🫂🫶🫂
im autistic so i misinterpret things all the time, am a master of putting my foot in it, and am a county champion in apologising!
I come on this forum as the people on here seem happier to answer questions and most judge a lot less. For some reason in the real word the neurotypical really don’t like being asked questions - I’ll say something ‘wrong’, try and ask a question so I can understand what I’ve done and to elaborate but get cancelled before I’ve even had a chance to correct or understand my error. I find being around most people quite stressful and confusing (there are some good eggs out there but the publics understanding of disability seems to be getting worse over the past few years) so as you said when on a forum like this it’s a relief that people can’t see you and you can be yourself and talk to others that may have been in your own shoes at some point.
This forum has been so helpful in terms of advice, opinions and just a listening ear and the majority on this forum really want to help each other and pay it forward
i think everyone on this forum appreciates your knowledge, communication and how many of us you reach out to and try and answer a huge amount of the new threads everyday. I think many on here would extend the sentiment that we are here for you if you ever need to chat for whatever reason.
i think disability benefits is so large a topic that it’s almost too large for one person to have full knowledge of everything (‘it takes a village….) it is helpful when others have a different experience and picked up different ‘tricks’ (excuse my use of wording there) - it all helps piecing together the most thorough understanding possible
im sorry, I’m nodding off and my own words aren’t making sense to me right now
poppy - if you ever need someone to chat (or vent) to, feel free to pm any time - we obviously have different perspectives and experiences on certain things but I think that can be a good thing (seriously hoping that made sense and haven’t put my foot in it once again!)1 -
I think we can all agree that Poppy is a HUGE help to everyone in this community and always goes above and beyond. I for one have been learning a tonne from her posts in my short time here.
I do understand sometimes things can be taken out of context or emotions missed as the written word can be read differently by different people. And as a fellow autistic person, I know sometimes it can be extra hard to get the full meaning of things. But I'm very glad we can all discuss this without it turning into a fight, so thank you folks.
And to answer @apple85 I only claim PIP, I was claiming UC when unemployed, but couldn't get HB as I live with a family member (but I still pay rent and bills) and they've only just sent through forms for my WCA, so PIP has been a total life saver. I hope that answer helps. 1 -
Thanks for those kinds words and for your understanding and the hug. I can't tell you how much that means!I did regret posting some of my last comment that contained information about my health conditions because usually i keep everything to myself and even my children do not know about a lot of my daily struggles. I'm the sort of person to never give up!!I totally understand how difficult it is for Autistic people to express theirself as i'm sure you're aware that i live with my daughter who has ASD. I know, i know her better than she knows herself.No, you didn't " put your foot in it" so please don't worry about that. I'm glad we've sorted out the little misunderstanding too and i feel so much better now. If i want someone to talk to in the future i will bear you in mind, thank you!@Albus_Scope thank you also!4
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Hello Apple, Poppy and Albus
Apple, having read your previous posts, I've developed a deeper appreciation for the insights you've provided regarding those with autism. I must confess that I initially lacked awareness of the substantial challenges individuals with autism encounter. Your profound understanding of your own condition undoubtedly serves as an invaluable resource, both for those facing similar challenges and for those who may not be well-informed about the condition.
Poppy, please do not feel remorseful about opening up about your health challenges. Getting to know you better has underscored just how generous and supportive you are as an individual. I am fully aware that, without your assistance and encouragement, I would never have been able to secure the enhanced PIP rate. I hold your expertise in the highest regard.
Albus, breaking from the above narrative, prior to joining Scope, I mistakenly believed that our welfare system adequately met the needs of individuals dealing with illness or disabilities. It's perplexing that the government continues to prioritise surveys for welfare system reforms, when they could gain valuable insights by engaging with our community's conversations. This alternative approach could lead to a genuine effort to create a user-friendly system that genuinely benefits the individuals they aim to assist and support.
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PIP/ESA - you can be disabled and sick, you can be sick but not disabled and you can be disabled but not sick.
Hence the reason for a 'disability' benefit.
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I will say that it is one thing to suggest working with the DWP to make processes easier, while a hopeful ideal I am of course sceptical how the current DWP would interact with such a process.
It's very much another matter to say the DWP trawl this forum to try and find information to deny specific peoples applications. It isn't very helpful and can be detrimental to the person. Many people are already anxious and worried about PIP. If they are convinced they cannot speak freely here, where their information is mostly anonymous, that simply harms the community.
I understand your frustration and anger at the DWP, I share in it. But I also realise this community has a lot of people who are incredibly anxious and worried about their benefits, and scaring them isn't going to help.2 -
I totally disagree with the comment that DWP look at forums like this. I can’t imagine for one moment how they would find the time to do such a thing.Not only that people post anonymously here and mostly use a random username. Giving personal information here is also against the rules and to reveal your exact location also isn’t allowed.
I can only see that comment as scaremongering. It concerns me to think that members reading that will become frightened and stop posting here. We have a lot of members that suffer greatly with their mental health and comments such as that will not help them in the slightest.Many people rely so much on forums like this for advice, general support and sometimes friendships.0 -
Poppy, Albus and mw123:
thank you for your kindness in your responses
(Note some of the my wording may not be the best below so feel free to provide suggestions of how I can describe things more delicately)
i learnt a very long time ago when I was still hiding my disabilities and still trying to “play fair” by the same rules as my peers - it never was fair because of the unchosen ‘handicaps’ we as the disabled have - those who have beneficial circumstances such as being born into wealth or position often think nothing of their advantages in life so there is no issue in the disabled & sick accepting and/or seeking out as much ‘help’ as they can - in fact it’s smart to do so - and those of us in the disabled community who are fortunate enough to have found help and have a great support system behind them should ‘pay it forward’ to those not so fortunate and this scope forum is a great environment to do that.
I truly believe that much of the huge percentage success rate in tribunals (and even the mr and assessment stages) has been down to not just the advice that disability charities openly share online or in person but also the support that disabled individuals provide others from their own experiences and research on forums like this one (and poppy you should be extremely proud of your contribution towards that 🫶)
I think every individual, disabled or not, needs a ‘person’ (or more than 1 when possible) that they can lean on and be 100% open with and who never judge - I know some of us naturally fall into a support role (eg…matriarch, older sibling type role, caretaker etc) but it is in all our best interest to make sure they have support too (I’m lucky enough to have a ‘person’ and it is in my best interest to look out for their own (mention) wellbeing so they can continue to support in a healthy way)
as a added note: I do think that the wca reforms/consultation is taking this thread amongst others on the scope forum a bit off topic.
My last thread that I started got closed because of things getting heated and certain topics that should prehaps on be discussed via private message with a friend on here rather than a public forum thread.
I really do believe that these possible reforms need to have a place to talk in a constructive manner about them and to make as many of the disabled on this forum aware and up to date with the latest.
I’ll try and start a new thread on the general benefits subtopic on this scope forum and I hope many of you will help me find the right words and added perspectives as I can be a little blunt and ‘aggressive’ on the topic (I’m in ‘fight’ rather than ‘flight’ or ‘hedgehogs rolling in a ball’ state right now)0 -
I really do believe that these possible reforms need to have a place to talk in a constructive manner about them and to make as many of the disabled on this forum aware and up to date with the latest.
Thank you. My concern is that possible reforms could dominate the narrative while a delayed reassessment programme under the last reforms is being scaled up right now!
As an autistic person, I feel others' pain immensely. However difficult effective communication is for me, my motives should not be in doubt.
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Jimm
I wish to strongly reiterate my prior statement and offer my sincere apologies if my previous post caused any distress among our members. I want to make it abundantly clear that I did not suggest that the DWP actively monitors this forum with the aim of rejecting benefit applications.
My primary goal was to shed light on the authentic challenges faced by both myself and numerous members of our community as we navigate the complex processes associated with benefit applications, housing issues, concerns related to the Equality Act, medical support, and a myriad of other societal hurdles where we frequently encounter barriers.
In a metaphorical sense, I was alluding to the idea that the government could gain valuable insights by perusing some of the posts on this forum, thereby obtaining a first hand understanding of how their policies and proposed benefit changes can impact lives, often in a negative manner. I hope this provides a clearer understanding of my intentions.
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