PIP Woes

RVJ11

Hi all, I'm in the middle of a PIP review and I'm very apprehensive as things don't seem to be going too well. I rang the PIP enquiry line to ask what had happened to the review form I sent off; they said they hadn't received it yet because of the Christmas break etc. and that the deadline has been extended to the 8th of February.

I was told to call again at the start of February to check if they got my form but would it be better for me to ring again at the start of next week, or should I not rock the boat too much? I will also note that before I got to speak to someone an automatic voice told me that I will be getting my PIP payment next fortnight as per usual. Is that accurate or should I double check with the enquiry line? Sorry for all the questions, just very worried right now.

poppy123456

There are still some backlogs with Royal Mail because of the strikes, even under normal times it can take a couple of weeks for the mail to be added to the computer and it's not classed as arriving until this has happened. When did you return the form?

Your usual payments will continue as normal until a decision is made on the review so there's no need to ring them about this.

As they've extended the deadline to return the form i'd leave it a couple of weeks and then ring to check they've received it. If they haven't by then you can send another one if you kept a copy for yourself (you should have)

RVJ11

Hi, I returned the form on the same day I got it; nothing about my situation has changed so I was able to use similar answers and evidence to that which I'd supplied the last time. While I did take pictures of the answers I provided I didn't think to make copies of the form. I suppose if they haven't got it in two weeks' time I'll have to ask them to further extend the deadline if possible.

poppy123456

I have no idea when you received the form. Last weekend i received a letter that was dated November (not from DWP). You should always make a copy of everything you send DWP.

RVJ11

Sorry, forgot to mention that it was Monday last week. I'll have to remember to make a copy of the form next time.

poppy123456

Then that's not long at all and only 5 working days since you posted it. As i advised, even under normal times it often takes at least a couple of weeks for them to receive it. Did you get proof of posting?

RVJ11

Hi, Yes I have proof of postage

RVJ11

I will have to call them next week as if it doesn't get there by then I'll have to have them send another form out in time so my PIP doesn't get stopped. I don't know why I'm being reassessed so soon- it doesn't seem fair. All this stress and worry is the last thing I need.

poppy123456

I'm sure it will arrive in plenty of time. When is your current award due to end? Usually they review about 6 months before the award is due to end but there are huge backlogs so you could be waiting more than several months for a decision.

RVJ11

I really hope so. I think my current award was due to end last year but I got an extension. As long as they get the form and I keep getting my PIP while I'm waiting for them to make a decision I suppose I'll be okay but having to call them constantly to keep chasing them up is not good for my mental health right now. I will probably have to speak to my local crisis team today.

RVJ11

Also just noticed I posted this discussion in the wrong forum- apologies for my mistake; I swear nothing's gone right since that *!&%$ form arrived.

poppy123456

Although your award was extended this didn't mean you weren't due a review, so it's correct that you received the forms.

Don't worry about posting in the wrong section, the scope team can just move it to the PIP section once they see it.

I know the whole process is stressful but try to concentrate on something else if possible because otherwise it will be a very long processs.

RVJ11

I will try to find something to do to take my mind off things; I guess there's not much you can do about these things except check up and wait. Thank you once again for all your help with this rigamarole the DWP puts us through. 

Tori_Scope

Hi @rvj11  

I'm sorry to hear that this has caused you so much stress. I'm glad that poppy123456 has been able to offer you some advice and support!

I suppose I'll be okay but having to call them constantly to keep chasing them up is not good for my mental health right now. I will probably have to speak to my local crisis team today.

Were you able to speak to the crisis team yesterday? How are you feeling today?

RVJ11

Hi, unfortunately I haven't been able to speak to the crisis team yet as I've been in too low a mood to pick the phone up recently. I'll probably call Samaritans at some point. I do have new medication to start taking though which should help. Thank you for taking the time to ask how I'm doing- it really means a lot.

RVJ11

@poppy123456 just thought to let you know I got a text from the DWP confirming they'd received my pip form. I understand there's a backlog with pip reviews at the minute so daresay I'll be waiting a while.

L_Volunteer

I completely hear how you have been feeling too low to pick up the phone to contact the crisis team @RVJ11. Does the crisis team have an email or do you have anyone else you could email?

Samaritans have an email address if you find written communication like this more manageable than making calls at the moment. Samaritans' email address is jo@samaritans.org. 

Have you started your new medication yet? If so, I am wondering if you would like to share a little more with us about how you have been finding your new medication.

We all have time for you! Please don't hesitate to let us know if you want to talk about this further or if there's anything we can do to support you. 

Thanks for sharing your update with us. It sounds really positive that you have received a text from the DWP confirming they have received your PIP form - even if there is a backlog at the moment.

Take care for now and we will look forward to, hopefully, hearing from you again soon