Pip

Hi sunflower, hope you are coping as best you can.

Others may have a different experience but when I was originally diagnosed in 2021 I applied for PIP, I had similar treatment plan to you but I was declined. Basically I could do too much and even though it affected me in lots of other ways, emotionally, mentally this didn't seem to be taken into account.   

I work for children social care and had home visits and a high case load i was worried about infection and generally quite stressed and anxious but as I say this wasn't taken into account by DWP. My boss was amazing allowing me to work from home and work when I could. 

I would say get some help with the form and try to prepare for the assessment, write things down to give an example as to how you are affected, loss of appetite due to medication is huge for me, tiredness but often not being able to sleep. Look on PIP forums on social media they can be useful.

I was awarded in 2023 as my cancer returned which is then an automatic tick in the box, but it is very frustrating as I'm still as active now as I was then and I have accepted my diagnosis so feel mentally better now than in the early days. 

Good luck. X

Hi Sunflower65 

I hope you don’t mind me answering, you as my cancer was different, but I do have experience of claiming pip, being accepted and awarded, and being currently involved in having my award reviewed. You cannot get pip on the basis of a cancer diagnosis alone. 

To qualify for pip, the symptoms/condition need to have lasted for 3 months and continue for 12 months. It is never awarded on a diagnosis, even if that diagnosis is cancer, but the effect that any symptoms or conditions have on your daily life. The form to complete to apply for pip is very detailed and might be considered quite complex, but you need to describe your daily life under the two main headings of daily life and mobility.

For example, I have been awarded the enhanced component on both daily living and mobility, so for that it means I cannot walk 20  metres, cannot cook a meal and cannot bath or shower myself. I cannot put my own socks on, go outside alone, cannot stand on my own, have anxiety and ptsd. I use a wheelchair, and need help with many tasks on a daily basis.

Having a terminal diagnosis makes a difference and is a much quicker process, but I didn’t have that, so cannot comment. You need to read the descriptors which describe what is needed to be awarded pip, you need medical evidence, and it’s wise to get advice on how to complete the forms. 

Sarah xx

Hi sunflower65

PIP is extremely hard to get these days , I used to be a benefit advisor in my days of working and still do the odd Applications now. .

I always get the forms passed through but as soon as they phone the applicant it all goes wrong , they ask the same questions but in different ways, 

try to remember every question they ask , tell them you struggle to do it , it takes time to do it , you need support , the weeks you don’t feel well use those to describe every day and tell them it’s every day … 

Tomps xx

Hi Sunflower65

I agree with SarahH21 regarding the 'rules'.

I don't know if you completed your application alone but I would strongly advise speaking to a benefit adviser before your assessment.  They can offer you guidance.

As a self-employed person. I saw a specialist MacMillan Benefit Adviser in my area, they were really knowledgeable and helpful. 

Many people who have significant disabilities get refused pip, it is not an easy process to navigate.

Wishing you well with your treatment and finances.

Hugs, Shaka