Disability CHAT/HELP Thread
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Original post by hannxm
Yes, I have always had problems so this is normal for me. I started physio when I was 9 and have been in and out of it ever since. Only recently I learn that being in pain from walking wasn't normal for people and neither was my level of tiredness. I even asked my coworkers and family and they looked at me oddly or laughed at it like it was such a weird question. I only realised something was different when I was 16 and I'm still learning about it now.
A doctor kept saying I'm mild. Mild this, mild that, people have it worse than you. I told this to a new doctor I'm seeing and she interrupted and said "Well it's not mild if you're having these symptoms." And it really opened my eyes!
A doctor kept saying I'm mild. Mild this, mild that, people have it worse than you. I told this to a new doctor I'm seeing and she interrupted and said "Well it's not mild if you're having these symptoms." And it really opened my eyes!
Life is learning. You cannot be completely knowledgeable about disability either. Even @Tiger Rag isn't that.
Original post by 04MR17
It doesn't matter how "mild" you are. There is a scale of DSA that you get. If people need people to help them (non-carer) then there's a separate allowance for that within DSA (as well as others). It's split up into an equipment allowance as well, should you require it. You will have a needs assessment when you apply, which gives a figure for exactly what you're entitled to.
There are 3 different allowances - non-medical help, equipment and a general allowance. The latter can top up the other two. I think most of us use it for things like coloured paper, ink, books, travel, etc.
I guess I'm nervous about it, especially about an assessment. I don't want them to think "why the hell is she here? We can't help her with anything." And I don't see how they could help me as I don't feel my study would be heavily impacted by my conditions, so I wouldn't want to waste their time. If I'm very tired, I'll try to slot in a nap where I can or if my health goes downhill for a bit, then I'd inform the tutor.
Original post by 04MR17
It doesn't matter how "mild" you are. There is a scale of DSA that you get. If people need people to help them (non-carer) then there's a separate allowance for that within DSA (as well as others). It's split up into an equipment allowance as well, should you require it. You will have a needs assessment when you apply, which gives a figure for exactly what you're entitled to.
Life is learning. You cannot be completely knowledgeable about disability either. Even @Tiger Rag isn't that.
Life is learning. You cannot be completely knowledgeable about disability either. Even @Tiger Rag isn't that.
Original post by hannxm
I guess I'm nervous about it, especially about an assessment. I don't want them to think "why the hell is she here? We can't help her with anything." And I don't see how they could help me as I don't feel my study would be heavily impacted by my conditions, so I wouldn't want to waste their time. If I'm very tired, I'll try to slot in a nap where I can or if my health goes downhill for a bit, then I'd inform the tutor.
There is nothing in the DSA eligibility that say it needs to have a heavy impact. The eligibility is (exactly) as follows:
"a physical, sensory or mental disability which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities (including education)?"
They define substantial as: more than minor or trivial.
They define long term as: at least 12 months, or for life.
Well I know it's long term as it's chronic and life long, but not sure about the substantial part though. I'm exercise and heat intolerant, walking/standing for longer than an hour = pain, I cannot jog anymore due to blood pooling in my legs, take medication three times a day, see specialists throughout the year and I fatigue easier than the average person. Is that minor? I honestly have no clue.
Original post by 04MR17
It's not the DWP assessing you. Their job is to establish what would help you study to the best of your ability. And the assessor is not the person who pays you. The company who assess you are paid to do it by Student Finance, and Student Finance then read the report on what help you deserve, and then they say yes.
There is nothing in the DSA eligibility that say it needs to have a heavy impact. The eligibility is (exactly) as follows:
"a physical, sensory or mental disability which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities (including education)?"
They define substantial as: more than minor or trivial.
They define long term as: at least 12 months, or for life.
There is nothing in the DSA eligibility that say it needs to have a heavy impact. The eligibility is (exactly) as follows:
"a physical, sensory or mental disability which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities (including education)?"
They define substantial as: more than minor or trivial.
They define long term as: at least 12 months, or for life.
Original post by hannxm
well i know it's long term as it's chronic and life long, but not sure about the substantial part though. I'm exercise and heat intolerant, walking/standing for longer than an hour = pain, i cannot jog anymore due to blood pooling in my legs, take medication three times a day, see specialists throughout the year and i fatigue easier than the average person. Is that minor? I honestly have no clue.
Oh, well, that it is what I needed to know! Thank-you. Sorry for being annoying, I'm still relatively new to this idea of being 'disabled'. :\
Original post by 04MR17
IT IS NOT!!!
Original post by hannxm
Oh, well, that it is what I needed to know! Thank-you. Sorry for being annoying, I'm still relatively new to this idea of being 'disabled'. :\
What made you guess I'd be into psychology? :O
As I am studying psychology in October and am very interested in it. I have considered studying the psychology of those with disabilities.
As I am studying psychology in October and am very interested in it. I have considered studying the psychology of those with disabilities.
Original post by 04MR17
I would suggest you do a little bit of reading into the psychology of disability (I should do that myself as well to be honest). I'm guessing that you're the type of person who's into psychology.
Original post by hannxm
What made you guess I'd be into psychology? :O
As I am studying psychology in October and am very interested in it. I have considered studying the psychology of those with disabilities.
As I am studying psychology in October and am very interested in it. I have considered studying the psychology of those with disabilities.
Spoiler
Aw man, I was hoping I sent out a psychological aura and that it was a sign that psychology is right for me. 
Original post by 04MR17
I looked at your profile.
Spoiler
Original post by hannxm
Aw man, I was hoping I sent out a psychological aura and that it was a sign that psychology is right for me.
Well I'm happy to have helped. You've certainly given my thread some activity.
Anytime you have a quick question, just pop in here and give me a tag. Or if it's complicated, @Tiger Ragis far more knowledgeable than me on this stuff.
Or indeed, if it's a tricky situation, make a thread and someone will give you the answers you're looking for.
Thanks very much for the help and I hope this thread gets going a bit more!
Original post by 04MR17
Well I'm happy to have helped. You've certainly given my thread some activity.
Anytime you have a quick question, just pop in here and give me a tag. Or if it's complicated, @Tiger Ragis far more knowledgeable than me on this stuff.
Or indeed, if it's a tricky situation, make a thread and someone will give you the answers you're looking for.
Well I'm happy to have helped. You've certainly given my thread some activity.
Anytime you have a quick question, just pop in here and give me a tag. Or if it's complicated, @Tiger Ragis far more knowledgeable than me on this stuff.
Or indeed, if it's a tricky situation, make a thread and someone will give you the answers you're looking for.
I'm glad to see this thread has been lively as of late 
I've got a question regarding something I have never really given any thought to before but, having read some stuff on it recently, I'm starting to think it would be worth a shot.
I have multiple sclerosis. I was diagnosed on 20/06/17 but I've been suffering with symptoms for the past 4 years and it was a pretty clear diagnosis about 2 years ago (idk maybe neurologists are aprehensive to give the "MS" label to someone who, at that point, wasn't even 20). I genuinely have almost every single symptom that MS can offer (except for vision problems, although light sensitivity is there and I'll probably experience vision problems soon) and these symptoms are, on 8/10 days, absolutely cripping.
Because of my MS, I suffer from quite pronounced tremors that make me look like a puppet on strings on a normal day and will cause me to drop pretty much whatever I am holding if I have a bad episode (had so much fun flooding the kitchen yesterday smh). I also suffer from chronic pain caused by my nerves/nerve endings having doomsday parties and boy when I tell you most days I can't even walk I'm not kidding. I use a walking stick to get around because my legs have taken such a beating from the nerve pain that I periodically lose muscle function in one or both of my legs. The pain also shoots up and down my arms (not helpful with the tremors already such a pain in the backside), back, legs and, oddly enough, my face. There's a massive list of other things that cause me issues, but these are the biggest ones that are a physical inconvenience (brain fog, severe depression and anxiety and other things are also an issue, but meh).
My question (finally) is whether or not it is worth applying for PIP. I've never given this any thought before as I wasn't really considered disabled until recently and I never felt as though people took my condition seriously without a firm diagnosis and the "disabled" label. Also because I had a job until a few months before my diagnosis (albeit not a well-paying job) which was helping me get by until my disease became completly crippling. Now I can't even seem to find work as people's attitudes completely change when they find out I'm disabled (unfair, I know).
Do I have grounds to apply for PIP? Am I being dishonest or looking for an easy fix by trying to claim benefits? The last question sounds absured when I say it out loud but it's genuinely a doubt I have. Nerves, maybe?
Would appreciate some advice or help, as I'm vaguely aware that some of you have been through this process before (yes, long time lurker
)
I've got a question regarding something I have never really given any thought to before but, having read some stuff on it recently, I'm starting to think it would be worth a shot.
I have multiple sclerosis. I was diagnosed on 20/06/17 but I've been suffering with symptoms for the past 4 years and it was a pretty clear diagnosis about 2 years ago (idk maybe neurologists are aprehensive to give the "MS" label to someone who, at that point, wasn't even 20). I genuinely have almost every single symptom that MS can offer (except for vision problems, although light sensitivity is there and I'll probably experience vision problems soon) and these symptoms are, on 8/10 days, absolutely cripping.
Because of my MS, I suffer from quite pronounced tremors that make me look like a puppet on strings on a normal day and will cause me to drop pretty much whatever I am holding if I have a bad episode (had so much fun flooding the kitchen yesterday smh). I also suffer from chronic pain caused by my nerves/nerve endings having doomsday parties and boy when I tell you most days I can't even walk I'm not kidding. I use a walking stick to get around because my legs have taken such a beating from the nerve pain that I periodically lose muscle function in one or both of my legs. The pain also shoots up and down my arms (not helpful with the tremors already such a pain in the backside), back, legs and, oddly enough, my face. There's a massive list of other things that cause me issues, but these are the biggest ones that are a physical inconvenience (brain fog, severe depression and anxiety and other things are also an issue, but meh).
My question (finally) is whether or not it is worth applying for PIP. I've never given this any thought before as I wasn't really considered disabled until recently and I never felt as though people took my condition seriously without a firm diagnosis and the "disabled" label. Also because I had a job until a few months before my diagnosis (albeit not a well-paying job) which was helping me get by until my disease became completly crippling. Now I can't even seem to find work as people's attitudes completely change when they find out I'm disabled (unfair, I know).
Do I have grounds to apply for PIP? Am I being dishonest or looking for an easy fix by trying to claim benefits? The last question sounds absured when I say it out loud but it's genuinely a doubt I have. Nerves, maybe?
Would appreciate some advice or help, as I'm vaguely aware that some of you have been through this process before (yes, long time lurker
)Your doubts are felt by everyone who are considering applying, even though they have good reason to! You have good reason to apply.
Have a look at the questions and see what you score - https://benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-self-test
You may qualify but they're pretty useless and may refuse you but you have to appeal and usually by appealing, you get it. There are groups on Facebook which can help you through the process so I'd recommend chatting to some people there about it.
Have a look at the questions and see what you score - https://benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-self-test
You may qualify but they're pretty useless and may refuse you but you have to appeal and usually by appealing, you get it. There are groups on Facebook which can help you through the process so I'd recommend chatting to some people there about it.
Original post by Integral_Chicken
I'm glad to see this thread has been lively as of late
I've got a question regarding something I have never really given any thought to before but, having read some stuff on it recently, I'm starting to think it would be worth a shot.
I have multiple sclerosis. I was diagnosed on 20/06/17 but I've been suffering with symptoms for the past 4 years and it was a pretty clear diagnosis about 2 years ago (idk maybe neurologists are aprehensive to give the "MS" label to someone who, at that point, wasn't even 20). I genuinely have almost every single symptom that MS can offer (except for vision problems, although light sensitivity is there and I'll probably experience vision problems soon) and these symptoms are, on 8/10 days, absolutely cripping.
Because of my MS, I suffer from quite pronounced tremors that make me look like a puppet on strings on a normal day and will cause me to drop pretty much whatever I am holding if I have a bad episode (had so much fun flooding the kitchen yesterday smh). I also suffer from chronic pain caused by my nerves/nerve endings having doomsday parties and boy when I tell you most days I can't even walk I'm not kidding. I use a walking stick to get around because my legs have taken such a beating from the nerve pain that I periodically lose muscle function in one or both of my legs. The pain also shoots up and down my arms (not helpful with the tremors already such a pain in the backside), back, legs and, oddly enough, my face. There's a massive list of other things that cause me issues, but these are the biggest ones that are a physical inconvenience (brain fog, severe depression and anxiety and other things are also an issue, but meh).
My question (finally) is whether or not it is worth applying for PIP. I've never given this any thought before as I wasn't really considered disabled until recently and I never felt as though people took my condition seriously without a firm diagnosis and the "disabled" label. Also because I had a job until a few months before my diagnosis (albeit not a well-paying job) which was helping me get by until my disease became completly crippling. Now I can't even seem to find work as people's attitudes completely change when they find out I'm disabled (unfair, I know).
Do I have grounds to apply for PIP? Am I being dishonest or looking for an easy fix by trying to claim benefits? The last question sounds absured when I say it out loud but it's genuinely a doubt I have. Nerves, maybe?
Would appreciate some advice or help, as I'm vaguely aware that some of you have been through this process before (yes, long time lurker )
I've got a question regarding something I have never really given any thought to before but, having read some stuff on it recently, I'm starting to think it would be worth a shot.
I have multiple sclerosis. I was diagnosed on 20/06/17 but I've been suffering with symptoms for the past 4 years and it was a pretty clear diagnosis about 2 years ago (idk maybe neurologists are aprehensive to give the "MS" label to someone who, at that point, wasn't even 20). I genuinely have almost every single symptom that MS can offer (except for vision problems, although light sensitivity is there and I'll probably experience vision problems soon) and these symptoms are, on 8/10 days, absolutely cripping.
Because of my MS, I suffer from quite pronounced tremors that make me look like a puppet on strings on a normal day and will cause me to drop pretty much whatever I am holding if I have a bad episode (had so much fun flooding the kitchen yesterday smh). I also suffer from chronic pain caused by my nerves/nerve endings having doomsday parties and boy when I tell you most days I can't even walk I'm not kidding. I use a walking stick to get around because my legs have taken such a beating from the nerve pain that I periodically lose muscle function in one or both of my legs. The pain also shoots up and down my arms (not helpful with the tremors already such a pain in the backside), back, legs and, oddly enough, my face. There's a massive list of other things that cause me issues, but these are the biggest ones that are a physical inconvenience (brain fog, severe depression and anxiety and other things are also an issue, but meh).
My question (finally) is whether or not it is worth applying for PIP. I've never given this any thought before as I wasn't really considered disabled until recently and I never felt as though people took my condition seriously without a firm diagnosis and the "disabled" label. Also because I had a job until a few months before my diagnosis (albeit not a well-paying job) which was helping me get by until my disease became completly crippling. Now I can't even seem to find work as people's attitudes completely change when they find out I'm disabled (unfair, I know).
Do I have grounds to apply for PIP? Am I being dishonest or looking for an easy fix by trying to claim benefits? The last question sounds absured when I say it out loud but it's genuinely a doubt I have. Nerves, maybe?
Would appreciate some advice or help, as I'm vaguely aware that some of you have been through this process before (yes, long time lurker
)Original post by hannxm
Your doubts are felt by everyone who are considering applying, even though they have good reason to! You have good reason to apply.
Have a look at the questions and see what you score - https://benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-self-test
You may qualify but they're pretty useless and may refuse you but you have to appeal and usually by appealing, you get it. There are groups on Facebook which can help you through the process so I'd recommend chatting to some people there about it.
Have a look at the questions and see what you score - https://benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-self-test
You may qualify but they're pretty useless and may refuse you but you have to appeal and usually by appealing, you get it. There are groups on Facebook which can help you through the process so I'd recommend chatting to some people there about it.
Wow thanks for this resource, I had no idea something like this existed!
According to this I score 10 on the daily living component and 16 for the mobility component. As this is probably not completely accurate I'd say maybe these scores are ever so slightly inflated but still, good to know that I should at least give this a shot.
You speak of Facebook groups that can help; any suggestions? Also what evidence do I need to give DWP when requesting a PIP form?
Thanks!!!
Original post by Integral_Chicken
Wow thanks for this resource, I had no idea something like this existed!
According to this I score 10 on the daily living component and 16 for the mobility component. As this is probably not completely accurate I'd say maybe these scores are ever so slightly inflated but still, good to know that I should at least give this a shot.
You speak of Facebook groups that can help; any suggestions? Also what evidence do I need to give DWP when requesting a PIP form?
Thanks!!!
According to this I score 10 on the daily living component and 16 for the mobility component. As this is probably not completely accurate I'd say maybe these scores are ever so slightly inflated but still, good to know that I should at least give this a shot.
You speak of Facebook groups that can help; any suggestions? Also what evidence do I need to give DWP when requesting a PIP form?
Thanks!!!
No problem. I get 0 so you have a good case. You basically mark it like you're having your worst possible day.
(edited 6 years ago)
Original post by hannxm
No problem. I get 0 so you have a good case. You basically mark it like you're having your worst possible day.
I'm not sure about DWP and PIP but you can ask about it in any of these groups:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/faireratosassessments/?ref=br_rs
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1717938171834078/?ref=br_rs
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1661571727483856/?ref=br_rs
I'm not sure about DWP and PIP but you can ask about it in any of these groups:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/faireratosassessments/?ref=br_rs
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1717938171834078/?ref=br_rs
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1661571727483856/?ref=br_rs
You're either psychic or just accidentally answered my next question. I honestly wasn't sure how to answer the questions, whether it was sort of what an average day feels like or worst case scenario kinda answers. Good to know that it's worst case, which means possibly a few different answers to the daily living questions.
I am curious, however, about what they'd say if I were called to have an assesment and I wasn't having one of my "bad days". I guess I'll get help from one of the pages you've suggested, thanks a lot again!
Most people have good and bad days when they have a health condition. The assessors are likely aware of this by now. You can just say that you're having an average day, but that you will inform them of what you feel like on your worst days. If everyone commented on their best/average days, they probably wouldn't get any help.
Original post by Integral_Chicken
You're either psychic or just accidentally answered my next question. I honestly wasn't sure how to answer the questions, whether it was sort of what an average day feels like or worst case scenario kinda answers. Good to know that it's worst case, which means possibly a few different answers to the daily living questions.
I am curious, however, about what they'd say if I were called to have an assesment and I wasn't having one of my "bad days". I guess I'll get help from one of the pages you've suggested, thanks a lot again!
I am curious, however, about what they'd say if I were called to have an assesment and I wasn't having one of my "bad days". I guess I'll get help from one of the pages you've suggested, thanks a lot again!
Original post by Integral_Chicken
You're either psychic or just accidentally answered my next question. I honestly wasn't sure how to answer the questions, whether it was sort of what an average day feels like or worst case scenario kinda answers. Good to know that it's worst case, which means possibly a few different answers to the daily living questions.
I am curious, however, about what they'd say if I were called to have an assesment and I wasn't having one of my "bad days". I guess I'll get help from one of the pages you've suggested, thanks a lot again!
I am curious, however, about what they'd say if I were called to have an assesment and I wasn't having one of my "bad days". I guess I'll get help from one of the pages you've suggested, thanks a lot again!
Well, it's not strictly on your bad days. If you have a variable condition it goes off how you are the majority of the time - e.g. over 12 hours a day, or over 3.5 days a week, or over 6 months of the year. Same with ESA, it's how you are the majority of the time.
You also have to be able to do things reliably (this is also the case with ESA). So that means you need to be able to do it to an appropriate standard, safely and in a reasonable amount of time and its repeatability. For example, I can go outside on my own, but it's not safe for me to do so because of my issues with keeping safe when out and about (e.g. general public regularly used to pull me out of the way of incoming traffic as I'm completely unaware of things due to sensory overload when I'm out (now I don't go out alone without someone else), same with friends/family, etc.). As a result I can't go anywhere without another person safely. So I should get enhanced mobility.
Essentially, you need to be doing all the tasks/descriptors reliably and the majority of the time, if you can't do a specific descriptor for a task when taking this into account, then by the DWP's own standards you can't do the task to that level. Therefore you should be awarded points. Also, fatigue and pain are taken into account, so make sure you explain this in detail if you decide to apply!
I'm in the process of applying for PIP right now, and it's a headache. If you decide to apply, I wish you luck!
Side note, I also found it really difficult to accept I had a disability, took me years. Still don't fully accept it. But there you go! lol.
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