PIP

Not sure what a PIP is? 

Hi, I went through his health assessment with Atos a few years ago, since then it has changed to PIP, I have Rheumatoid arthritis, in many joints, but I can walk, raise my arms, bend etc, even though many involve pain, so the outcome was they agreed I had RA but apparently in one finger, which was total rubbish, basically these assessments are to stop any extra money you get, unless anything has changed, they take little notice of medical evidence or medication you are on, they tick boxes off like can you walk,can you raise your arms etc, my problem was I never exaggerated my conditions, I was honest, my advice imagine yourself at your very worst, and be that on the day so to speak, good luck.

Hi, from my experience many genuine people with bad health conditions loose PIP because they downplay their problems somewhat, and some people make health conditions up and go to extremes to make sure they pass these assessments, this is why they have this attitude to people in general.

Hi is this your first claim for an assistive benefit, if so I would say that be honest and remember whatever you have put on the form that's it, you cannot start adding things on the day, did you send in supporting medical evidence

I was awarded PIP for 2 years only then called in for re-assessment. The first time I went I was going through a serious flare up, since then I went on a trial for a toximilimab which did help so my flare ups were not as frequent or severe for about 10 days after the infusion. Second time I went  was 3 days after my treatment so wasn't as bad. I explained this to the assessor who didn't seem to care. Conclusion was PIP was taken off me. The assessment in my opinion is rubbish. They ask to to lift your arms, put them behind your back, stand on one leg and you have to make a ring with your thumb and finger, they put their index finger in and tell you to pull away. The letter I had said they recognise I have a 'chronic' illness however as I can drive a manual car, got my driving licence out of my purse with ease and pick my handbag up from the floor I was not eligible. Do these assessor a really understand our condition? I am currently in my 6th week of a severe flare up and life at the moment is a struggle. Sorry for the long reply, just relax in the interview

 

Hi Jon, It's all done on a points system worked out by things you Can't do not things you can, I was advised to go looking tired and untidy, so old clothes, hair not groomed and no make up. I wore my wrist supports, used my stick and put my handbag in a shopping bag I held over my arm. I did not take any painkillers that morning so was really in pain and it showed when I was asked to walk around etc. I also told them I used adapted cutlery to eat and that I could not prepare a simple meal, needed a family member to cut up food and open bottles, jars and packets, all true on a bad day. I also emphasised that I could not get in and out of the bath independently, used a shower board and needed to have support near the toilet. As I have a knee replacement and a lot of metal in my spine I said I could only walk a reasonable distance before I needed to sit down.

All of the above is true but I emphasised the difficulties I face in every day life. The result was that I was only given it at the lowest rate but it makes a difference and I am very grateful.

Good luck and hope you enjoy your holiday.

Good luck with your interview. Let us know how you get on.  Will be thinking of you Carol.