PIP Eligibility Criterea
PIP Eligibility Criterea
I am currently working, but have had lots of absences due to what has finally been diagnosed as CH. I have just come out of a level 9 attack that kept me off work for 2 weeks before subsiding to levels 5-7 (occasionally level8) and I have been back at work trying to work through it.
I'm really struggling now and an option of reduced hours is on the table. However as a single income household, theres no way that I can do this without additional financial support. I think the CH is episodic and without the medication, I would spend most days at level 8. Looking back over the last couple of years I'm sure that I have relatively pain-free periods lasting a month or so.
My question is, can I qualify for PIP even though I'm currently managing to get up and dressed and out of the door 5 days a week, and have no help or support.
Thank you.
MissKittyB.
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What a gonk! I posted this twice by mistake...
MissKittyB.
Quite possibly if you suffer on more than 50% of days of the year. And if you are entitled to it, you are allowed it whether you work or not. It is not means tested and is disregarded when you are assessed for most other benefits. If you did qualify it would certainly ease some of the financial pressure you are under.
My husband (CCH 6 years) has just been awarded it. We had a huge fight because the DWP and ATOS played dirty, but we did get there. It seems to be a lottery as to whether the system treats any individual well or not. Some get through in the way you would hope, others seem to have a torturous time.
If it would help I am happy to share what I have learnt with you, having been up to my neck in the PIP rules for the past few months! Then you might get a better idea as to whether you ought to qualify and if it is worth giving it a go.
Harriet
Thank you Harriet, I would appreciate you advice. Let me share my ATOS story.
About 2 years ago, I woke at 2am with what I thought was a 'bad migraine'. I went downstairs to get some tablets, slipped on the top step and bounced all the way to the bottom. At the time, this meant I had to claim ESA. I got called to the assessment and because my coccxyx and back were so badly bruised I was literally unable to sit on the hard, armless chair and the whole assessment was conducted with me standing and pacing around. The next day the award letter arrived with 'Nil Points', even though 'is unable to sit' automatically gains the whole 15 points required!!!! Of course this was immediately overturned on appeal, but it just shows what a shower of so-and-sos they are.
I knew a DEA at the jobcenter ( a lovely man who really did want to help people) who basically told me that, unless you turn up to the assessments on a drip, your first application is turned down. I think they hope people will give up at that point.
MissKittyB.
That sounds like ATOS! Isn't it wonderful to reflect on how all the taxes paid by us, our families and friends are being spent paying a company to abuse us!
However, having been shafted by them producing a false report about my husband, he has now gone from only 1 point to maximum award. For PIP that is.
If you like, send me a private message (click on 'send PM' underneath your rat picture) and we could arrange a conversation which might help you in deciding what to do.
Harriet
Oops, or is it a mouse not a rat? My mum always kept rats, they were lovely and if I don't look closely my mind goes to rats not mice!
H.
Its a lovely little rat!
I adore rats and have three. They are bright, inquisitive, naughty and so soft and squishy. They keep me going through the really bad days and nights.
There is no joy quite lke a friendly rat wriggling in your jumper and then sticking its whiskers in your ear!
MissKittyB.
Oh, glad I got it right! My Mum always adored hers and they were such characters. She has not been able to keep them since brain damage from a stroke, but online we found some soft toy ones and now she spends her time looking after them which is fab.
Anyway, just let me know if you want a quick chat about PIP.
H.
Oh thats wonderful.
Thanks. Will PM you in a couple of days about the PIP.
Enjoy the sunshine!!
MissKittyB.