PIP for Polio and Post-Polio Syndrome - Can You Claim?

If you had polio as a child and are now experiencing new or worsening symptoms - increasing weakness, fatigue, pain, swallowing difficulties, or breathing problems - you likely have post-polio syndrome (PPS). This is a progressive condition affecting 25-40% of polio survivors, typically appearing 15-40 years after the original illness. PPS is absolutely PIP-claimable.

Which PIP Activities Does Post-Polio Affect?

Moving Around (Activity 12) - Progressive muscle weakness in legs reduces walking distance over time. Many PPS patients who previously walked independently now need sticks, crutches, callipers, or wheelchairs. If your walking distance has decreased, describe what it is NOW, not what it was five years ago.

Preparing Food (Activity 1) - Arm and hand weakness affects gripping, lifting, and stirring. Standing fatigue limits time at the worktop. If you use callipers or crutches in the kitchen, carrying anything is impossible.

Washing and Bathing (Activity 4) - Weakness in arms and legs makes showering and bathing dangerous. Getting in and out of the bath with weakened limbs. Reaching to wash all body parts with limited arm strength.

Dressing (Activity 6) - Putting on callipers, orthotic devices, and supportive footwear. Weakness in hands affecting buttons and zips. Reduced arm strength for pulling clothing overhead.

Managing Therapy (Activity 3) - Physiotherapy, orthotic appointments, pain management, respiratory monitoring if breathing is affected, orthopaedic follow-ups. If you use a ventilator at night (some PPS patients do), this is significant therapy.

PPS Is Progressive

Unlike the original polio which was a one-time illness, PPS is ongoing and worsening. Your PIP award should reflect this. At review, your scores should increase, not decrease. If the DWP tries to reduce your award at review, challenge it - get your consultant to confirm that PPS is a progressive, degenerative condition with no cure.

What Evidence Helps?

• Neurologist or rehabilitation consultant letters confirming PPS diagnosis
• Electromyography (EMG) results
• Comparison documentation showing decline over time
• Respiratory function tests if breathing is affected
• Orthotist records showing aids prescribed
• Carer statement describing increasing help needed

Frequently Asked Questions

I managed for 30 years without PIP. Why claim now?

Because post-polio syndrome means your condition is NOW deteriorating. The muscles that compensated for your original polio damage are failing. What you could do 5 years ago, you may not be able to do now. PIP reflects your CURRENT abilities, not your historical ones.

My GP doesn't know what post-polio syndrome is. What do I do?

Ask for a referral to a neurologist or rehabilitation medicine consultant. PPS is under-recognised in primary care. A specialist diagnosis letter is much stronger PIP evidence than a GP saying "ongoing effects of childhood polio."