u/Amores111

I'm filling out my PIP form, and I am doing my best to accurately explain how things affect me every day and I'm trying to preempt what I expect would be challenged by an assessor. The main concern I have is that I am a single parent to a disabled child, so even in my struggles, I simply have to manage.

Parenting takes up most/all of my capacity, but I'm still worried it will be used to diminish my difficulties... Can I have any advice on this? How do assessors consider single parenting?

Can I also ask, my OT report recommended some aids. Do I need to attach pictures of them in my house, or is the OT report enough proof of this? Thank you

hi all, I am looking for some help please, I’m finding it super overwhelming so would appreciate any insight and hope it’s okay that I list some questions.

For reference, I have ADHD, mixed anxiety disorder, chronic sciatica and back pain, and chronic sinusitis post-Covid.

1. Is it worth mentioning that I had LCWRA awarded about a year ago? My conditions have not improved, but will the evidence used for that be considered too old now?

2. I had an OT assessment at home about 8+ moths ago. The report details my mobility issues and resulted in some aid later installed at home. Is this still relevant as OT assessments are not something you do often?

3. Would a DMHEF from my GP be useful as proof of difficulty managing money or would it be considered irrelevant to PIP?

4. I had a detailed GP letter issued last year July, which cost me £50….I am hesitant to pay again if it’s not worth it? If a GP letter isn’t given much weight because they don’t assess you at home and things are ‘reported’, then what is the point of it?

5. How do assessors consider situations where someone has no choice but to do certain tasks? For example, as a single parent I literally have no choice but to care for my child, even if that means I can’t function the rest of the day or am left in severe pain. But if that is seen as proof of reliable functioning then surely no parent would be awarded PIP?

6. Related to that, based on some comments I read from assessors, unless you are in malnourished rotting in bed, then anyone can ‘decide’ you have a level of capacity because you go to the toilet and put some food in your mouth…. How do assessors consider the difference between survival functioning and ability for sustained and reliable functioning?

7. Are symptoms likely to be disregarded if you are not taking medication for that specific issue? Eg I really struggle with sleep but don’t take medication for it.

8. My RTC ADHD provider charges £100 for a supporting letter to detail symptoms. Would this be even helpful, or would an assessor dismiss it as ‘generic and not enough proof of my difficulties’ ? It’s a lot of money to waste

9. I would like to ask for a paper based assessment if possible because these appointments cause me so much panic and anxiety. I do I hope my conditions are well evidenced: ADHD is lifelong, my spine issues only worsen with age, my anxiety has been documented since 2017, and my chronic sinusitis is since covid in 2021….. How do I best explain my request for paper based assessment and the chronic nature of my conditions?

10. I am so confused about what type of evidence they need. I would appreciate any tips on this. So far I’m considering submitting: OT report, spinal MRI results and MSK diagnosis letter, ADHD diagnosis/medication, anxiety diagnosis/therapy evidence, chronic sinusitis GP notes/ENT referral, otc/medication list, DMHEF, GP supporting letter, symptom diary, and possibly a short supporting statement from a friend. Too much or too little?

If you’ve read this far, thank you so much and wish a beautiful day 💫