Applying for PIP

Hello

I have a 24 year old son who was diagnosed with Semantic Pragmatic language disorder as a child (goodness knows what it's called now).

We are going to apply for PIP but i confess i'm nervous. He received DLA in the past but im ashamed to say we didnt keep this up. He's overcome a lot (with support both at home and school) and I suppose we'd hoped he'd be in work and more independent by now. It's obvious this wont be the case. He worked for my husband after leaving school and coped well under supervision but he needs a way forward now (we all do actually as we're not getting any younger)

As there was a gap in receiving benefit, will that go against him?

What evidence will he need to produce?

He presents quite well to others but we still need to tell him when to wash, clean clothes, take meds, any self care really. I can't see him ever being independent without support as he'd never pay a bill. He can travel alone on regular journeys but only after he's been accompanied the 1st time. An unexpected incident (like a bus breakdown) could mean ill advised decisions.

Im sure youre familiar with this scenario. I think i just need some assurance. He's been to local job centre who have been helping him with CV etc. but theyve also suggested he apply for PIP.

I should add that his mental well being has been a concern in the past, most particularly when his sister went to uni. The impact this had on his own self worth was heartbreaking and worrying and prompted us getting him onto a local college course which has helped enormously. 

Thank you in advance for your patience and help.

Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Due to a misdiagnosed MH condition and dyslexia, I was awarded PIP when it first came out. I've since been through the renewal stage due to my awards expiry date and am now waiting for them to re-assess my award due to declaring that I am autistic. I have been awarded the benefit each time after a f2f interview and the duration of the award has increased at each assessment.  I've had a very different experience to Plastic and have found my dealings with DWP to be very fair. I've always used their pre-paid envelopes and none of my communication has been lost.

    I'm fortunate as I've worked with someone who fraudulently applied, therefore, I sympathise with the way DWP run things and how they prefer independent evidence to prove the points you are making rather than simply taking each applicant at their word. Below is a list of some of the evidence I've sent in:

    • Highlighted GP notes - these usually take a few days from when you contact your GPs reception to when they're ready
    • Autism diagnostic report
    • OH report from my job as a tutor in a uni
    • Letter from a manager at work 
    • Needs assessment report for MA and now PHD
    • Copies of emails that evidence how I won't accept incoming calls at work

    I make things as easy as possible for the assessment team by stating what page the evidence is on. E.g as page xxx of the OH report dated xxx demonstrates I cannot read without support from assistive technology and use screen tinting software at work to place a green overlay over my computer screen. As the emails dated xxx demonstrate I also have to use dark green printer paper to be able to read photocopied material or print outs. Without these adjustments words due not sit flat on the page (they buzz instead) causing rapid fatigue when reading, as well as migraines.

Reply
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Due to a misdiagnosed MH condition and dyslexia, I was awarded PIP when it first came out. I've since been through the renewal stage due to my awards expiry date and am now waiting for them to re-assess my award due to declaring that I am autistic. I have been awarded the benefit each time after a f2f interview and the duration of the award has increased at each assessment.  I've had a very different experience to Plastic and have found my dealings with DWP to be very fair. I've always used their pre-paid envelopes and none of my communication has been lost.

    I'm fortunate as I've worked with someone who fraudulently applied, therefore, I sympathise with the way DWP run things and how they prefer independent evidence to prove the points you are making rather than simply taking each applicant at their word. Below is a list of some of the evidence I've sent in:

    • Highlighted GP notes - these usually take a few days from when you contact your GPs reception to when they're ready
    • Autism diagnostic report
    • OH report from my job as a tutor in a uni
    • Letter from a manager at work 
    • Needs assessment report for MA and now PHD
    • Copies of emails that evidence how I won't accept incoming calls at work

    I make things as easy as possible for the assessment team by stating what page the evidence is on. E.g as page xxx of the OH report dated xxx demonstrates I cannot read without support from assistive technology and use screen tinting software at work to place a green overlay over my computer screen. As the emails dated xxx demonstrate I also have to use dark green printer paper to be able to read photocopied material or print outs. Without these adjustments words due not sit flat on the page (they buzz instead) causing rapid fatigue when reading, as well as migraines.

Children
  • I can't believe how lucky you were!   The DWP were snowed under last year due to the Universal Credit roll-out so they were just bouncing anyone with hidden disabilities - I have Ulcerative Colitis, Aspergers, Viral Encephalitis resulting in brain injury, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Crazy Hypertension, Osteoporosis, Memory problems, coordination problems, adrenal fatigue etc. etc. - and they just ignored the many statements and letters from all of my consultants and said I was perfectly fit!

    After dealing with the DWP systems, I will never trust them again - I will be well-armed next time.