Fluctuating health

Ask anyone with experience of applying for PIP (the disability benefit) and they will tell you how hard it can be. Not only the challenge of getting past the hurdle of asking for help or stigma of applying for welfare support, but also then navigating an array of questions – in forms and assessments - that are designed in a one-fits-all manner.

It is challenging at the best of times but is particularly difficult if you have a health condition which changes week-in and week-out. Depression, anxiety, MS or arthritis for example. Health conditions are not always stable, and nor is there impact. This research involved a mix of interviews, surveys and diary exercises to track fluctuating conditions and how these impact people. We identified specific areas in which the application and assessment process for disability benefits could be improved to account for fluctuations.

Our full report includes the framework we developed for understanding fluctuation.