Diabetes and PIP benefit…

[SW]

Hi Pipp, I clicked your link at @lovinglife but it didn't take me to any info about explaining the PIP entitlement in any detail. Could you please point me in the right direction of where I should be looking. I've recently received a claim form for PIP and would like some useful info. It's not just for my Diabetes, I have alot of Diabetes related complications and also have recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, migraines, severe depression and moderately severe anxiety. It's took along time to get diagnosed with fibromyalgia but have been suffering for approx. 5+ years. Depression I'd say a couple of years and anxiety for around a year, which I personally think alot is due to the fact I'm unfit for work and I worry about finances as I'm really struggling and the depression alot due to the loss of my career as I absolutely loved my job but I couldn't manage it with all the issues I'm having. I hope 1 day I can get back to it somehow but I can't see that light at the end of the tunnel just yet. But yes, any PIP advice would be useful now while I'm getting my form completed. TIA

Hi

The website https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/
Has everything you need to claim PIP & any other benefits. Subscription is about £20 a year and it has a wealth of information on how to apply. Lots of factsheets & a course in how to fill out the form. Much better than CAB. They are really helpful and a regular newsletter gives up to date info on what the government's up to. If you're eligible then using this almost guarantees you'll get it. Can't recommend it enough.

 

[Shar1971]

Hello

I was wondering whether any UK forum users are on here who are receiving Personal Independence payments? I have been on insulin for a good few years and have had real anxiety about hypos in a job where I have to travel alot and only just found out that I may be eligible for Pip if the diabetes is affecting my life this way. I would appreciate any info from people who may be receiving or who are in the same position as me… x

I am type 1 and I receive pip but not for my diabetes. I am going through the tribunal process at the moment as they said I need no aids to help manage it. I have a dexcom and pump both aids to help me manage it. It is difficult to get pip for diabetes but keep pushing and good luck.

 

[Shar1971]

And swot up on the entire pip programme.
They won't be specialists and/or most likely not even aware of how your illness/condition impacts and affects you.

I was assessed by someone who in my report from dwp made no mention of my diabetes and lows and how they impact on my life. She suggested that I could treat them myself where as I dont feel when Im going low and my partner has to get me drinks etc.

 

[ElenaP]

I was assessed by someone who in my report from dwp made no mention of my diabetes and lows and how they impact on my life. She suggested that I could treat them myself where as I dont feel when Im going low and my partner has to get me drinks etc.

Is your Dexcom and pump combination set up to alarm when your blood glucose drops low? I cannot feel when my glucose goes too low, so I totally rely on Dexom/pump alarms. Please set your alarm somewhere like 4.2, so that you can still get your own dextrose, drinks etc. I am very pleased that you have a partner, but there are lots of Type1 diabetics living on their own who manage. I am grateful that NHS supplies both Dexcom and pump. Please tell me what other equipment would you use PIP money for?

 

[Shar1971]

Is your Dexcom and pump combination set up to alarm when your blood glucose drops low? I cannot feel when my glucose goes too low, so I totally rely on Dexom/pump alarms. Please set your alarm somewhere like 4.2, so that you can still get your own dextrose, drinks etc. I am very pleased that you have a partner, but there are lots of Type1 diabetics living on their own who manage. I am grateful that NHS supplies both Dexcom and pump. Please tell me what other equipment would you use PIP money for?

Yes it is but my body takes a long time to react to and digest carbs so I am low for long periods of time . 0f course I know that the NHS supplies it all. Not that it is any of your business but I also have diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema (very blurred vision) so the money would need to be for that to help me. For your information my pump is set at 4.4 but as I also said my body reacts differently to carb digestion. Please don.t comment and insinuate that I should not be awarded PIP.

 

[ElenaP]

Please don.t comment and insinuate that I should not be awarded PIP.

I'm afraid you misunderstood. I did not voice an opinion of whether you should or should not be awarded PIP. I just asked a question. If your partner is your 'carer' there will be different benefits that could apply.

 

[Ladybird1]

Hello

I was wondering whether any UK forum users are on here who are receiving Personal Independence payments? I have been on insulin for a good few years and have had real anxiety about hypos in a job where I have to travel alot and only just found out that I may be eligible for Pip if the diabetes is affecting my life this way. I would appreciate any info from people who may be receiving or who are in the same position as me… x

 

[Ladybird1]

Hello

I was wondering whether any UK forum users are on here who are receiving Personal Independence payments? I have been on insulin for a good few years and have had real anxiety about hypos in a job where I have to travel alot and only just found out that I may be eligible for Pip if the diabetes is affecting my life this way. I would appreciate any info from people who may be receiving or who are in the same position as me… x

I tried but was told NO because I did not need help when having a hypo. Being diabetic does not entitle you to any benefits

 

[Hopeful34]

For your information my pump is set at 4.4 but as I also said my body reacts differently to carb digestion.

Maybe try setting your low sugar alert a bit higher say 5.0 then you can hopefully prevent a lot of hypo's, or at least reduce them. I also digest carbs slowly, so have a 'warning' going low alarm set at 5.0 and then another one at 4.5 as well. I've also found liquid such as Lift works quickest for me.

 

[Sandra_W]

I used to work for basically a job agency for disabled people. I helped hundreds to complete their forms and the majority got through on first attempt. The best advice I can give, is, read ALL the questions first. Then have a cuppa, then start to answer the questions. You'll find the same questions several times, just worded differently. read each question several times, to understand exactly what they're asking, and then imagine yourself on your very worst day, and then answer the question. Don't say "I can manage normally, but occasionally.....this happens." Answer for your very worst day every time. and if you need to repeat yourself on similar questions, do it, but make sure your answers still along the same lines.

 

[number56]

Hi there, I read the original post this morning as PIP was topic of discussion.

I've been a type 1 diabetic for 55 years and insulin dependant since diagnosed(late 1960's). I never thought of making a claim for PIP as I believed that if the condition could be self managed etc I'd have no entitlement. As others have mentioned in earlier posts type 1 diabetes does not grant PIP award automatically. I feel that there is also possibly still a stigma attached to claiming benefits. That's possibly a discussion for another time. Anyways, whilst my Hba1c has been reasonable over the years I've had retinopathy and neuropathy problems and other diabetes related issues for the past few years. Despite this I still thought I'd be ineligible to claim PIP. I suffered from a stroke 2 years ago and it was after recovering partially I considered making a claim for PIP. That's me rambling....sorry. I googled PIP and there are numerous sites offering all sorts of information. One of the better ones that I came across was benefitsandwork.co.uk as mentioned above(although i didn't subscribe). Citizens Advice is also a very good contact and will help in completing benefit applications.

Completing the application can be onerous and I had to request and extension to allow me to complete the form and submit( submission is time bound). I completed the application and made submission online. Be honest with yourself whilst completing the application, think about how you feel, physically and mentally on a 'bad' day and describe this.

Assessment following submission can present it's own 'difficulties'.

From my experience I'd say apply for PIP...in some respects it's a case of 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'

 

[AllyMac70]

Hello

I was wondering whether any UK forum users are on here who are receiving Personal Independence payments? I have been on insulin for a good few years and have had real anxiety about hypos in a job where I have to travel alot and only just found out that I may be eligible for Pip if the diabetes is affecting my life this way. I would appreciate any info from people who may be receiving or who are in the same position as me… x

Hiya, do you currently have an insulin pump, because if you do not, you may be eligible for one, and given your anxiety over hypos, you may also be eligible for funding for a CGM, such as Dexcom. This will help you to manage your hypos and hopefully stop you from having to give up work and rely on benefits.

 

[bigfootsmam]

Hello

I was wondering whether any UK forum users are on here who are receiving Personal Independence payments? I have been on insulin for a good few years and have had real anxiety about hypos in a job where I have to travel alot and only just found out that I may be eligible for Pip if the diabetes is affecting my life this way. I would appreciate any info from people who may be receiving or who are in the same position as me… x

I get PIP but I also have two types of Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. I was told when I had my last interview that the diabetes wouldn't be taken into account because I haven't lost any limbs so it doesn't affect my mobility or ability to do household and personal duties.
PIP is also getting harder to get for lots of people these days.
Another thing to know is the government is talking about stopping monetary payments for PIP and issuing vouchers instead. I'm really hoping that doesn't happen because it is the only money I have coming in.

 

[Angela82]

I get PIP but I also have two types of Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. I was told when I had my last interview that the diabetes wouldn't be taken into account because I haven't lost any limbs so it doesn't affect my mobility or ability to do household and personal duties.
PIP is also getting harder to get for lots of people these days.
Another thing to know is the government is talking about stopping monetary payments for PIP and issuing vouchers instead. I'm really hoping that doesn't happen because it is the only money I have coming in.

I'm doing a claim. Form now and I also have fibromyalgia and diabetes complications. It's not well known but I'm diagnosed with diabetic cheiroarthropathy which affects my hands and ability to prepare food. Just reading your comment I'm now wary of putting that as my reason but that's what it is, I've had it for 15+ years, the cheiroarthropathy I mean, I've been T1 for 41 years, but it really does affect my ability to grip, 2 if my fingers are starting to bend inwards and I have bad pain with everything that involves gripping so even writing. Alot of my difficulties cross over with diabetes and fibromyalgia so I don't know what's best to go on. We also need to get Rishi Sunak out of parliament before he does change PIP to vouchers, that is ridiculously stupid. I'm really struggling being out of work but I've worked all my life from leaving school, went to university, got a degree and I'm a social worker, or rather was before I had to give up work nearly 2 years ago. I literally cannot afford to live now, I need that PIP to survive but they took so long to diagnose me, I've only just now been able to get a claim going as I knew there was no point in trying just based off my diabetes even though I don't think they have a clue of how badly it affects daily living when you have multiple complications from it!

 

[Tris83]

Hello

I was wondering whether any UK forum users are on here who are receiving Personal Independence payments? I have been on insulin for a good few years and have had real anxiety about hypos in a job where I have to travel alot and only just found out that I may be eligible for Pip if the diabetes is affecting my life this way. I would appreciate any info from people who may be receiving or who are in the same position as me… x

 

[Tris83]

Hello

I was wondering whether any UK forum users are on here who are receiving Personal Independence payments? I have been on insulin for a good few years and have had real anxiety about hypos in a job where I have to travel alot and only just found out that I may be eligible for Pip if the diabetes is affecting my life this way. I would appreciate any info from people who may be receiving or who are in the same position as me… x

Hi I’m type 1 and I receive it due to neuropathy damage in my legs and feet I can only walk about 80 meters before I’m in agony so yes you can get it if you meet the criteria I think they contacted my consultant as I’m still under hospital care to confirm my condition

 

[Angela82]

Hi I’m type 1 and I receive it due to neuropathy damage in my legs and feet I can only walk about 80 meters before I’m in agony so yes you can get it if you meet the criteria I think they contacted my consultant as I’m still under hospital care to confirm my condition

Hi Tris83, I hope you don't mind me asking but how long did it take for your claim to be processed after you sent your form back? I'm posting my claim form tomorrow, I have backed it up with alot if medical evidence which I'm sending with the form but I've heard it can take months for them to process it? X

 

[Ushthetaff]

Hi Tris83, I hope you don't mind me asking but how long did it take for your claim to be processed after you sent your form back? I'm posting my claim form tomorrow, I have backed it up with alot if medical evidence which I'm sending with the form but I've heard it can take months for them to process it? X

What you have heard is correct , I think I waited about 3 - 4 months ,and I know someone who has waited a bit more , if your claim is successful you will have all monies back dated to the date of your claim

 

[Angela82]

What you have heard is correct , I think I waited about 3 - 4 months ,and I know someone who has waited a bit more , if your claim is successful you will have all monies back dated to the date of your claim

Thanks for your reply Ushthetaff, that is useful to know. I wish I'd done it so much sooner as I've been struggling for a long time but I just didn't have enough medical evidence to back my claim up. Finally I feel I'm at a point where I do now have that evidence so I hope it is successful thanks again for your help x

 

[Ushthetaff]

Thanks for your reply Ushthetaff, that is useful to know. I wish I'd done it so much sooner as I've been struggling for a long time but I just didn't have enough medical evidence to back my claim up. Finally I feel I'm at a point where I do now have that evidence so I hope it is successful thanks again for your help x

no problem and good luck with your claim , if at first your unsuccessful don’t forget to appeal as I’ve heard more people are successful on appeal