Is it worth claiming PIP

mosborn11

Hi Everyone,

I've started a claim for PIP but with all the horror stories coming out about it I'm starting to wonder if it's worth it.

For context in January I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Arthritis, and haven't been able to leave the house much since November when the issues started. I already have a myriad of stomach issues, as well as PTSD and Autism. My therapist recommended I apply for PIP as I'm only able to work part time and it would help cover things that I need like hiring cleaners and help for the house etc.

What has your experience with PIP been like and was it worth applying? For me, I'm worried about the toll getting rejected might take on my mental health.

Naomi33

Morning @mosborn11

I like you was disillusioned and thought not worth hassle with forms and interviews etc etc.

However through being diagnosed with RA and sign posted to support groups. I was contacted by my local government Welfare Rights who helped and advised me through process with forms and interviews and made me feel worthy and entitled to PIP so maybe contact them for advice and support ??

Best wishes @Naomi33

Carolinemartin3

I am in a similar situation, OH have advised working from home and less in the office, work have half agreeing to this 2daya at home 3 in the office, but more and more they want me in the office, my RA nurse has advised that the stress is not helping, I am wondering whether to see if I am eligible for PIP so that I can afford to drop a day and hopefully feel a bit better. Feeling very let down by work.

Lynnedeloop

I’m on pip and I had to buy all the adaptions I needed I’ve been on pip since 40yrs when I could not work anymore i was 10yrs old when they told my mom That I had analysing spondylitis and osteoarthritis, I just remember Doctor said it was a man’s disease

I had nothing off social service I bought my own, but if you think pip bought it me your wrong anything to do with a disability is very expensive like a mobility scooter£300 pounds in China same one here £1500

So the rich get richer and the poor get poorer in this country. So now they are making us have vouchers how low can they go with that I already feel like a 3rd class citizen people are not very nice to people with Disability’s most are not. This gov.com do not care Arthritis is inherited from our forefathers and they Evan want us to cut back on pain relief. We’re ill cos we’ve worked hard you don’t see many going in parliament in a scooter or wheelchair.
it sound like going backwards in time war time.

Anna

Hi @Lynnedeloop and welcome to the online community,

Living with a disability such as arthritis can certainly involve extra costs sometimes, and as you say, these can be difficult to deal with when you’re living on a strict budget. You might be interested in the link below - it gives suggestions for managing the costs of living with arthritis:

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/cost-of-living/

I hope you find it useful,

Anna ( Moderator)

mosborn11

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/724809#Comment_724809

I completely agree, the disdain this country and it's parliament has for disabled people and our wellbeing is insane.

mosborn11

If it helps anyone at all, I just thought I would update and let you know that I have been granted PIP. I'm obviously so pleased but also so surprised because of all the stories I've been told about PIP.

Some helpful things to know:

• your application can still go through even if you don't fill in the main form
• You can send more evidence after the interview

NSG2023

I applied myself for PIP in January 2024, they rejected the claim but I went to CAB and they have taken it on for me and gone through the appeal, which was also rejected. We are currently going to tribunal with it and can take several more months. Its frustrating they make things so difficult for those who really need the support.

My advice is get someone like CAB to help with the claim and even filling in the form.

mosborn11

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/726772#Comment_726772

Wow that's crazy I'm so sorry! From all the stories I've heard it feels like it's almost randomly allocated? My wife who I would consider as having more complex conditions than me was rejected, but I also know people who seem to have a much easier time than me, get it and get more? I honestly think it just depends on the whim of who you speak to on the phone and who writes up your report?

On my report they genuinely wrote the phrase "You have disclosed that you are diagnosed with Autism. I have decided that you do not have any difficulties with communicating" so it feels like they just make stuff up 🤷

Chip_peeps71

I applied for PIP in May, and have just had my claim rejected. I've never had to claim any benefit from the state before as I was always fit and healthy and able to work full-time before I developed inflammatory arthritis. Since diagnosis a year ago I've had to change my job and can now only work part-time. I feel very let down by 'the system'.

susy123

Hi I know how you feel I have worked all my life and now when I'm struggling to walk theres nobody to help me financially or give me guidance. The system does not work for hard working people of this country. You could appeal. Regards

Susy123

mosborn11

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/726934#Comment_726934

I'm so sorry that sucks. It's ridiculous because when I was well and working full time I was literally paying my taxes so disabled people get the support they need.

I've had to switch and work part-time remotely too and I know of people who really can't work at all, or who have had to completely change careers because the support just isn't there.

mosborn11

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/726939#Comment_726939

I know it's so true, it feels like once you're disabled everyone loses interest in actually helping you!

nottodaysatan

I too have applied for PIP as financially its a struggle. I can barely get through a week in work & can no longer physically do the overtime I need to pay all my bills. I have to catch buses for even the shortest distance I used to walk just because its up or down a slope plus paying more to shop just to have it delivered . I have heard that more people are refused it than are given it and it takes a long time to even hear back so I'm not holding my breath. My job is in a factory & its hard on my arthritis but they don't do part time jobs & as I'm single I couldn't afford to either. I was previously a manager in retail but I couldn't return to that role as I physically can't do the job now with the lifting, bending, pulling pallets etc. It's the only thing I could think to apply for to help financially.

mosborn11

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/729086#Comment_729086

I'm glad to hear you applied! I really hope it comes through for you <3