Time between PIP assessment, report and decision headache

headachey

It's not too bad here, mostly cold and windy, I think the rains due tonight or tomorrow in our area.

I keep thinking today that they're going to deny me pip cos the form I filled in with evidence they don't seem to have, (I sent pip and dwp workability assessment forms off the same day and neither received them, workability was happy to go off self reporting cos I gave them name and contact for each person they could contact to verify but I don't know if pip will be as accomodating) looks like the report was written only based on phone calls with me and I'm doubting I'll be believed. I thought maybe they'd contact my cpn or kids social worker, which I have them consent to do if they want to verify what I said, but doesn't look like they have. Does pip ever get granted based solely on self reporting?

poppy123456

They very rarely contact anyone for any evidence, the onus is on you to prove you qualify. Medical evidence isn't really needed for a PIP award.

SueHeath

Poppy is the best person on claims @headachey so always go with what our experts say.
Sounds like your still thinking and worrying about the out come, which i can understand. 
Hope you have a good day with your children darling, consentrate on them and try and give yourself a break from worrying.

headachey

Wish there was a switch to turn worrying off, could do with a break lol

poppy123456

You and many thousands of others feel exactly the same.

L_Volunteer

I can hear how you are feeling worried at the moment @headachey. Is there anything which usually helps you when you are feeling worried? 

headachey

Trying to distract myself mostly but with all the things I have to worry about now I think I'm fixating on this cos it's something with a clear outcome (either I get it and can relax or I don't and appeal, easy to know what next steps will be so safer to worry about in a way). 

L_Volunteer

It sounds really difficult that your usual coping strategy of distraction is not working so well with this @headachey.

Please don't hesitate to let us know if there's anything we can do to support you. We are all here for you and listening to you 

headachey

Thank you but there's nothing anyone can do atm, I've just got to be more patient.

Hannah_Alumni

@headachey What did you get up to with your children over the weekend?

headachey

Cleaning, board games and TV, very relaxed and chilled. I prefer having loads of outings, keeps me from thinking, but kids had fun and needed a good rest after the excitement of Xmas so happy they had fun. Thank you for asking @Hannah_Scope

Hannah_Alumni

Awww that sounds lovely! What's the favourite board game? We were banned from playing Monopoly until we were in our teens So hungry hungry hippos and twister were the go-to's.  

headachey

We did trivia and master mind which are fun, plus some little puzzle type games like shuttles. I enjoy monopoly but as my kids get older they get more crazy at the game lol

headachey

I've just had a phonecall from DWP pip, the lady was asking if my bank details have changed, if backpayment should be lump of staggered, if I've got support and who's paying for current support (aka housing benefit and social services are currently paying our supported living). I asked of this means it's been awarded and she said they're going to do an official decision as soon as possible, definitely within the week, but she can see they're planning to award me pip but she doesn't know what level of award at this stage and that I should get the letter within 2/3weeks. I broke down crying in relief. I feel validated.

Tori_Scope

That sounds like good news @headachey Well done for persevering! Hopefully it'll be the level of award you're hoping for. 

Take care of yourself today.

SueHeath

Bless @headachey that certainly sounds positive for you. Hope your well today darling x

headachey

Just received the "we have awarded you pip please wait two weeks for letter explaining your award" text. I was expeted to be relieved and happy to get pip but I wasn't expecting to feel so validated, so heard. I've had years of not being listened too about my struggles, then social finally listening but not believed, too now be believed yet loosing my kids cos of it, I'm in shock and relieved and happy at the pip outcome (sad about everything else lol).

SueHeath

Morning @headachey i know darling, but at least PIP is something you can tick of your list bab hopefully will give you a bit more finance support, I understand how hard it must be for you but you need to get better darling. x

Lou67

@headachey

Well done on your award, that’s great news for you.
One thing dealt with now just take your time and deal with everything else. You will get there.

Take care ❤️

headachey

I'm going to ask social if I can book a theme park trip for kids and me in the summer holidays, using the pip backpayment to pay for it, even if that means needing to take a social worker with us I wouldn't mind, only so long til kids are too old to theme parks with mummy lol. By the time I get them back they'll be in secondary school and more interested in their mates than hanging out with me, which would be totally normal and good for them, but I'd like to make memories while I can.
Doesn't hurt to ask, worst they can say is no and atleast I'll have tried. Contact with my kids will eventually be moved into community visits, not always contact centre, so I can take them out with a supervisor and enjoy family outings with them. Doesn't hurt to ask about a special summer holidays outing.