Any Advice For Applying For Disability?
Hey guys!
I have a phone appointment booked this Friday to discuss my application for PIP, which is the UK's version of disability support.
When I was diagnosed 3 years ago I had an in person appointment to apply for this but as soon as I arrived I was informed because I had lived outside the country for the last few years I was ineligible. I never actually got around to being asked any other questions, so I'm not quite sure what to expect!
I was just wondering if anyone could tell me what sort of things I should expect or has any advice for me. Also if I should prepare anything in advice as I have not been briefed about this at all!
I was also wondering if anyone here had any experience with PIP and knew if they can help any way with finding employment, as it's something I've been struggling to get back into post diagnosis.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
James, I'm only on a double diuretic for the vestibular problem. Supposedly to drain any fluid from inner ear, which they believe became inflamed because of AS.
Not on any treatment for AS currently, other than NSAID when the pain is too much. Used to be on biologic.
I will definitely follow up with disability outcome.
My best wishes to you.
Oh wow that is a new one, I haven't heard of AS causing this ear issue. The list of complications from this condition really doesn't end does it! Has it helped the ear at all?
Fingers crossed for you my friend!
Best wishes,
James (Community Member)
I didn't want to apply for disability here in the USA, I already know how humiliating the process can be.
Last summer I developed a vestibular disorder on top of AS, so I knew I could no longer be productive in the work environment. I worked at a museum 6 years, 3 after AS diagnosis.
Family and friends pushed me to apply, having final step next week, which is medical exam with full x-rays of lumbar, spine, and cervical. They will all look just as bad as they did last year when rheumatologist ordered them.
Currently making a plan B if denied, I will not be appealing if denied.
I'm so sorry your PIP was rejected.
We already ask the question "am I disabled enough", to then be told by an official no.
Hope your appeal goes through.Hi
,
I am so sorry to hear about the double diagnosis and how it has left you out of work. How are you feeling at the moment, are you receiving treatment for them both and if so is it helping at all?
Good luck with your application next week, I hope that it all goes through and you can scrap any preliminary plan B you might have made!
Thank you very much, I am hoping to send off the final forms this week and see what happens.
Let us know how you get on and best of luck,
James (Community Member)
I rang the number at the top of the assessment outcome about 3 days after receiving it. This gave me time to do an assessment on turn2us.co.uk, then correlate my answers against the official assessment and highlight the 'incorrect' areas. I found that I should have got 9 points on daily living and 4 on mobility instead of the 2 I was given. I have been told that I was assessed on the basis of my issues not affecting me more than 50% of the time.... which is irritating as I explained that my flares can last weeks at a time (my worst being 8-9 weeks wiping out January and February). @jameshollins the call isn't as daunting as the assessment itself, just make sure you have your assessment outcome in front of you so you can explain where it's wrong. Good luck 👍
Hi
That's great I will try and crack on with that as soon as possible in that case. I tried to load up that link but it doesn't appear to be working for some reason.
It's awful that they assessed it in that way and sorry to hear that the start of your year was so bad! I feel like they have probably assessed mine in the same way as despite vividly explaining my two 9 month flares they scored me zero for every single section!
I'm glad this one is a bit less daunting and I'll keep it handy so I can go through all of the countless errors they made!
Many thanks again,
James (Community Member)
sorry that you now have to walk the infamous appeal path 😔. I did my mandatory over the phone and highlighted every issue as the person on the phone went through the questions. At the end I was asked if I wanted to make a complaint about the assesor, to which I replied that I couldn't complain about my family not understanding so why would I for a stranger. I got a text confirmation that my request was received and am awaiting the outcome though I expect the same so it will be off to tribunal. There is so much noise being made about PIP that even the government are asking how it can be made fairer. As I said in my previous post, if you believe that you are entitled to the help then don't give up or lose hope, fight your corner. Unfortunately our disease really can be a pain in the ass thank you so much for your help and kind words I really appreciate this information! How long did you have to wait between launching the appeal and having that phone call?
It's so true that there is no point in complaining about the assessor as if we complained about everyone who didn't understand our situation then we would never have time for anything else in life!
Fingers crossed this time around they set things right and save you the hassle of going to a tribunal!
I know right as if the pain in the back wasn't bad enough on it's own! Thank you very much I will most certainly be continuing this fight and fingers crossed it goes a bit better this time around!
Best wishes,
James (Community Member)
