I used to be an advice worker before retirement so have had a lot of experience helping people with their PIP forms. Main points to remember are as follows:-
- Fluctuating conditions: There may be some days when you feel worse or better than others. Social security law states that if you can't complete daily living functions for at least half the time, you should be classed as not being able to do it at all. So if for example you need help to cook a meal on average 4 out of 7 days of the week, you should say that you can't do it at all. If you say you can do something 'sometimes', the assessor will mark you down. The PIP assessment system is not good at dealing with fluctuating conditions, and you can't count on being assessed by someone who is knowledgeable about diabetes.
- You should state exactly what happens when you have a hypo. How often do you have one? [Remember the 50% rule as mentioned above.] Does it make it unsafe for you to be alone at home or to go out unaccompanied? Do you have to carry ID which states your health condition? Do you have to be taken to A&E? How many times in the last year have you had to attend hospital due to hypos? Are you forbidden to drive a car or ride a bike? Have you incurred physical injuries because of your hypos?
- Does your condition cause extreme fatigue to the extent that you can't get out of bed in the morning, can't decide what clothes to wear, can't decide what to eat?
- Are you unable to work because of your diabetes? If you do work, what kind of adaptations does your employer need to provide to accommodate your diabetes?
- If you don't understand any questions, don't be afraid to tell them. never try to answer a question that you don't understand.
- If you need to take frequent breaks during the appointment to use the toilet, or get a drink or for any other reason related to your diabetes - let the assessor know.
- It's useful to have a copy of your PIP form with you at the appointment in case you need to jog your memory.
And finally.....PIP is set up to make claimants fail the assessment. If you receive such a letter from the DWP, lodge a request for a mandatory reconsideration. You must do this within one month. Then send additional evidence if you can get it. It may be that the assessment report bears little or no relation to what you actually said - or leaves out important stuff about your condition, so ask for a copy of the report. If the mandatory reconsideration is also rejected, you can then lodge an appeal with the Tribunal Service which you must do within one month of your reconsideration having been rejected by the DWP. At this stage, it would be advisable to seek advice from Citizens Advice Bureau or similar agency before submitting your evidence to the Tribunal.
This has been a bit of an epic - but PIP is complex. I would strongly advise you to subscribe to the online journal 'Benefits and Work' which would give you access to their excellent detailed guides to all aspects of claiming PIP if you pay a very modest fee. B&W also provide monthly email updates which can be useful in providing updates on PIP case law.
Good luck and don't let the b£$~^"**s grind you down!
