PIP Question

I had it refused. Didn't really understand the decision. They only thing they actually gave me points for was the thing I hadn't said I had a lot of difficulty with. Since this I have come to understand that Pip is all about evidence. It doesn't matter what you tell them if you can't provide evidence. They will recognise autism as a disability but you have to be able to evidence that you can't do things for yourself basically. Some with lower support needs have been able to get by taking it to tribunal. I didn't have it in me to do that. I think there is a lot of automatic refusal in the first instance that goes on when it's not a physical disability. It also seems to massively depend on the assessor you get. I don't know how the governments recent changes have affected any of this. I gave up on the idea a long time ago.

I wish they had more rates rather than just the higher and lower rate. I don't need as much as the lower rate gives. I could just do with some help looking after myself. I am able to but I get very burnt out by it and it all gets very on top of me at times. A little bit of help would go a long way for my mental and physical help. I believe I could go down the social services route for support but I'm very wary of that and I'm not sure they'd actually fund it.

I don't know what kind of support you would feel you need - assuming it is for you.

It seems like a firewall to prevent most people receiving anything. Most of what I said was not recorded. It is for me, I have issues socially, finding work, shopping in supermarkets, for clothes etc. I don't need physical help getting dressed but everyday things are extremely challenging some days and leave me distressed and fatigued. So it can take time to recover from what other people might think are minor events. I seem to get accosted a lot because people think I am looking at them the wrong way! 

It seems like a firewall to prevent most people receiving anything. Most of what I said was not recorded. It is for me, I have issues socially, finding work, shopping in supermarkets, for clothes etc. I don't need physical help getting dressed but everyday things are extremely challenging some days and leave me distressed and fatigued. So it can take time to recover from what other people might think are minor events. I seem to get accosted a lot because people think I am looking at them the wrong way! 

This is my issue. I say the words live alone and have a job and that's it. They've already written me off. Yes I can do enough to hold down a job and keep myself a live. But that doesnt mean there aren't serious struggles. I am currently having some health issues which I'm almost certain come back to autisms affect on my lifestyle. And the amount of money I spend because I can't always manage is massive. A little bit of help would go a very long way for me.

I wish you luck with your appeal and I hope the process isn't too difficult.

Agreed. I am appealing it out of bloody mindedness though. I sent evidence yesterday, I have several specialist reports. They have access to records they just didn't bother to review it before making a decision. I don't think DLA or anything like that I would apply as these you cannot work, lots of people must be in this catch 22 situation. It would make sense to give a video call or meet someone in person. 

It seems that it is very difficult to get pip for this kind of thing. They seem to be trained to only give pip to those than literally can't feed or dress themselves without support. Those of us with fluctuating needs or are a slight rung above what pip sets out e.g. needing support shopping seems to be completely forgotten. This is again where I think there needs to be more levels of support. Things like difficulties with shopping are not a criteria to get pip yet it is crucial in being able to feed yourself. You may well be able to appeal the decision but you will need to be able to evidence it. Do you have anything from any professionals to say that you struggle?