Eligibility for PIP

Hello Dotty,
This is a difficult one to answer since the theory may differ from the practice.
I am assuming that you have taken our quick self assessment test to see if you are currently entitled to PIP www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip
If you have and it indicates that you are probably entitled then I would urge you to claim.
What should happen is that when you have an assessment they should decide what award you were entitled to on the day you applied. The possibility that you might get better in the future should be reflected in the length of the award, not whether or not you get an award.
That is the theory. The practice that I have experienced is that the DWP say that you are in the process of getting treatment, having had that you will then be 100% fit and therefore you are not entitled to an award. This is wrong, and it is a decision which can be reversed at MR and/or appeal.
So, yes go for it. In your application focus on your current condition, I personally I would not mention how it may or may not be in the future. But be prepared to fight for the right outcome.
I wish you all the best,
Catherine

Hi Dotty,
If you make a claim, it is helpful if you get medical evidence etc ready before you make the claim.
You may find it useful to write a disability diary. Thinking about the descriptors- what can you do, and how well do you do, what happens when you try, how long does it take, what goes right/wrong, what help do you need, may be you use an aid, does it work? What about pain levels, accidents, stumbles, falls? How far can you walk? What prevents you going further? Can you repeat the descriptor activity throughout the whole day? How well can you do the activity? Think about fatigue, breathlessness, pain etc. Also note down when things go well - why is it a better day? Did you have any panic attacks or anxiety, what triggered this.
EtcEtc.
Any information you can write will help you answer the questions on the claim form, and also will serve as a contemporaneous record of your disability at the time of your claim.
If you need further help about a specific descriptor please re-post.
Let us know how you get on.
Good luck.
LL26