Why do I have to adult?

Dancer

1. I won`t be able to get free prescriptions anymore
2. I need to apply for PIP
3. To apply for PIP, I need a national insurance number which I had to apply for
4. I had to do 2 phone calls (and be kept on hold for 15 minutes with one of the calls) and redo the application
5. I need to find a job
6. As of September, I won`t be able to get a discount for the train which means I won`t be able to afford to go to my hospital appointments

ebyrne556

Hey @Dancer just offering some solidarity 100% Becoming an adult can be quite overwhelming and everything is a lot more effort for sure haha. Im a couple years in and i can say it does become a bit easier overtime and once things are sorted out it’s definitely a relief. How are you feeling about your pip application? I know it can be quite a stressful process

Katie12

I definitely agree that becoming an adult is very overwhelming and frightening having to become so independent and do new things you didn't have to before! Phone calls are definitely still scary to me now but like @ebyrne556 said, it does become a little easier when you're more used to it. just takes time

issie

Hey @Dancer - You're so right, becoming an adult can feel really scary & overwhelming. I'm sorry to hear that so many things are going to change for you too, like free prescriptions & discounted train fayres. I understand that might feel a bit frustrating & unfair, which is totally valid! However, I promise you, things do get easier. I know this sounds like a bit of a cliché, but as someone who really struggled with this, eventually, you do find your groove with adulthood

I'd also like to stress that the community is always here and happy to help you navigate any challenges that early adulthood might bring you! You are never doing it alone

ellie2000

@Dancer Do wat u enjoy, life is hard. You got this

independent_

Just a note on PIP, if you get that you may be able to keep getting your train discount if not free. I’m not sure how it works south of the border but I get on buses and trains for free with my PIP (you might be able to get some kind of disabled person’s railcard).

It’s tough going and I had (have) lots of the same worries, but it does get easier with time. At 18 you’re thrown into the adult world at the deep end with lots of new experiences and responsibilities but it does get more manageable as you get older.

RE the prescriptions, if you get certain benefits you might be able to get them for free too (that applies to dental care as well) so double check that.

Amy22

I also agree with what @independent_ mentioned about PIP as sometimes depending on the amount of points you score on PIP you can be eligible for a free bus pass or railcard meaning you can get a discount and the same for a companion travelling with you (I also got a free bus pass because I was considered eligible for it so I could claim as well as claiming a railcard eventhough the process was tricky it was still worth asking about and getting).

I totally know the feeling of trying to adult because becoming an adult is one of the most scariest things, the fact that we have to adult can be frightening. However as time goes along things become more clearer and easier. However, things can be tough too on the adult journey (I have my up's and downs too especially after turning 18 and claiming for PIP).

Also if you do need any further advice or guidance on PIP or how to fill out the form, feel free to pm me or let me know as I can happily explain how it works and how to fill out the sections. One tip that my local hub for neurodiverse adults gave to me was to fill out the form as if it is your worst or bad day because then the person reviewing the form can understand how things affect you day to day. I know sometimes and even in the most rarest cases they ask for a in person assessment where you go to a centre and they ask you questions basically. I had an in person assessment and sometimes they aren't always ideal.

I hope this helps

Hugs,

Amy22