For those who feel confident enough doing their own applications, I recommend the ‘Disability Rights Handbook’ produced by Disability Rights UK.
My wife asked me to compile her first PIP application and, using this book, I was able to articulate all the numerous aspects of her condition against each of the criteria that they consider. It took me almost a week (on and off) to ensure that I had covered every aspect and articulated everything in a way that supported her claim (no exaggeration needed and we wouldn’t want to do that anyway – there are enough benefit cheats in this country without us adding to the numbers).
My wife was awarded higher rate for both Daily Living and Mobility, but the award letter said that the next review would be in 3 years time. I asked for a mandatory reconsideration of this, with a supporting letter stating that, unless they knew something that I didn’t, my wife’s condition was not curable and would only get worse (as indeed it has), so the stress and time consuming demand of having to go through it all again in just 3 years time seemed unreasonable and unnecessary. They agreed and it became an indefinite award with a light touch review after 10 years, although I think we might be over 10 years now and haven’t heard anything.
A lot of people blame the system when they don’t get an award that they feel that they are due, but I think it’s more likely down to poor quality applications. You cannot spend too much time on getting these things right and, if you don’t have the confidence or ability to do it to the required standard then seek help. There’s plenty of it out there and much of it is free, especially if you have a willing and able family member or friend.