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PIP award for anorexia?

Posted , 2 users are following.

TCup
TCup

Hi, I'm new. I was wondering if anyone has claimed for pip when suffering from anorexia? I was claiming dla and am now in the process of claiming pip. I attended a medical assessment on 23rd June and now I am awaiting my result. 

 I have a question re my medical...I was seen by a physio nurse and she went through the questions on the pip application form which I answered truthfully as she typed. When it came to the physical, however, she asked me if I would just like to decline as she felt I would not gain anything from the physical tests. I just said yes and the assessment was ended. What I would like to know is why would she ask me to decline the physical tests? Could it be that she felt they were not needed because she had enough info for her assessment. I do admit that my weight is extremely low and I am fragile so do you think she expected me to not complete them successfully anyway? It is so hard to predict because she was nice but then I have heard so many horror stories of assessors lying and therefore am I too trusting? I would appreciate your thought or similar experiences.

 So has anyone successfully claimed pip for anorexia, and if so what were you awarded thank you.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • katlouise1989
    katlouise1989 TCup

    Posted

    Hi - sorry to hear about your struggles.

    I'm afraid I don't know much about the PIP system, but what I do know is that an eating disorder (whether it be anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder etc.) if it affects your life on a day to day basis, is a disability under the Equality Act 2010. As such, you have equal rights to someone who has chronic back pain, a heart condition, cancer and so on.

    I've never claimed PIP, but as a postgrad student, I am entitled to disabled students allowance, which basically means I get a mentor, technology to help me study and extra time if I need it. The biggest thing for me is disclosing my eating disorder to employers. The first job I had I didn't, because I just didn't know that it was a disability. (They found out whilst at a Parliamentary byelection, and provided plenty of support).

    My second employers was a well known international children's charity. In this role I was bullied by my manager, and I quote "well that's not a disability" (she was proved wrong ^) and "well I haven't seen you not eating". So it is tricky when their are well known employers who are very behind the time when it comes to the Equality Act 2010. The role I am in now, I disclosed from the word go, and have had so much support and understanding I almost feel guilty. I thoroughly recommend disclosing, because employers who treat you otherwise are actually breaking the law, and they aren't worth working for.

    Why have I said this, because those not familiar with mental illness and particularly eating disorders judge on perception...they base their opinion on what they have read in the paper (and sadly NHS England guidelines for specialist support, I'll rant about the latter another day!). Therefore if you are declined support based on your weight, I would fight, because they are discriminating. People can appear fragile and actually be a lot healthier than people at a more normal weight.

    There is a final point here, that relying on state support is not going to help you in the long run. Being out of work gives you more time to allow your eating disorder to take over. When I took voluntary redundancy, aside from a lot of other rubbish going on, my eating disorder got stronger and I joined a gym and got very very poorly. If you are not working, you need to find something to motivate you and fill your time until you are well enough to work again.

    Have you tried Citizen's Advice btw? They are so helpful.

    I hope this helps - let us know how you get on.

    • TCup
      TCup katlouise1989

      Posted

      Thanks for the info.  I do have a mental health nurse and I receive support for my anorexia but I do struggle living on my own with no family support.  I am very weak due to my osteomalacia and osteporosis so struggle to even get up and down the stair let alone to the shops.  I have to pay for a taxi to help me reach my support group which is £14 each way.

  • bikerjools55
    bikerjools55 TCup

    Posted

    Hi i have anorexia and on pips , Citizens advice helped me get it they filled in the form for me. I was very unwell and had an instay at a ED unit and previous 4 stays in a psychiatric unit for depression and the anorexia, i also have a socail worker from mental health team and am seeing Psycologist from Ed team. Im sure you will get it because like me doing everyday tasks are a real struggle and the option to work is not realistic. If you are turned down appeal and go to Citizens advice or use an advocate to help you as they really know there stuff adn having that support is vital. I hope you are successful
    • TCup
      TCup bikerjools55

      Posted

      Thank you Bikerjools49 - do you mind me asking what award you got for daily living and mobility?  You can message me if you would rather not post publically.  
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