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i am just wondering how many people with depression have been sucessful with pip and awarded payments.I apply and was turn down and then went to tribanal and was just given 6 points. the whole thing just seems a tortune and a punishment for us. is depression classed as an illness or do the authority see as as just telling lies as it seem to be an ordeal to get any help with this condition. i would like to know other people experience in this
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UKSteve jade21779
Posted
The whole system is designed to be taught us because the ultimate goal of those making the decisions is to reduce costs rather than to help people.
This may sound cynical but unfortunately it's reality.
there are many caring employees in the Caring professions but I don't tend to be the decision makers with their hands on the purse strings.
Not only does this come down to inadequate funding but also massive abuse of the welfare systems by people that don't need them thereby making everything difficult for those that need them.
Unfortunately none of this is going to change anytime soon and mental health like chronic pain are invisible illnesses and therefore difficult for the sufferer to prove and very easy for the authorities to disprove.
the best advice is to get a good professional team on your side from doctors to councillors and lawyers. On your own your fight is going to be unwinnable.
jade21779 UKSteve
Posted
UKSteve jade21779
Posted
Depression is an illness and is recognised as so throughout the health establishment. There is no question about that as scientific evidence proves it and as you say there are medications for it.
My point is, that when it comes down to the authorities having to ration funding and benefits they will look for the easy options and mental health is always easier for them to dismiss than say someone in a wheelchair. (In spite of the fact that both may have the same level of difficulties and disabilities in life).
Put together a detailed written dossier of how your condition negatively affects your daily life, ( no matter how trivial). Including financial impacts and impacts on relationships, family and friends and work etc.{with a short input from said friends and family where relevant}.
A solid diary, conscientiously compiled, can go a long way in persuading the decision makers that you are a serious candidate for assistance.
Much like a job interview and a good resumé, these panels have to go through a lot of applications and so an applicant who comes before them well prepared with a file of useful information will go a long way in making your case stand out, not least because you've also done part of their job for them.
carmela45627 jade21779
Posted
jade21779 carmela45627
Posted
hypercat jade21779
Posted
Hi it's not what illness you have but how it affects you. Did you get professional help in completing your forms?
jade21779 hypercat
Posted
hypercat jade21779
Posted
Hi I understand that but there is a certain criteria the forms are designed to measure. For example if you live on your own and they ask you can you do this etc? If you answer yes you have to because you live on your own then you will get no points. If you say yes but it takes me an hour and I am in pain for 2 hours then you will get points. You have to be able to do the tasks in a timely and safe manor.
This is why you need professional help to complete the forms. I don't know what country you live in but if in the UK there is the CAB and most areas have local disability centres where you can get help. Next time you apply for it apply for help if you can. x
hypercat
Posted
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