Can't see how my very sick son can get into the LCWRA grp: feel a bit desperate!

Hi xerox

I am not familiar with the health effects of long covid. But in the BenefitsandWork PIP guide there is this summary --
"Points for Long Covid
Below are some examples of the issues that you might have because of Long Covid. Do remember, that if you have other conditions, you can take those into account too.

Because of Long Covid related cognitive issues (brain fog), you may have difficulty following cooking instructions and so not prepare food to an acceptable standard.

You may not have any appetite for food because of stomach pain, bloating or nausea and so need prompting or supervision to eat and drink.

Stiffness in your limbs may mean you are unable to pull clothes over your head or reach down to your feet to dress or undress, even with the use of aids, and so need assistance.

Brain fog may prevent you from being able to follow timetables or read maps to plan a journey or may mean that you take more than twice as long as someone who does not have Long Covid.

There are more examples of how you might score points for Long Covid in our PIP test for Long Covid.

Benefits and Work members can also download a 'Long Covid for PIP Supplementary Guide’ from the PIP guides page with even more examples and case studies, to complement our main guide to claiming PIP.

PIP test for Long Covid "

You will need to speak to a more educated person in the DWP and say that you want to make a claim for Credits Only New Style ESA. A lot of experienced staff have been seconded to UC Managed Migration and you are probably getting advice from a newbie.

Let me know how you get on.

David

Hi xerox

Have you managed to look at the Guide to Employment & Support Allowance and Universal Credit Claims On Physical &
Mental Health Grounds? This walks through the process. I know everyone is different and symptoms and severity vary, but I know people with Long COVID (with no prior disabilities) who have completed the form and been placed in the support group. Please try to put aside your belief that it doesn't apply to your son's circumstances because it should do.

I have a friend with Long COVID who ticked no to the answer to being able to walk two steps - because she has breathing problems, and severe pain in her legs and back. Yes - she can walk take two steps, but not as easily as someone without the condition. The pain is in place before she even tries to move, her breathing is so bad that any exertion makes it worse and then her balance deteriorates and she is at risk of falling. I'm not suggesting that is the same for your son - but it's easy to look at the questions and think - yes someone could do it - but the answer often should be no - because of what happens when they try and their inability to be able to repeat the action.

You said in your post that your son, who is very ill, can't sustain an activity, and that is something the assessors have to consider in the responses to those detailed questions, so it comes down to how you answer them. If you need extra space, you can add additional sheets. Remember, you don't have to score for every question.

I know nothing about your son, but in light of him being "very ill", I would argue that he is at "substantial risk" if required to work, and the guide breaks this down, suggesting which issues you could emphasise to get him into the support group. I have no doubt that there are points listed there that are absolutely relevant to his condition.

BIS