I would urge anyone else to seek advice on how to best self-advocate when applying for benefits, it really does help! 

DWP claim

I made a claim and filled out the long questionnaire I was sent with the help of the information sent by myaware. Charlie had explained to me that DWP should consider whether claimants can carry out activities (such as getting dressed and cooking) safely, repeatedly, to an acceptable standard and within a reasonable time frame and so I presented my difficulties with this in mind. As we all know, being able to repeat activities can be a real challenge for people with myasthenia due to muscle fatiguability. I had also been advised about explaining my need for various aids even though I didn’t have them.

When I had my disability assessment, I explained to the nurse that I needed her to talk slowly and clearly because of my disabilities and let me answer her questions at my own pace. Again, I used the information sent by myaware to present my difficulties in a way that was relevant to DWP’s assessment criteria.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

A few weeks later, I was awarded Personal Independence Payment (PIP) under both daily living and mobility components and was advised about other benefits that PIP can also help you to access.

Being informed about how to present my difficulties and get my needs met at the assessment was crucial in being awarded PIP, which has had a significant and positive impact on my daily life. Having the additional income has really eased finances by helping me afford essential aids that I had previously put off buying due to cost.

Claiming for a benefit is something that I had never done before and I now realise that these benefits are there to help us. I would urge anyone else to seek advice on how to best self-advocate during the claiming process as it can make a big difference to the outcome.

Huw Simmons