About to Apply DLA/PIPS - HELP !!

Helloo and welcome!

There is a tremendous amount of support on this forum. Most of us have been through the process andhave all sorts of tips to help you think 'outside of the (very small)box' on the application form.

I think the most important starting point is to gather EVIDENCE. Every single letter from your GP, Neurologist, physiotherapist counsellor etc etc. going back as far as you can. I submitted 22 such letters going back 10 years. Check them all- discard any that might not be particularly 'helpful'!

Take your time. This is NOT a user-friendly application form, and its designed for physical disabilities or severe mental health issues. The boxes are too small for the eveidence that you need and I suspect this is why many people fail. - I suggest you ignore them and type your evidence on additional sheets - and write lots.

Dont be afraid to ask for an extension. You get about 4 weeks which isnt enough, if half the time you are rolling on the floor! They are quite OK about this.

Finally INSIST on a home visit. You will need to explain difficulities that you have with transport etc but we can help you with all of this if you wish. My first 'appointment' involved me making a 70 mile round trip by public transport, depite explaining the difficulties with walking, vision etc during an attack. They are just sent out automatically, so phone up and ask to be seen at home. If I had made this trip it would have 'proved' that I can travel by public transport, walk 20 meters and read the sign on the door that says 'appointments'! Oh, incidentally, my 'spy' at the DWP tells me that the rooms at the assessment centers are carefully measured to be 150  meters from the door to help reduce your mobility points if you can walk it!

Remember, if you get stuck, just post something on the forum and we will all chip in to help. NO question is to small or silly when its your income and peace of mind at stake.

MissKittyB

Excellent advice from Miss Kitty.

Also the CAB can help with completing the forms and The Brain Charity, www.thebraincharity.org can offer help too.

Val.

Hi Conrad! I'm so pleased attending the conference made such a huge difference to your life! You came to the right place for help because these people are truly like a family. You'll get brilliant advice on making your claim and wrapped round by all those who understand your difficulties.

All the best Conrad

Dorothy

Hi Conrad,

Please can I ask if you are chronic or episodic? Just want to double check that you are aware that people can only have a chance of qualifying for PIP if their functioning is affected on more than 50% of the days of the year. (PIP Regulation 7)

Harriet

Harriet,

Conrad lives in Northern Ireland Pip is not active there until later on this year so it is still DLA.

That means means pip regulations to not apply.

Conrad,

Here is the link to citizens advice northern Ireland

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/nireland

I still have information on DLA that also applies to northern Ireland so u can email on rights@ouchuk.org

Regards

Jason

Hi Jason,

Thanks  for halting that one...no need to go down a blind alley! The title of the post had led me to think that this was a switch fom DLA to PIP.

Good luck Conrad.

H.