PIP payment

Hi Rosie13 

Yes, I get Pip at the highest level for both daily living and mobility. . In my experience, you do need to provide a lot of information and be able to demonstrate how your life is being affected by treatment, surgery etc and how long this is likely to continue. I’d suggest your son gets advice if he is applying again-the team on the Macmillan support line can help with this. 

Sarah xx

I too get the full amount of PIP. You do need to provide a lot of information and I had to have a telephone-based assessment but made the application myself. Think Citizens’ Advice can also help with PIP paperwork. Your son may also want check if he is eligible for Employment Support Allowance (ESA). As with PIP it has ‘graded’ payments but unlike PIP it is a taxable allowance. Similar application process to PIP so could possibly kill two birds with one stone.

All the best

Maninbath

Hi Rosie13,

I was self-employed when I was first diagnosed and claimed contribution based employment support allowance which is not means tested. Your son can also claim universal credit to help with rent and other living costs, this is means tested. I understand that to claim PIP, the person has to have had the condition for 3 months and it is expected to continue for at least another 9 months. There are other rules in place for those who do not have a good prognosis. There are grants available from Macmillan that may help. It's awful having to worry about finances when going through treatment.

Cheryl x

Thank you 

Look up your local Citizens Advice.

You may find that they have a way of asking for help online or by email. Because it is a volunteer organisation and there are lots of people that need help, this may be the fastest way of reaching out to them.

They can help with PIP, both discussing it and often completing the form.

You can also find ways of completing the form, question by question, on this page from their national website.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/fill-in-form-pip/

And don't forget the Macmillan Support line can help. You can contact them in any of the ways found on this page:

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help

Given that your son was self employed, it is likely that he needs to review his overall financial situation and what other benefits he might be entitled to.

Either of the above should be able to help.