PIP question - Need advice pls

AsdAsd2023

I called DWP to ask for an update today and the lady on the phone put me on hold to speak to the decision maker. The customer service lady was very nice. After 20 mins she came back to me and said that the decision maker is looking into my case today more and she’ll call me back tomorrow. 

Bit of overview: I had my case going on for over 6 months, had Capita assessment in May, report was bad, scored 0, DWP rejected my claim 7 days later, then I had to file a complaint to Capita about the lies and inconsistencies in the report. Capita reworked the report, got 11 points for living and 8 for mobility, and my case is in the reconsideration phase since June with DWP. 

What should I expect? Will she ask about medical stuff? I’m scared to talk to her. 

Thanks a lot!

poppy123456

A decision maker will only usually ring if they have any questions to ask, if they don't they won't ring you. Nothing more you can do until a new decision is made. Hopefully not too much longer now.

L_Volunteer

Hi @AsdAsd2023. A warm welcome to Scope's forum from me. It is great to see you have joined us.

Unfortunately, we cannot tell you how this will go or what to expect. After all, we do not know their thoughts or which decision they are leaning towards. 

I can hear how you are feeling scared at the moment though. Is there anything that might help this to feel more manageable for you at the moment?

Please do not hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can do to support you further with this. Similarly, please feel free to let us know how it goes for you 

AsdAsd2023

Thanks a lot for the replies. 

I’m just worried because I don’t feel very comfortable talking on the phone and having to explain everything all over again and of course I don’t want to get any bad news. 

Hannah_Alumni

@AsdAsd2023 You can have someone with you when they ring if that would make you feel more comfortable  

AsdAsd2023

Thanks for the reply! I had help with me today till 11, but unfortunately they didn’t call me. I called them not long ago and I was told someone will call me at some point today.

I asked what to expect during the call, the CS lady said “the call is about your decision letter not being issued yet”. So I’m more confused now but it should be Ok soon. 

Hannah_Alumni

@AsdAsd2023 Keep us updated! We are here too  

AsdAsd2023

I am just writing to add an update. I am absolutely frustrated, and feel mentally drained. 

As mentioned, yesterday I was told that the case manager will call me today morning. That didn’t happen so midday I rang them to ask what’s up, and they said by the end of the day someone will call me. That didn’t happen again, but had a missed call from unknown number so I just call them back again to ask if it was them. 

After 1.5 hour on the phone, a case manager told me that THERE IS NO CASE MANAGER assigned to my case so he has no idea who and why would call me back. 

This is after having it confirmed on 3 separate occasions that my case is with a case manager since  mid July. 

I’m absolutely drained from this already, so I don’t even know what to think or say. 

poppy123456

When you ring PIP you're speaking to someone from a call centre. They very often sit there and tell you what you want to hear so the best advice i can give is take what they tell you with a big pinch of salt.

Hannah_Alumni

I am so sorry to hear that @AsdAsd2023 I can understand how frustrating that must have been to hear. 

I hope you have support around you? I would encourage you to reach out to Citizen's Advice if you need further advisement. 

AsdAsd2023

Yeah I get it that CS might not be aware and they are not fully informed, but talking nonsense instead of delivering factual information is just absolutely disgusting. I’m usually super nice with everyone I talk to and respect them a lot because of everything they need to deal with, but they might need to do some reflection on the processes, as so far they’re the least disability-friendly institution I’ve dealt with and it’s ironic, considering that everyone calling them is dealing with disabilities. 

Poppy thanks so much for the information! I really appreciate your input, it really helps 😊💕

Hannah, thanks a lot for your comment. I’ve some help around now so it’s good, also my partner got in touch with a firm that works on disability advocacy, specifically on DWP and assessment center failures, so worst comes to worst that’s going to be a way forward because I’m sure I won’t be able to mentally withstand an appeal/tribunal procedure. 😞

poppy123456

AsdAsd2023 said:

Hannah, thanks a lot for your comment. I’ve some help around now so it’s good, also my partner got in touch with a firm that works on disability advocacy, specifically on DWP and assessment center failures, so worst comes to worst that’s going to be a way forward because I’m sure I won’t be able to mentally withstand an appeal/tribunal procedure. 😞

I hope whoever they are, are not going to charge you if you win at appeal stage. There are advice agencies out there that will help you for free.

AsdAsd2023

They do charge unfortunately, but tbh I see no other way soon  

I was in touch with Citizens Advice before and they kinda helped, but they can’t really challenge DWP on my behalf. 

I just want to get out of this stress and PIP nightmare already. 

poppy123456

Try this link. https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits it will help you find an advice agency local to you.

AsdAsd2023

Thanks a lot Poppy 💕😊

Hannah_Alumni

@AsdAsd2023 I hope the link Poppy provided will be a help I'm glad you have your partner for support, I hope the community can be a place of support for you too.

AsdAsd2023

Update: today they didn’t call me again. But when I called them to check what’s up, my call was forwarded to a case manager, she asked if I’m okay to receive payment to my bank account, and she said the DM will make a decision tomorrow probably and the letter will arrive. 

I’m not sure if it’s good or bad BUT at least it’s something.  

thanks a lot for keeping me sane in the past 2 days! 

Hannah_Alumni

@AsdAsd2023 Keeping everything crossed! I hope you stay around! We play games, have debates and get to know each other in the Coffee Lounge if you'd like to join in  

AsdAsd2023

So I’ve an update. On the 25th they made a decision, I didn’t get text but called them on the 26th just to get an update and the lady read the relevant parts of the decision letter. They awarded me standard for mobility and standard for living element, even though the assessor recommended enchanted daily living. They also said I’ll get back payment from December. 

First of all, thanks a lot for the information and support you provided. 

Secondly, do you know maybe how long will it take to get the backdated payment? 

poppy123456

It takes 3-5 working days for the money owed to go into your bank.

If you’re not happy with the decision you can request the MR (assuming you haven’t already done this) 

AsdAsd2023

The lady said this was MR so the only thing I can do is appeal. I’ll talk it through with my partner who manages things for me and we will see if it worth. 

Thanks a lot Poppy