Hi and feedback on benefits

Lupus75

Hi.

I've just joined this site today, because my sister has been convinced by someone at the CAB, she can receive the PIP benefit with her arthritis.

I have been reading what others has said and their experiences trying to claim PIP, with far more severe versions of arthritis and been turned down.

She called me to know how to fill out the form.

I tried to claim PIP last year with a form of arthritis as well as having breast cancer and SLE.

My application was rejected but I couldn't really argue with the decision.

I could do all the points that was listed and therefore scored 0.

So I am a bit confused how some people can receive PIP with arthritis alone and others are refused, along with other conditions under the 'PIP consideration '

I thought I would start my hello message with some information and feedback from the community on this.

Thanks in advance ☺️

Naomi33

Hello @Lupus75 and welcome to the Community.

We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

Sorry to hear about yourself and sisters conditions.

I understand that you are looking for information about receiving PIP for your sister.

The following link may be of help

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/financial-support/

On a personal note I was advised to by CAB I could recieve PIP.

I like you was to unwell to apply myself so I contacted my local authority Welfare Rights Team who took on my case and thankfully supported me through the application process. I was granted PIP thankfully.

Hopefully you have some support service in your area the same or similar??

Take care @Naomi33

frogmorton

I know exactly what you mean @Lupus75

It's not the condition you have that means you are or are not eligible for PIP is it? It's how it affects you.

If your sister can't walk, cook a meal, get in and out of the bath (you know the type of thing) then she could well be eligible.

I have personally never applied as I can indeed walk the length of a bus and prepare a meal - however I manage 'they' don't care.

I know someone who got it due to incontinence (bowel) even though she is mobile.

Another who is visually impaired and needs help with a lot of things but again is perfectly mobile.

I also think it's how you answer the questions as much as anything. As an ex social worker I was able to help people who were obviously entitled to it (wheelchair users for example), but had been turned down before. Just by knowing how to respond to the questions.

You yourself, if you genuinely think should have got it, should reapply and do what @Naomi33 did and get support completing your forms.

Best of luck

Toni x