PIP claim and paper based assessment

HBC

I was diagnosed with a severe sight impairment in early December 2022. I applied for PIP on the 12th December along with the DWP Access to work.   I took 4 attempts to get the form, it was supposedly sent.  Eventually i received it, completed it and sent it back recorded delivery.  Received a text to say they had received both form and the CVI certificate signed by the head consultant.   I received a text from the Assessement side of things confirming they had been forwarded it from the DWP mid January.  To date have heard nothing at all.  So looking at the threads, it seems i will be looking at 6 months to get this all sorted.  Yet on my original call was told there was a 12 week wait.  This week i received confirmation of my Access to work grant.  Which i can now use....  it makes me wonder why an assessment would need to take place to be honest when i have a signed Certificate of Blindness from a professional.... has anybody not been required to have an assessment.... and on a first claim does it really take so long... happy days not !!!

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

Most peoole have an assessment regardless of evidence sent for first claim 

I am severely vision impaired and had an assessment first time claim 

Unfortunately there are long delays but it is not as long now as it had been 

poppy123456

The timescales they advise you are just a guide. Some wait less and some wait longer. It really depends on backlogs and each individual case. PIP isn't awarded based on any diagnosis and no one is automatically entitled to it.

HBC

Just had a text from DWP saying they have just received a written report on my PIP assessment.  I have had no face to face meeting or telephone assessment - and i will be receiving a letter with their decision.   Am i being negative in thinking this isn't a good sign... I will ask for a copy of the report in the meantime.   Am very new to this and havent claimed anything before so a bit apprehensive.  

poppy123456

Paper based assessments are rare but possible. It doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing at all. I’ve not heard of many people being refused after a paper based assessment. 

Wilsonwinehouse

I was recently diagnosed severely sight impaired as well. 

I applied for pip in January and completed the form online and sent it back with some evidence and my CVI. I had a txt probably 3 weeks ago saying I had a phone assessment.

I had my phone assessment yesterday which lasted about an hour, I then got another text about 3 hours later from the DWP saying they had got my report and would be in touch, normally within 8 weeks. 

I feel like the assessment went ok but I have this constant niggle that I'll just get denied anything.

L_Volunteer

That niggle sounds really difficult @Wilsonwinehouse. Is there anything that might help this to feel more manageable for you at the moment?

Hopefully, you will hear about the outcome soon and it feeling ok is a positive sign. However, I can hear it can take up to 8 weeks.

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