Pip phone assessment

sunshine41

Hello,

I just finished with my PIP phone assessment. It ended up being 1.5 hours. The lady was lovely but I know that does not mean anything in regards to the results but it did help me not blank out as much I usually do! She pretty much went through my form and asked questions. 

I know I did not answer the questions as best as I could and missed bits out. I was so drained as I wanted it to be over and I rushed some of my answers and couldn't remember things even though I had my form!

Could you please remind me what happens now? She did say it will be passed onto someone and then I hear in around 8 weeks or so.

When can I request a copy of my report? Do I ring the normal PIP helpline for this?

Thank you to EVERYONE on here who gives advice and support. It has helped me so much!

Sunshine

poppy123456

Once the report is written it will be returned to DWP. From there a decision can take up to 12 weeks, rather than the 8 you were advised.

Once it's returned you can ring PIP helpline to ask for a copy. Do be aware though that requesting it causes so much more anxiety and stress for so many people. It's not the decision, it's a recommendation. Whilst they usually go with it, it has been known for them to go against it.

sunshine41

Thank you Poppy. Do they text when it has been returned to the DWP?

I will keep in mind what you said about it causing anxiety and stress as I suffer with anxiety so I am double minded about requesting it.

I am glad the phone assessment is over but cannot stop thinking about it! 

poppy123456

Sometimes they send a text but not always. I think it's normal for it to play on your mind and you'll likely be second guessing yourself too. Try to focus on something else while you wait, otherwise it could be a long wait.

Jimm_Scope

I know what it can be like, having it go round and round your head. The report is usually sent to the DWP quite quickly in my own experience. Though I don't exactly remember a text happening they've texted me updates for everything else (I'm going through it a second time now but haven't reached the assessment yet).

sunshine41

Thank you Poppy and @Jimm_Scope for the advice and reassurance. I really appreciate it

sunshine41

Hello. Sorry another quick question. If I decide to request the report, how long should I wait to ring them? Thank you.

poppy123456

They can't send the report to you until it's been returned. Sometimes it's returned the same day, other times it can be longer.

sunshine41

Thanks Poppy. I received a text this morning to say DWP has received it. I decided to ring and request it and he printed it while I was on the phone and put it in their post ready to be sent out. To be honest I am not sure I have it in me to do the MR so in this way I can get a rough idea of the outcome and put it behind me.

sunshine41

Hello, thought I would give an update. I received my report 2 days after my assessment and I got 8 points for daily and 4 for mobility. I was disappointed with the mobility but wouldn't want to risk doing an MR and loosing the Daily standard rate (if DWP agreed with the assessor). I have not received the official letter but today I noticed money went in so does that mean I was awarded this? It did seem to add up the back pay from when I rang them. 

poppy123456

As the money in your bank adds up to the time you first applied then it's highly likely to be standard daily living award.

Just so that you're aware, if you request the MR the most likely outcome will be the decision will remain the same. Only about 23% of MR decisions change in the claimants favour. It's very rare to lose points at this stage, though it can happen, it's just rare.

If you take it to Tribunal then there's a 68% chance of a decision in your favour if you request either a telephone/video or face to face hearing. If they are considering removing points they will warn you before doing so. They will either warn you on the day of the hearing and the adjourn the hearing or they will write to you before the hearing. This will then you give the chance to get some expert advice before deciding what you do. If you decide not to go ahead then you can cancel the hearing and your exisiting award will continue as normal.

sunshine41

Thank you very much Poppy. Especially what you said about the Tribunal and them warning you before removing any points and having a choice to go ahead or not, as I did not know that. I may now pursue this as did feel I should have been rewarded more for the mobility component.

I just received my award letter and it is standard rate for daily (as my assessment report had recommended) and nothing for mobility. I am very grateful for this but will decide whether I will go further to gain more points for mobility.

Thank you again Poppy and everyone who has helped me and others. I would not have known most of this information had you not helped me

sunshine41

I forgot to say the money that went into my account was the back pay.

If it helps anyone I am in the Berkshire area. From phoning to apply for PIP to my final decision letter it has been 4 months. From my assessment to receiving this decision letter it has been exactly 3 weeks ( I am very surprised at how quick this decision was, although it felt like a lifetime!)