WCA - PIP Eating and Drinking

ElsieC1

I know PIP and ESA serve different purposes but will the DM at DWP at least do a quick cross-check to see if I get PIP and the points given for certain activities before making a decision following the WCA ? I am thinking specifically of Q18 Eating and Drinking on the ESA50 which overlaps with PIP. I guess that by typing in my NI No they will automatically see my other benefits by default. Am I right ? The ESA50 stated not to provide evidence of other social security benefits - so I didn't.

poppy123456

They do sometimes look but not always and you shouldn't rely on this. Although it says not to provide evidence of other benefits, there would have been no harm in sending a copy of your PIP assessment report if you had it.

ElsieC1

By the assessment report, do you mean the PIP award letter detailing the points for each activity ? Clearly  I should not have taken what was written on the ESA50 about other benefits so literally.

poppy123456

No, the assessment report will have gone into more detail than the decision letter, although you could have sent the decision letter. However, being entitled to one benefit doesn't automatically entitle you to the other.

ElsieC1

Can I send this extra supporting evidence now - with my Name and NI No ?

poppy123456

Yes, it's never too late to send extra evidence. If you've only recently returned the form I would send it to the Health assessment advisory Service and not to DWP. There's an email address for them that can be used. See link. https://chdauk.co.uk/about-us/contact-us/

ElsieC1

Thank you - I will send it to the Advisory Service. Only recently returned the form - it is highly unlikely a decision has been made yet. There is a considerable backlog - right ?

durhamjaide2001

ElsieC1 said:

Thank you - I will send it to the Advisory Service. Only recently returned the form - it is highly unlikely a decision has been made yet. There is a considerable backlog - right ?

I'm pleased we have managed to help you out today. I know it's a stressful wait to get a day for the assessment but it will all hopefully be worth it in the end. 

ElsieC1

Thank you for your kind input - it is all very stressful

durhamjaide2001

ElsieC1 said:

Thank you for your kind input - it is all very stressful

Bless you no problem it's what we are here for 

poppy123456

Yes there are backlogs for a lot of areas. Most people have assessments which are by either phone, video or face to face.

calcotti

Obviously you should only send information from your PIP award if you think the report or decision letter accurately reflect your situation. If there are any errors in atet information it may confuse your ESA claim rather than help it.