My PIP journey So far.. which is actually good (so far)ar

EveD

My PIP journey

So I finally succumbed and applied for PIP after much nagging from my now late fiance and other family. He passed away Xmas 2018 and I had to move so when my dad and step mum kindly offered I moved in with them.. I was struggling with my health and finally in the October of 2019 I applied.  Personally I didn't expect to get anything,  but was awarded standard care component. I got advice from CAB before I applied and they advised me to appeal. However I was happy with the care part I was getting.

Fast forward to Jan 2020 and I found a small flat on the ground floor which was ideal for me.  What I didn't take into consideration though was how much more my health would suffer due to the change of circumstances. I was under the impression if I rang and let them know then I would maybe have to start a new claim.  

Fast forward again to Aug 2022, when I got a review form through the door. It took me a while to complete it over a few days,  and I sent it in with any new evidence I had and I got a text from DWP to say they had received my form on 30th Sept. 

Fast forward yet again to August 2023. I got a text to say my form was finally with the independent assessors and I had a telephone review booked for last Wed, August 9th. 

So I got a call at approx 10.30am from an unknown caller on the day and my appointment was booked for 11am. I wouldn't normally answer as usually is a cold caller and if its important they would leave a message. I thought I'd better answer it though just in case.  It was a courtesy call to let me know my assessor was running a little late.  I thought this was good of them. 

At 11.20 the call came and I did my security questions.  After reading so many other people's experiences from theirs I was expecting some weird and wonderful questions but the lady pretty much went through all I had put in my form.  Only twice did I spot she asked me the same question but in a different way.  

She was p polite,  and she listened to all I had to say.  If I started to speak at the same time she did, she would stop and let me talk.  I felt I was able to really let her know how my conditions affect me now..

I was also able to tell her that I had done recent treatment,  and what I'm currently trying and also new diagnosises. 

The call latest approx an hour as they said it would.  I was able to have someone here with me,  which was the same person I named on the form as being the friend that helps me as much as he can. He was acknowledged.  

After it was done,  I was looking again at other people's experiences and read that I could phone after a week to ask for a copy of the assessors report.  I had also read horror stories about how long it takes to get through,  being hung up on,  and when asking about the form being told they wouldn’t do it.  

However I waited approx 20 minutes before I got answered,  I said I had been told I should ask for a copy of the report and she was absolutely lovely and helpful.  She said it wasn't a problem but just to advise there is a backlog and it could take 7 to 10 days.  I simply said that was fine. 

Once I get it,  I've been advised to highlight any areas that are not right and stuff,  and number them with a separate sheet to write how and why I believe them to be wrong.  Then take a copy and get it sent in ASAP, so the DWP person dealing with the claim gets it in advance before making a decision. It may help them better. 

So this is where I am at and I'll keep you updated with the rest of the journey and just hope  I don't bore you all 

Watch this space.....

EveD

Hey all.. as promised in back with an update.  So last Thursday,  8 days past assessment, I phoned and organised a copy of the report before decisionn is made. 7 to 10 days they said. I recieved it today so just 3 to 4 days including weekend.
So... the assessor must have listened and everything is a I said it to her. I have been able to really up points and she reckons 12 for care and 12 for mobility.. 
Previous I was on standard care and nothing on mobility but things have changed alot since last claim..
She also reckons that there is no need for any further review as conditions will only get worse..
Its now the last stop,  the waiting game for the final decision. 
It's in the hands of DWP now to do the right thing..
 Will let you all know how i get on ❤️ 

Hannahmarie1234

Had my assessment on the 5th Aug then on the 13th phoned for copy of my report that came on the 17th Aug enhanced on both plus no review advised.  Still waiting on decision  and keeping fingers crossed. Waiting and on pins every morning for my text saying pip awarded 

Hannahmarie1234

Paper based assessment 

EveD

Hannahmarie1234 said:

Had my assessment on the 5th Aug then on the 13th phoned for copy of my report that came on the 17th Aug enhanced on both plus no review advised.  Still waiting on decision  and keeping fingers crossed. Waiting and on pins every morning for my text saying pip awarded 

Got everything crossed for you Hannah. Sounds like we are both in that final hurdle of waiting now. Just happy that the report is true and hopefully DWP just agree with report for both of us.  Let me know how you get on.  

Hannahmarie1234

I will keep you Updated EveD and hope e erything goes in your favour. The waiting is the worst definitely. Hope they go with the assessment points for us .

roglin55

What does it mean when no review  advised how do you know what points been recommended as they don't put point score on assessment I got copy of mine the day after asking came really quick 

poppy123456

roglin55 said:

What does it mean when no review  advised how do you know what points been recommended as they don't put point score on assessment I got copy of mine the day after asking came really quick 

Points are not added in the report because it's a recommendation only. Only a decision maker can award points.

In the report there will be activities/descriptors. Next to each descriptor there will be a dot in a box, which will be in either A, B, C, D. E etc etc. You can use the PIP self test here to transfer where the dots are in the report and put them into the self test. At the end it will add any points that maybe recommended. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/pip-test-form

"No review" could mean there's no recommendation of any points so no award is recommended.  Or it could mean a 10 year award.

roglin55

Thankyou  that was really helpful 

roglin55

Just looked on. Mine 8 points for standard  daily living  8 points foe mobility recomend 18 month for review  just waiting to hear now assesment  June  then letter to doctors 28th June  letter sent back wed 16th August 23. So all info given now just await  desicion

Hannahmarie1234

Fingers crossed they won't be to long for us all so we will know 1 way or other

roglin55

Yes fingers x for us all 

Hannahmarie1234

So I have received the 
We haven't made a decision yet text

roglin55

I'm still waiting they've said doctors letter not received yet even itho it's been almost 2 weeks said to phone back next week  then it will be 20 weeks since I first applied surely cant be long now either way  phewww exhausting

Hannahmarie1234

My anxiety have gone through  the roof . Still  waiting for decision hopefully won't be to long .for us all xx

roglin55

Sorry to hear your anxiety is high hopefully not long

Hannah_Alumni

Hopefully it isn't a long wait for all still waiting! I hope the community can be a support for you all and help keep your mind off the wait!

Hannahmarie1234

EveD 
roglin55
 Was wondering if you have had any luck with your decision yet 
 I'm still waiting 

roglin55

Hi hannahmarie. No nothing yet  its been 2 weeks since my doctors letter was sent so I'm hoping any day now  if I don't hear by Wednesday I'll give them a ring  I'll keep you all updated  fingers xxx

Hannahmarie1234

The waiting game is so cruel

roglin55

Very cruel 😢