Would someone please help me write a diary for my PIP assessment.

Aella
Aella Online Community Member Posts: 38 Contributor

I've been told that having a diary of your average days is helpful. But I just don't understand how to write it. I don't do a lot during the days. On a good day I might do my physiotherapy, have my meds dished out to me and perhaps be taken for a short walk under supervision. On a bad day I may be in bed with a severe migraine, total vision loss and doing absolutely nothing. I don't understand how to turn this into an actual diary for PIP, there isn't enough to write about. And what kind of things are you meant to include?

Comments

  • Aella
    Aella Online Community Member Posts: 38 Contributor

    And how long does it need to be?

  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 8,327 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @Aella yes diaries can be helpful but aren't a deal breaker with PIP. It needs to contain things that could show you have problems with the descriptors. It doesn't have to be full of information, as long as they can get a feel of how you're regularly affected by your disabilities.

    For instance;

    Thursday; Was unable to do anything due to migrane. Partner had to bring me food to make sure I ate something.

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 62,403 Championing

    I've never been a huge fan of writing diaries for any PIP claim. You're much better off giving a couple or real world examples of exactly what happened the last time you attempted each descriptor that applies to you. Also add detailed information such as where you were, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were.

  • Aella
    Aella Online Community Member Posts: 38 Contributor

    OK thanks. I would prefer that actually. I've been struggling to write a diary because everyone says it's so useful. Do they not help much with a claim after all? Would it be better if I write a personal statement and include these things?

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 62,403 Championing

    Some people think writing a diary is useful, I've never written them. You need to look at the descriptors to see which ones you think apply and then give at least 2 real world examples I mentioned above for each one.

    This link may help you to understand the descriptors more. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria