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Should I bother applying?
- Jade
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2 days 5 hours ago #308188 by Jade
Should I bother applying? was created by Jade
Hi,
I have done a lot and I mean a LOT of reading of PIP claims threads from this forum and Reddit. And I've noticed a common theme in a lot of people's PIP reports. For mental health claims, If you don't have specialist input, aka a psychiatrist, it seems they use that as a reason to disprove what you are saying and award you 0.
I've also seen in some PIP reports people being scored 0 because they are on first line medication (e.g. Sertraline)
Would it be unlikely for me to get PIP due to no NHS specialist input and no medication?
I have done a lot and I mean a LOT of reading of PIP claims threads from this forum and Reddit. And I've noticed a common theme in a lot of people's PIP reports. For mental health claims, If you don't have specialist input, aka a psychiatrist, it seems they use that as a reason to disprove what you are saying and award you 0.
I've also seen in some PIP reports people being scored 0 because they are on first line medication (e.g. Sertraline)
- I currently have input from Private Psychiatrist
- NHS Talking Therapies input
- No input CMHT psychiatrist
- I spent 10 years in the foster care system, so I have some old social workers letters. They referred me to CAMHS 6 times during my teenage years. But everytime I refused to engage with them. Whenever an appointment was scheduled, I didn't turn up.
- I've also refused medication when my GP/Psychiatrist suggested it. The reason for this, there was a lot of drug addiction in my biological family and I just don't want to take that risk. So I've always tried to avoid medication/drugs.
Would it be unlikely for me to get PIP due to no NHS specialist input and no medication?
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- BIS
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20 hours 14 minutes ago #308225 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Should I bother applying?
Hi Jade
The problem with reading posts about other people's experience in applying for PIP and then using them to decide what is likely to happen to you is that you have no idea what they put on their form, the severity of their disabilities, what evidence they have or what they said at an assessment. Do lots of people get turned down unfairly? Yes, but claimants with a Psychiatric disorder is the most common disabling condition - so plenty of people with mental health problems are being awarded PIP.
Is there prejudice towards people not having specialist input ? - Yes, but again, it can depend on how you argue that on your form and in an assessment. Lots of people have been discharged from services, and everyone knows there is a shortage of mental health services across the country.
Do the DWP have a thing about medication? Yes, but plenty of people don't take it for a variety of reasons. It doesn't mean they don't have mental health problems. (And I have two friends who take Sertraline and were awarded PIP - and it wasn't an issue) You have a very strong reason why you won't take it and you say so. Also you have a history of long term mental health issues - so say so.
You have input from a private psychiatrist and talking therapies - so you do have 'specialist mental health input. Just because you're not under your local CMHT it doesn't mean that you don't need help.
Is it worth you applying for PIP? Only you can decide that, but if you do, then I advise you to work through the Guide to PIP claims and Reviews, because it has guidance on how to answer every question and you will see how you can adapt it to your own needs. It won't guarantee success, but it will improve your chances.
Good luck with whatever you decide. Come back and ask if you have any further questions and we will try to help.
BIS
The problem with reading posts about other people's experience in applying for PIP and then using them to decide what is likely to happen to you is that you have no idea what they put on their form, the severity of their disabilities, what evidence they have or what they said at an assessment. Do lots of people get turned down unfairly? Yes, but claimants with a Psychiatric disorder is the most common disabling condition - so plenty of people with mental health problems are being awarded PIP.
Is there prejudice towards people not having specialist input ? - Yes, but again, it can depend on how you argue that on your form and in an assessment. Lots of people have been discharged from services, and everyone knows there is a shortage of mental health services across the country.
Do the DWP have a thing about medication? Yes, but plenty of people don't take it for a variety of reasons. It doesn't mean they don't have mental health problems. (And I have two friends who take Sertraline and were awarded PIP - and it wasn't an issue) You have a very strong reason why you won't take it and you say so. Also you have a history of long term mental health issues - so say so.
You have input from a private psychiatrist and talking therapies - so you do have 'specialist mental health input. Just because you're not under your local CMHT it doesn't mean that you don't need help.
Is it worth you applying for PIP? Only you can decide that, but if you do, then I advise you to work through the Guide to PIP claims and Reviews, because it has guidance on how to answer every question and you will see how you can adapt it to your own needs. It won't guarantee success, but it will improve your chances.
Good luck with whatever you decide. Come back and ask if you have any further questions and we will try to help.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Jade
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