Personal Independence Payment

[Worsleybird]

Today I received a 44 page PIP but am completely confused as to whether I need something from the GP, DS1500 form as well.
When I asked my consultant if I would be ok to fly to the USA (Covid permitting of course, anything could happen) in February 2022 he said he was quite happy that I was fit to go, which was surprising as I guess this is an 8 hour flight. In myself I am perfectly mobile, the odd twitches when sat down and diagnosed with bulbar palsy (dysarthia) which the consultant said was a ''possible/probable MND'' and my reflexes were a bit weak. Im on Rizulone.

The form says to return it by 28 August but 95% of the questions such as continence, can you dress yourself, can you make a meal, movement etc. I would have to say are not affecting me. Does this mean I wouldnt get PIPS or are there special rules with MND? I have no idea what Im supposed to claim for as currently I am on SSP at work, possibly will be dismissed soon on capacity to do the job I guess so would be keen to know if I could claim something?

[Lynne K]

I think that it’s best to have your MND clinic, such as Specialist Nurse or a Social Worker if they have one to do your PIP form for you. It’ll give you the best chance of receiving it. Good luck, Lynne x

[MNDConnect]

Hi Worsleybird,

Thank you for your forum post.

We would suggest that you contact our specialist MND Benefits Advice Service for guidance regarding your PIP application. They are able to provide advice regarding welfare benefits like PIP, as well as employment related benefits that someone may be entitled to claim. This service can be contacted on freephone 0808 801 0620 or via email at [email protected] They are available Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm.

Regarding the Special Rules provision with MND, you may be able to use the special rules to fast track your application for PIP. For someone to be eligible for fast tracking, a GP, consultant or specialist nurse must fill out the DS1500 form. The DS1500 certificate asks if there is a reasonable expectation that a person’s prognosis could be six months. A claimant who successfully applies through Special Rules can usually continue to claim for up to three years before reassessment.

We produce an information sheet that explains the application process for PIP, as well as the Special Rules provision in further detail, that you may find useful. You can view this document here https://www.mndassociation.org/app/u...tlements-1.pdf

I do hope this is helpful.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

With kindest regards,
Prachi
MND Connect Adviser

[Shaun]

Hi,
Ive seen on your other postings lots of comments about DS1500 , if you have that then PIP form is largely redundant, regarding your due date , you can ask for an extension, if they ask for reason tell them you have a consultant appointment to assist in completing,
if you do have complete the PIP , DO NOT say it doesn’t effect you or it will be rejected. You have to be careful on how you answer it. Seek further help and advice. Don’t just fill it, you don’t need to lie, you probably don’t realise your restrictions eg for dressing , can you tie shoe laces ? Even if it makes you breathless- think about all aspects how this effecting you, not just the specific questions which are
worded in way to make you write short yes or no answers you can write an essay if needed. Also you do not have write in the little boxes , you can write on separate pages of paper.
regarding your work , don’t just accept dismissal, I appreciate you may not want to fight it , but request to be dismissed on medical reasons and take early retirement on health grounds , that will assist in getting early access to any pensions, and other benefits.
also has your employer made reasonable adjustments to help you stay employed, they are legally obliged to do this, you are disabled .

shaun

[LindaB]

Worsleybird I think that's sound advice from Shaun about work. You could retire early on health grounds & the advice line sounds a good option. I'm still working but realistically considering my options. I could just retire early but I need to look at all the figures.
I've put in a claim for PIP heard nothing yet.

[John D]

My GP was happy to sign off DS1500 for me for the AA when I showed her the MNDA Information sheet.

[richard]

Worsleybird Applying for PIP can be a nightmare. My consultant told me to apply, I was turned down, I appealed and was turned down again. I told my consultant and they sent the form in and I was receiving my allowance two weeks later.

I recollect someone on this forum saying they were asked - Can you walk 50 metres? No I cannot walk at all. Can you walk 10 metres? No I said I cannot walk at all. Can you walk five metres? No I still cannot walk at all. And that's what you are up against.

Whilst you must not put false information down you should show the worse case scenario? Can you make a cup of tea? You may say Yes but if you are unsteady on your feet and could fall over and burn yourself then the answer must be No.

I thoroughly recommend yo. get the MNDA to assist and / or your consultant. The latter is more likely to be realistic than you GP.

Richard

[PeterPan]

Richard is right - this is what one can be up against if the consultant, specialist nurse or GP doesn’t complete a DS1500 form for you. (See my reply to your other post today). Definitely ask the MND Connect team for assistance!

[Shaun]

Worsleybird
I've put in a claim for PIP heard nothing yet.

Linda - about 4-6 months wait.
Did you get any assistance to complete yours in the end , and you did get someone to check it before sending,
and you had lots of ‘ because of mnd I can’t……,’

s

[LindaB]

Shaun after reading your advice I basically rewrote it...I was writing on a good day I can...blah blah...I read a few articles too. If I don't get it I'll appeal....4-6months is ridiculous!! I tried ringing today but took so long I gave up.
Thanks again for the advice👍

[Ellie]

Oh. My. Days... 4-6 months 😲😲 😩😩

[denise]

Need to be fit and healthy to fight people shouldn't have to do all this. Its degrading almost begging.

Stephen doesn't qualify for pip but he couldn't even fill in the form. Doing his ds1500 today but with help tomorrow. Also have a carers thingy to look at.

[Lynne K]

Need to be fit and healthy to fight people shouldn't have to do all this. Its degrading almost begging.

Stephen doesn't qualify for pip but he couldn't even fill in the form. Doing his ds1500 today but with help tomorrow. Also have a carers thingy to look at.

Denise who’s doing Stephen’s DS1500? A professional needs to do it. Good luck, Lynne x

[denise]

Mnd nurse here tomorrow. I'm just filling in address and things.

[Lynne K]

Smashing Denise x