Struggling with Life

It is a confusing time on disability benefits but DPAC are fighting back as are other organizations. I was three for the March, Downing Street protest and am going to Liverpool next month to protest against these cruel cuts.

As others have pointed out, try not to worry too much about proposed changes that may not happen. 

My view on PIP has changed recently - I initially just thought I wouldn't qualify as I largely get by, but I may not be 100% honest with myself, and when I had another look I at least think I should qualify for the lower tier

I'm now 10 years out from retirement (assuming the goalpost won;t be moved again) and not sure I can keep with work as it is, as it pushed me to almost burnout end of last year and we appear to heading there again this year.

So thinking ahead if I can't work or need to down-shift,, then any support would not only be useful, having PIP now could make future decisions easier.  So given the planned changes I think I like others will be thinking about getting an application in now, ahead of any changes to be announced.

I think PIP is independent of the other benefits currently, not means tested or taxable, so maybe you should apply now, and not worry about the change as no one knows what it will be, when it will happen (planned) and what transition will be.

I hear what you’re saying - and can relate. We have to take care of our mental health - and that’s not easy. My son could (as far as I know)  be claiming Universal Credit but he chooses not to as he doesn’t feel he could cope with having to interact with the system. He gets PIP and as he lives with us the PIP is enough to cover all his needs - he has no interest in shopping or having luxuries etc - it covers his basic needs and that’s all that matters to him. If he lost the PIP however I couldn’t afford to support him completely - so then he’d have to claim U.C and I think he’d really struggle with that as he has Selective Mutism and OCD, depression and anxiety too and so going to interviews etc would be a massive pressure on him. I’m sure you’ll be able to relate to the fact that for some people things like this feel hugely threatening - to the point where suicidal thoughts are triggered. 

So ultimately we all have to just try to do the best we can. It sounds like you’re accessing advice and taking it all on board. 
I think it’s possible that applying for PIP in the near future (for those who haven’t already) might a good idea for most people who qualify as I suspect it will be a bit harder to get in the future. But I do understand what you’re saying for your own personal circumstances. Good luck with it all anyway :) 

Yeah it sucks to be in this position as i have struggled all my life wondering what was wrong with me, i finally find out and start to feel comfortable and the government rips the rug out from under me.. 

I try and look after my mental health but being autistic and having Major Depressive disorder and severe anxiety its hard. And its extra frustrating when i cant find answers to what i need to do.

Regarding PIP i spoke to some professionals that told me they can deffo argue that i need it but i have structured my life where i can live off what i get off LCWRA so i technically dont need PIP from a financial perspective. If i was to apply for PIP and get it i would not be able to spend the extra money that is given to me i dont think so that is why i am wary of applying for it. But if the government is going to base all LCWRA applications on the PIP assessment then I will be forced to apply wont i? The article i posted suggests that is still being brough in

I want to say more on this but my autism is struggling to explain what i mean and this is the problem i have, explaining myself

anyway thanks for you reply

I’m sorry - I’m not surprised you feel this way, we’ve had similar worries. The way the Government handled this whole issue has been a complete mess and is causing so much stress to people - and it’s the last thing we need as people who already find life challenging. 
At this point in time things aren’t entirely clear as the government has been forced to pause and accept some sort of review into this. So you don’t know what is exactly going to happen because in many ways no one does! So at this point try not to panic - it’s important that you take care of your mental health and worrying about worse case scenarios that might never happen helps no one at this point. 
If you find yourself worrying about the future try to stop yourself and bring yourself back to the present moment. Practicing Mindfulness can be very helpful at reducing worries about the future. It takes time but the more you practice mindfulness the easier and more effective it becomes. 

Re. applying for PIP - if you think you might be eligible then yes - apply now - the sooner the better. The changes the govt are considering involve making it harder for NEW claimants to get PIP - so if you get your application in ASAP that will probably mean you’re more likely to get it. 
The important thing to remember though is that applying is a challenging process and you need to really understand what the relevant information is that you need to include. It helps to really do your research to understand the application process and the the different areas they will want to know about. So be thorough in your research about the process and remember to include everything that is relevant - give yourself time to really consider the ways that being autistic impacts on every aspect of your life.

good luck! And try not to worry too much - worry is not helping you at all, try instead to focus on what you CAN do - and apply for  PIP ASAP. 

I tried the Citizens Advice they werent very good hence why i am struggling.. 

I cant explain myself very well and struggle to get my point across and what i am trying to say across..

Its so frustrating not knowing what to do and not getting any answers 

thanks

Dear Kvothe,

It is great you have reached out to the online community. You are not alone in being concerned about the changes to benefits, we have had lots of members concerned about this recently. 

I do not have the specialist knowledge to answer some of your questions, but you may benefit from contacting the Citizen advice service. I have linked their information below. They have trained advisors on welfare benefits and will likely be able to answer any questions you may have, they also have local branches in most areas:

Citizens Advice

I hope this helps and that someone is able to help you find the answers soon.

Best wishes,

Olivia Mod