What now?

ckgre96

Hey there, I’m N. Ireland based for context and I’m currently in the process of applying for PIP on the basis of Mental Health.  

24th of Mar I made the call and received the form a couple days later, at which point I didn’t send in the form until a week before it’s closing date (around 26th April). It was hard to find any help and honestly I hate having to write things down, but I persevered and got it sent away using the advice I did manage to find online. 

I had my PIP Assessment on the 6th of Jul and the lady seemed nice enough, but the appointment felt kind of rushed, she was asking some questions which I recognised in the form, just done differently and not in order, and I gave answers but I don’t feel like I could of gotten into depth as much as I wanted to. 

DWP text the following Monday to say they received my assessment and will be in touch once a decision is made. Queue the anxiety. 

I called up on Monday and asked for a copy of the report, and I called up again yesterday and asked if there was any update because supposedly it’s quicker to call them than to receive a text these days. 

Given my lack of confidence that the appointment felt a little rushed & potentially not in my favor, should I be worried? I’ve been waiting two weeks now, but I did send in some additional documentation (docs note) which was only just received on Monday, despite me sending it out on the 6th — so I’m afraid that might have delayed my application a tad.

I’ll fight through the end in order to better my chances, through MR and Tribunal, but I know it’s such a long process I was hoping luck would be on my side first shot.  

Also I know that the PIP Number is supposed to have some sort of different system if you were awarded that lets you press 6 for payment information, the UK & NI numbers for me do not have this as of present. 

poppy123456

The time to give them all the information was when you filled out the form. The assessment process is just for them to gather more evidence to support your claim. 

When you say a “doctors note” if you mean a fit note then this isn’t evidence for a PIP claim because it’s not about your ability to work. 

Decision timescales are up to 12 weeks after the report was returned. Once a decision is made you will be contacted. 

ckgre96

poppy123456 said:

The time to give them all the information was when you filled out the form. The assessment process is just for them to gather more evidence to support your claim. 

When you say a “doctors note” if you mean a fit note then this isn’t evidence for a PIP claim because it’s not about your ability to work. 

Decision timescales are up to 12 weeks after the report was returned. Once a decision is made you will be contacted. 

The doctors note, sorry let me rephrase, was a note from my mental health nurse confirming that I’m seeing her for anxiety & depression and also confirming the medication I’m currently taking, which was also covered on the form. 

In addition to me giving them the form, I attached a Psychology report that was done on myself a few years back confirming the issues with socialising, etc. It covered quite a bit and said that chance of Autism was ‘highly likely’, so while I know the form is about how it affects you, I’m hoping that the issues socialising from the report & from my own experiences I did cover will be sufficient for that particular section. 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @ckgre96

Welcome to the community! Will keep everything crossed for you! I just wondered, you mentioned that your chance of Autism was highly likely, have you spoken to your GP to get a confirmed diagnosis? I know it can be something very personal and you may be wanting to take your time. I just thought it may help you find more support  

ckgre96

Hannah_Scope said:

Hello @ckgre96

Welcome to the community! Will keep everything crossed for you! I just wondered, you mentioned that your chance of Autism was highly likely, have you spoken to your GP to get a confirmed diagnosis? I know it can be something very personal and you may be wanting to take your time. I just thought it may help you find more support  

Hey Hannah, I have. I've currently got an ongoing assessment which is being reviewed. Unfortunately, it was only sent away back in October and can take 1-2 years to hear back.

Hannah_Alumni

I'm glad to hear you have an ongoing assessment! I'm sorry it is such a long wait though! I hope they do get to you soon.