Paula's reality
I have been claiming PIP payments for a physical disability and Myalgic encephalomyelitis for many years. I started to claim before David Cameron came into government, via my carer, with me filling out forms and attending an interview in Bristol.
It was ok, but in the last few years they just slashed my payments with no warning - just a letter. I was upset and worried about how I would manage. I lost my warm home discounts, free bus passes and more.
In February 2024, a friend helped me contact ‘Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service’ with Bristol Council, who were excellent. The adviser helped me make a new claim and get the extra payments I was entitled to. The forms were a lot of work and it took 8 months of back and forth contact, but with the help of my advisor, I managed to get it in the end.
Social security payments are so important for me. I suffer a lot physically and my condition is often misunderstood so it is essential I get the payments I need.