Has anyone successfully applied for PIP?

I’m trying to but only attempted to start the process today, it was futile though as both DWP and Citz Adv will only communicate with me via phone calls which I find hugely difficult and triggering, often I completely refuse to talk to anyone on the phone and never answer withheld numbers and rarely numbers my contacts lists I doesn’t  recognise. My partner made further attempts on my behalf too later but that was also futile. We will try again maybe tomorrow. 

You can find all the advice you need I would say online. Detailed advice about all the categories and how autism issues apply to each category. It’s only when you really start digging into each category that it becomes so apparent what is relevant. It is intimidating, time consuming and difficult. However if you think you really do qualify - having done your research to check you really might - I’d say at least try. It’s quite a hostile system though - and we found just engaging with it is stressful and takes its toll. However they want to put people off by making it difficult - so we mustn’t let them do that to us - we have to at least try and get the support we need and are entitled to. Having the PIP helps my son to be able to have some of the things he really needs, and that make his life better. It really makes a difference to his quality of life. I am very aware that he was very fortunate to be awarded pip - so many people who should get it don’t. The system is pretty awful. 

Thanks Kate, really appreciate your thoughtful reply. I’ve done lots of research and do qualify but I also know lots of others who do but are turned down so I’m prepared for this and will appeal without doubt. If I can then talk to Citz Adv f2f I will seek their advice but so far haven’t been able to persuade them to do this. Fortunately I’m collecting the official statement of suggested reasonable adjustments from my autism team later today and hope this will be a tool to challenge this procedural discrimination. Another thing on my side is that as part of my working life I was a very successful writer of funding bids (to for example ESF, ERDF, SRB, NRF) and these skills are exactly what will be needed to apply for PIP. 

I am really pleased that you were successful in applying for your son and that it is so helpful to him, and no doubt by consequence you too, it always excellent to read good news stories  

As an aside I understand the politics behind benefits, I don’t agree with it but I know exactly why it works as it does. 

E

Thanks Kate, really appreciate your thoughtful reply. I’ve done lots of research and do qualify but I also know lots of others who do but are turned down so I’m prepared for this and will appeal without doubt. If I can then talk to Citz Adv f2f I will seek their advice but so far haven’t been able to persuade them to do this. Fortunately I’m collecting the official statement of suggested reasonable adjustments from my autism team later today and hope this will be a tool to challenge this procedural discrimination. Another thing on my side is that as part of my working life I was a very successful writer of funding bids (to for example ESF, ERDF, SRB, NRF) and these skills are exactly what will be needed to apply for PIP. 

I am really pleased that you were successful in applying for your son and that it is so helpful to him, and no doubt by consequence you too, it always excellent to read good news stories  

As an aside I understand the politics behind benefits, I don’t agree with it but I know exactly why it works as it does. 

E