Is it worth Applying for Adult Disability Payment

Steve_01028
Steve_01028 Community member Posts: 7 Listener
edited August 31 in PIP, DLA, and AA

Hi everyone I currently have fibromyalgia, Chronic pelvic pain syndrome, OCD and depression and anxiety and was considering applying for ADP/PIP? I've heard horror stories from lots of people and don't know if I can handle the stress of it all. Some advice would be greatly appreciated thank you.

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  • Needhelpandadvice
    Needhelpandadvice Posts: 80 Empowering
    edited August 30

    How to answer you? lol

    [Comment removed - uncivil]

    However, if you do not apply, then you will not know what your experience is, if you have medical proof and extra evidence, then it might be easy, if you have nothing, then it might be a horror story.

    [comment removed - uncivil]

    Your choice, what you do in life and really no one can advise you either way, it is what you decide, it is your life and your choice.

  • MW123
    MW123 Scope Member Posts: 816 Championing
    edited August 29
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/121956/is-it-worth-applying-for-adult-disability-payment

    @Steve_01028 Firstly, I would like to say welcome to Scope.

    Taking that first step to apply can indeed feel daunting. While approval is not guaranteed, submitting an application opens the door to potential support that could significantly enhance your quality of life.

    There is no need to rush your decision, it's important to take the time you need to consider what is best for you. While you may have heard horror stories, it is also essential to remember that there are many success stories out there. Countless individuals have navigated the application process and found the support they needed, transforming their experiences into positive outcomes.

    Whether you choose to apply or not, keep in mind that these benefits are designed to offer additional support for people like you and me who need assistance with the extra costs associated with our disabilities.

  • Durbano5144
    Durbano5144 Community member Posts: 4 Listener

    Hi Steve,

    I certainly think that without doubt you must initiate your application for PIP.

    I became ill at the start of the Pandemic and just by accident I was informed that I could apply for Personal Independant Payment here in Northern Ireland.

    Your application starts from when you make the initial phone call to request the PIP Pack and this is also the date your claim will be backdated to if you are successful in your claim.

    To some people the Pack may seem far too much but not all sections may be relevant and I'm sure there will be someone locally within Citizens Advice or a Welfare Rights to help along the way.

    Keep all medical proof and it's important to take each section one by one as you will be awarded points depending on your ability to complete tasks within the relevant sections.

    It's important to write down when your at your very worst and if you go online and check out:

    Citizens Avice ( PIP - table of activities, descriptors and points).

    This will help you.

    Please start your application ASAP and do not be put off by the long process or stress as I'm sure you have paid plenty into the system over the years and it's not your fault you are now ill and needing help.

    Keep us updated and get on that phone.

  • Community_Scope
    Community_Scope Posts: 1,481 Empowering
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/904172#Comment_904172

    Hello @Needhelpandadvice

    We just want to let you know we’ve edited your comment because it contained unkind language. For more information about why we removed this, please consider our online community house rules.

    All the best,

    Online community team

  • Steve_01028
    Steve_01028 Community member Posts: 7 Listener

    Thank you for all the replies everyone it's been extremely helpful.

    I've decided to apply and hopefully I'm successful.

  • Lou67
    Lou67 Community member Posts: 8,655 Championing

    @Steve_01028
    Hi and welcome to the community I hope you stuck around for support and advice. I’m sorry I didn’t welcome you last night I was so annoyed and upset by the first person that answered your post it distracted me.

    I want to wish you well in applying for ADP remember to put down how you are affected physically and mentally in your daily life.

    Good luck 😊

  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 8,059 Online Community Team

    Heya @Steve_01028 and it's a warm welcome to the community from me too!

    Best of luck with your ADP application, we're all here if you need any support with anything. 😊

  • Steve_01028
    Steve_01028 Community member Posts: 7 Listener
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/904327#Comment_904327

    Yes it was a little rude. Thank you Lou67 I will try my best to fill out the application form. I get fibro fog quite often so I'll take my time. Should I try get supporting documents from my doctor?

  • Steve_01028
    Steve_01028 Community member Posts: 7 Listener

    Thank you I appreciate it.

  • chiarieds
    chiarieds Community member Posts: 16,630 Championing

    Hi @Steve_01028 - & a rather belated welcome from myself too. ADP seems similar to PIP, tho I can only answer about PIP. With PIP you can ring up to ask for an extension of time in which to complete your claim form (& automatically get given another 2 weeks), so perhaps worth yourself trying too.

    As we haven't had many members here applying for ADP, it would be great if you'd let us all know how things go for you, if you don't mind.

    With PIP, it's not about any diagnoses, & likely the same with ADP, so I doubt your GP would know (unless you'd told them, in which case it's hearsay) how your disabilities affect you. You are the one here that knows about this, so try & give a couple of examples for each activity as to how your disabilities affect you. With fibro, if your condition fluctuates, describe all of your days (not just your worst), & indicate how you are the majority of the time.

    Remember the 'horror' stories are often from those who've had difficulty with ADP/PIP; you don't hear the success stories, as people often post when they've had problems. Hoping to hear you're a success story.

  • Steve_01028
    Steve_01028 Community member Posts: 7 Listener
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/904622#Comment_904622

    Thank you I'll be sure to keep everyone updated. I heard there's a backlog so it can take up to 6 months to hear anything back. I appreciate all the advice which will definitely help me during the application form.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 1,641 Online Community Team

    Hi @Steve_01028 and welcome to the community! I know a lot of people have already helped you but just wanted to say hi and that I've been through all the stages of PIP through to tribunal so I know how daunting it can feel. We'll always be here to offer support, all you have to do is ask 😊

  • Steve_01028
    Steve_01028 Community member Posts: 7 Listener

    Thank you Rachel. Can you tell me if medical evidence is completely necessary? I can get it but then I'd need to call my GP and I struggle with this due to massive anxiety.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 1,641 Online Community Team

    I completely understand the anxiety, I have the same issue. It's good to get as much evidence as possible. I tend to email my GP surgery, is that an option for you? They should be able to give you the information you need that way.

    Remember to talk about how your condition affects you each day and be honest. Don't say you can do something when you can't do it all or need help with it. The descriptors appear to be the same as PIP - Adult Disability Payment so advice about PIP would be relevant for your situation too 😊

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