Form filling

I told you a few weeks ago that I'd decided to apply for PIP (Personal Independence Payment) on Ash's behalf and several people got in touch either to say 'good for you' or 'if you need any help let me know' or 'good luck' and that last one was the one which I knew I'd really need as this particular benefit is notoriously difficult to get.  People in my life had been saying for a while that I should apply because that one benefit opens the doors to so many others but I knew I wasn't strong enough to fight if it all went horribly wrong so I left it and we struggled and managed but I've been feeling so much better recently that I decided to go for it.  And what a good job I waited.  For one thing the form is 40 pages long and for another it has to be hand written which, considering we're 20 years into the 21st Century, has confused me a little and the only explanation I can come up with is that those in charge want to make this as difficult an experience as possible in order to reduce the number of claims they have to deal with.  Now I don't know about you but before this I couldn't remember the last time I completed a form by hand so that floored me for a start and I wondered where and how to begin.  Eventually I realised that if I typed out the answer to each question individually then I could transcribe those answers using a quill pen and a bottle of ink and if I did it carefully it might even be neat enough for someone to bother reading it so I did just that and now the form is complete and ready to post.  What surprised me though is how depressing a job it all was.  I know Ash has deteriorated and I'm aware of his capabilities or lack of them so really didn't expect the feelings that appeared when I had to answer questions and those answers showed that he can't cook or even make a sandwich, that he can't look after his clothes, that he can't choose what to wear, that he can't find his way around the local town we've been using for 35 years, that he can't go into a shop and buy anything, that he can't hold a proper conversation....... Of course I knew all of this before I started but it still seemed to come out of the blue as I answered each question with a negative.  In fact the only question I could give a positive answer to was the one around mobility as he's still physically very fit.  So it was a little depressing but with my newfound positive attitude I didn't let the dark thoughts consume and am now just keeping my fingers crossed that we're successful.  Watch this space to see how we get on.


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Comments

Brenda said…
There should be no reason at all that Ash shouldn't qualify for PIP surely his GP and the memory clinic will be able to help. Make sure you send copies of any letters you have as they all help as evidence x
Jane said…
Thanks Brenda. I know there shouldn't be any reason but I've heard real horror stories. did get a very helpful report from the memory clinic and sent that in with the application. didn't bother with the surgery as they're really not interested in dementia or us one little bit. will let you know how we get on.
Sarah H said…
And if by any chance you don’t get it first time round remember that overall something like 75% of PIP appeals are successful!
Jane said…
Which should tell us all we need to know about the awarding of this particular benefit I think.
Anonymous said…
I really think that certain illnesses should mean that you automatically get Pip .
Filling in the form is ridiculous why can't the state just take the medical profession diagnosis as evidence.
Getting Dementia is really difficult illness to get to grips with for the family as well as the patient. There is hardly any financial help available.
Once we filled in the form we had 2 visits from officials both these were extremely stressful to my partner.
Good luck !
Dr2n said…
I wish you the best on this. If it's like disability in the States, everyone is turned down the first time so be prepared for that. But you're a ROCK STAR for doing it and getting it in the works. Scary stuff isn't nearly as scary as we think it'll be, is it!! Can't wait to hear of your success.
Tehachap said…
Thank you for reminding me to bug Robert's neurologist about the form I gave his secretary earlier this year. I needed his signature... Just called his office and left a message for his nurse. Keeping my fingers crossed.