{"id":11459,"date":"2023-03-27T22:04:21","date_gmt":"2023-03-27T22:04:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/?p=11459"},"modified":"2025-08-14T14:22:29","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T14:22:29","slug":"tips-for-applying-for-personal-independence-payment-pip-during-tsw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/2023\/03\/27\/tips-for-applying-for-personal-independence-payment-pip-during-tsw\/","title":{"rendered":"Applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) &#8211; Tips from a TSW Warrior"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-7f13b8981edc2ee5ddb27303e48832c3\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-7f13b8981edc2ee5ddb27303e48832c3{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-7f13b8981edc2ee5ddb27303e48832c3 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-7f13b8981edc2ee5ddb27303e48832c3 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-7f13b8981edc2ee5ddb27303e48832c3 av-special-heading-h3  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) &#8211; Tips from a TSW Warrior<\/h3><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-0ff602b3e980a3377077ff3c1c834df6 hr-default  avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_three_fifth '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_three_fifth-15d750bd1b332b34c6e70b077ebbccdf\">\n.flex_column.av-av_three_fifth-15d750bd1b332b34c6e70b077ebbccdf{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-av_three_fifth-15d750bd1b332b34c6e70b077ebbccdf av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_two_fifth  first flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding  '     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-2de302bf1aa3cf4c9157dbe6f50ac7eb '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>ITSAN asked Lorna about her personal experience applying for PIP during TSW Syndrome.<\/p>\n<p><b>Why did you apply for PIP?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I applied for PIP as I\u2019m unable to work due to Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What do you need to apply?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To apply, applicants firstly need to call the Department For Work and Pensions for Personal Independent Payment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How long does it take to apply?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The applicant will be asked a few questions to see if they meet the requirements, then they will either be sent a paper application form through the post or an online application.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It takes 12 weeks for a decision. If the request is denied, the applicant can ask for a reconsideration which can take up to a further 12 weeks.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If this is denied the applicant can appeal &#8211; \u00a0this is usually what happens with Topical Steroid Withdrawal as it\u2019s a very complex condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The applicant can then send evidence of their condition (I used ITSAN\u2019s resources, lots of photos, a letter from my doctor, and and letters from close friends and family who has witnessed my condition and how it effects my daily life). It\u2019s very straightforward to upload evidence to the appeal tribunal.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical evidence holds more weight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What helped you during the process?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I won my case on my oral evidence. They took everything I told them as truth as they could see how much distress TSW had caused me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What would you recommend to someone going through TSW and wanting to apply for PIP?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I would highly recommend getting help from citizens advise or online tools before starting an application. I didn\u2019t do this and I didn\u2019t understand the process or the requirements, which is why my experience was very lengthy and very stressful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is usually a face-to-face assessment after the initial application.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure the applicant doesn&#8217;t drive themselves to this appointment if they are generally not well enough to drive, as this will go against them (I made this mistake).\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is why I didn\u2019t get awarded the mobility component of PIP only the daily living component.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also make sure the applicant answers the questions on how they are at their worse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Articles recommended by Lorna:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;How to Claim PIP&#8221; &#8211; from citizensadvice.org.uk\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/pip\/help-with-your-claim\/how-to-claim\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cClaiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) &#8211; Fill in the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) form\u201d- from turn2us.org.uk\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turn2us.org.uk\/Benefit-guides\/Claiming-Personal-Independence-Payment\/Fill-in-PIP-form\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Completing Your PIP Claim Form&#8221;- from scope.org.uk <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scope.org.uk\/advice-and-support\/tips-for-completing-pip-form\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_two_fifth-c8fc129dc35fd1ae2a1e410224d39ea8\">\n.flex_column.av-av_two_fifth-c8fc129dc35fd1ae2a1e410224d39ea8{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-av_two_fifth-c8fc129dc35fd1ae2a1e410224d39ea8 av_two_fifth  avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding  '     ><p><section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-2de302bf1aa3cf4c9157dbe6f50ac7eb '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/pip\/how-to-claim?fbclid=IwAR0Z3_YW1hFrWq3C56EO3P22m71oEFltOu1jf0z9RatquhRbXSa6cAhOc8E\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-11462\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-27-at-4.29.51-PM-300x132.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-27-at-4.29.51-PM-300x132.png 300w, https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-27-at-4.29.51-PM-1030x452.png 1030w, https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-27-at-4.29.51-PM-768x337.png 768w, https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-27-at-4.29.51-PM-705x309.png 705w, https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-27-at-4.29.51-PM-450x197.png 450w, https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-27-at-4.29.51-PM.png 1290w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Find\u00a0steps to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at GOV.UK. Learn more\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/pip\/how-to-claim?fbclid=IwAR0Z3_YW1hFrWq3C56EO3P22m71oEFltOu1jf0z9RatquhRbXSa6cAhOc8E\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-0ff602b3e980a3377077ff3c1c834df6 hr-default  avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-2de302bf1aa3cf4c9157dbe6f50ac7eb '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-11486 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-27-at-5.30.05-PM-1030x688.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1030\" height=\"688\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-27-at-5.30.05-PM-1030x688.png 1030w, https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-27-at-5.30.05-PM-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-27-at-5.30.05-PM-768x513.png 768w, https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-27-at-5.30.05-PM-705x471.png 705w, https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-27-at-5.30.05-PM-450x301.png 450w, https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-27-at-5.30.05-PM.png 1356w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-2de302bf1aa3cf4c9157dbe6f50ac7eb '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><strong>&#8220;For anyone struggling financially, I\u2019ve just been awarded the standard living allowance for Personal Independence Payment, t<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>he UK disability benefit.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It wasn\u2019t easy and I had to fight for it. It went all the way to appeal and today I won. T<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">he award fully recognises Topical Steroid Withdrawal as a disability.&#8221; <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-Lorna, January 2022<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-0ff602b3e980a3377077ff3c1c834df6 hr-default  avia-builder-el-9  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;I\u2019ve just been awarded the standard living allowance for Personal Independence Payment, the UK disability benefit.\u00a0It wasn\u2019t easy and I had to fight for it.&#8221; -Lorna<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":11525,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11459","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11459","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11459"}],"version-history":[{"count":61,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11459\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11516,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11459\/revisions\/11516"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11525"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11459"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11459"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11459"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}