Advice on applying for benefits (successfully !)

A question about : Advice on applying for benefits (successfully !)

I am a first time poster so please accept my apologies if I inadvertantly infringe forum rules or protocols etc. I've no intention to cause offence.

My reason for posting is as follows:- I thought I would make an appointment this Monday to see someone from Social Services. We are thinking of applying for the 'PIP' (formerly DLA I believe) together with any other entitlements.

I was wondering if anyone could give advice on what to say (or write), or more specifically, what not to say, to avoid disappointment ?

I certainly have no intention of lying but I believe, from what others have told me, that expressing situations / limitations in a certain form of language and using the right words can assist success.

A little background on myself - I am 52, I have longstanding issues with Arthritis of the spine, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and chronic (severe) Anemia (last Haemoglobin 57 if anyone is interested). I am highly intolerant to most allopathic treatments for these conditions. I occasionally have Acupuncture at a private clinic. I do see my GP fairly regularly (at her request) but conventional options are very limited.

I have been unable to find work since being made redundant in 2009 and, as my ill health progresses downhill, with ever greater velocity, do not hold out much hope of the situation changing. I have made over 400 applications since then and I still do, occasionally, apply for suitable situations (currently rather thin on the ground !).

In practical terms I can walk about 30 yards maximum before I need to stop for a couple of minutes. I can just about climb the stairs at home (13 steps) but then take five minutes or so before my respiration returns to a normal rate. I can just about dress myself given enough time. I can stand for about two minutes before pain forces me to sit.

We have no real income, my wife occasionally makes a little pin money via freelance writing. We do not have any large quantities of cash on deposit or investments.

This will be my third (and final !) attempt at obtaining any form of State Benefit. My last attempt was in June 2009.

To reiterate - my main desire is to learn the correct way to word the information on the application forms and in any interview.

Perhaps I should mention that I have been advised by a couple of people that my accent (RP) rather goes against me. I don't think I can do much about that (open to suggestions !) but, even if this is / was an issue I cannot envisage that it would affect the application forms.

I hope that I have provided sufficient information.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post - very much appreciated.

Arthur

Best answers:

• When I first applied for DLA over 10 years ago I was turned down although it was my doctor who suggested I apply for it and couldn't see any reason for being refused.
  I was then advised by an occupational therapist to fill the details in as a 'worse case scenario'. In other words think about the worse day(s) you may have had and complete the forms based on that. I did this and was accepted.
• Your accent or lack of it will not in anyway prejudice any application for benefits in this country.
  You'll not get much luck if you visit social services. DWP are responsible for PIP and you can make a claim by telephone.
  https://www.gov.uk/pip/how-to-claim
• my advice would be always be completely HONEST tell them about your good days and all of your bad days but do not put it all down as bad days just to try and qualify more for the benefit that can be seen as DECEPTION and also FRAUD
  give them as much details as you can go into details on how your day is from when you wake up right through until you go to bed. list all medications , doctors consultants, reports and send in all evidence of diagnosis too.
  its always best to give them as much information as you can if you have a family meeter who knows how your illnesses effect you on a daily basis they can also write a supporting letter for you if you feel that might also help
  the from can a long thing to fill in so take as much time as you need and make sure you send everything in with it too
• https://www.youreable.com/forums/show...me-reflections
  I do hope the above link opens for you, a very helpful thread from another site. It is full of advice and well written information.
  Good luck
• You are most welcome Sir.
  I wont bore you with many details but I too applied for PIP, I read that thread in detail and followed the information given, I was awarded PIP. No lies, no embellishment, just facts of my condition (similar to your own) and how it affected me on a day to day basis.
  Once again, good luck.
• If you have no savings, investments and your wife only has an occasional small income do you not claim other benefits?
• A common theme with people who are refused medical related benefits following assessment is that they have put the emphasis on their good days and played down their bad. What you need to do is give a balanced account of your condition. If you have a lot of bad days, and just a few good, make sure you state that when making the claim and if you talk to an assessor.
  If you make an application by phone, you can say that you want your wife to take over and answer the questions because you become breathless very quickly. You will have to answer some initial questions to confirm your identity but your wife can take over after that.